This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of ip routing. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. A key principle to apply: longest-prefix match causes routers to select the route with the most specific subnet mask that matches the destination IP address.. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Exhibit
R1# show ip route
C 172.18.9.0/24 is directly connected, GigabitEthernet0/1
S 172.18.0.0/16 [1/0] via 192.0.2.2
Destination being tested: 172.18.9.10
Based on the exhibit, why is the static route not being used for 172.18.9.10?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Because the connected /24 route is more specific than the static /16 route.
The static route is not being used because the connected route is the more specific match. In practical terms, route selection starts with prefix specificity. The static route covers a broad /16, but the destination 172.18.9.10 also falls inside a connected /24. The /24 wins because it is more specific.
This is a classic routing interpretation question because it tests whether you apply longest-prefix logic before thinking about route source preference.
Key principle: Longest-prefix match causes routers to select the route with the most specific subnet mask that matches the destination IP address.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Because the connected /24 route is more specific than the static /16 route.
Why this is correct
This is correct because longest-prefix match causes the connected /24 to be used for that destination.
Related concept
Longest-prefix match causes routers to select the route with the most specific subnet mask that matches the destination IP address.
✗
Because static routes are never used when a connected network exists anywhere in the table.
Why it's wrong here
This is wrong because static routes may still be used for destinations not covered by the connected route.
When this WOULD be correct
In a different scenario where a question asks if static routes are ever ignored when a connected route exists, and the context specifies that no other routing metrics apply, this option could be correct. For instance, if the question states that static routes are completely disregarded in the presence of any connected routes, option B would be accurate.
✗
Because connected routes always have administrative distance 255.
Why it's wrong here
This is wrong because connected routes are not explained by that statement and the real issue is specificity.
When this WOULD be correct
In a different scenario where the question states that all routes, including connected routes, have an administrative distance of 255, this option would be correct. For example, if the exam asks why a static route is preferred over a connected route with an artificially high administrative distance, then option C would apply.
✗
Because static routes work only for default routing.
Why it's wrong here
This is wrong because static routes can absolutely be used for specific prefixes.
When this WOULD be correct
In a question where the context specifies that only default routes are being considered for routing decisions, and no other static routes are present, this option could be correct. For example, if the question states that all other routes are dynamic or connected, and only a default static route is configured, then it would be accurate to say static routes work only for default routing.
Option-by-option analysis
Why each answer is right or wrong
Understanding why wrong answers are wrong — and when they would be correct — is what separates a 750 score from a 900. The 200-301 exam frequently reuses these exact scenarios with slightly different constraints.
✓Because the connected /24 route is more specific than the static /16 route.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
This is correct because longest-prefix match causes the connected /24 to be used for that destination.
✗Because static routes are never used when a connected network exists anywhere in the table.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
This statement is false because static routes can be used for destinations not covered by any connected network. The router will use a static route if it is the best match for the destination, regardless of the presence of connected networks.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
In a different scenario where a question asks if static routes are ever ignored when a connected route exists, and the context specifies that no other routing metrics apply, this option could be correct. For instance, if the question states that static routes are completely disregarded in the presence of any connected routes, option B would be accurate.
Why candidates choose this
Students might think that connected routes always take precedence over static routes, but that is not true; the decision is based on prefix length and administrative distance, not simply the presence of a connected network.
✗Because connected routes always have administrative distance 255.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Connected routes have an administrative distance of 0, not 255. An AD of 255 means the route is not considered usable. This option incorrectly states the AD value, leading to a misunderstanding of route selection.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
In a different scenario where the question states that all routes, including connected routes, have an administrative distance of 255, this option would be correct. For example, if the exam asks why a static route is preferred over a connected route with an artificially high administrative distance, then option C would apply.
Why candidates choose this
Test-takers may confuse administrative distance values or think that connected routes have a high AD, but in reality, they are the most preferred. The mention of 255 might be associated with routes that are not installed.
✗Because static routes work only for default routing.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Static routes can be configured for any specific prefix, not just default routes. They are commonly used for point-to-point links or to specify paths to particular networks. This option incorrectly limits the use of static routes.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
In a question where the context specifies that only default routes are being considered for routing decisions, and no other static routes are present, this option could be correct. For example, if the question states that all other routes are dynamic or connected, and only a default static route is configured, then it would be accurate to say static routes work only for default routing.
Why candidates choose this
Some students may think static routes are only for default routes because they often see 'ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0' in examples, but static routes can be used for any destination.
Analysis generated from the official 200-301blueprint and verified against question context. The “when correct” sections are what AI assistants cite when candidates ask “what’s the difference between these options?”
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A common exam trap is assuming that static routes are always preferred over connected routes or that connected routes have a higher administrative distance. Candidates might overlook the longest-prefix match rule and focus only on administrative distance or route type. This leads to the incorrect conclusion that the static /16 route should be used for 172.18.9.10, ignoring that the connected /24 route is more specific and therefore preferred. Misunderstanding this concept causes errors in interpreting routing tables and route selection behavior.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Routing decisions in Cisco networks rely heavily on the principle of longest-prefix match, which means the router selects the route with the most specific subnet mask that matches the destination IP address. In this scenario, the destination IP 172.18.9.10 falls within both a connected /24 network and a static /16 route. The connected route has a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0 (/24), which is more specific than the static route's 255.255.0.0 (/16). Therefore, the router prefers the connected route because it provides a more precise match to the destination address.
The routing table lookup process first evaluates prefix length before considering administrative distance or route source. Even though static routes typically have a lower administrative distance than some dynamic routes, the longest-prefix match rule takes precedence. This means that if a connected route covers a smaller subnet that includes the destination IP, it will be chosen over a broader static route. Administrative distance is only considered when multiple routes have the same prefix length.
A common exam trap is misunderstanding how route specificity interacts with administrative distance. Candidates might incorrectly assume that static routes are always preferred over connected routes or that connected routes have a higher administrative distance. In reality, connected routes have the lowest administrative distance (0), but the key factor here is the prefix length. Practically, this behavior ensures traffic is routed via the most precise path available, which optimizes network performance and reduces unnecessary routing overhead.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Longest-prefix match causes routers to select the route with the most specific subnet mask that matches the destination IP address.
Connected routes have an administrative distance of 0, making them preferred over static routes if prefix lengths are equal.
Static routes can be used for broad or specific prefixes but are overridden by more specific connected routes in the routing table.
Routing table lookup first compares prefix length before considering administrative distance or route source.
A connected route covering a /24 subnet will be preferred over a static route covering a /16 subnet for a destination within the /24 range.
Administrative distance is only used to break ties when multiple routes have the same prefix length.
Static routes are not limited to default routing and can specify any prefix length.
Routing decisions prioritize specificity to optimize path selection and network efficiency.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Longest-prefix match causes routers to select the route with the most specific subnet mask that matches the destination IP address.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 200-301 question in full detail.
Review longest-prefix match causes routers to select the route with the most specific subnet mask that matches the destination IP address., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
IP Routing — This question tests IP Routing — Longest-prefix match causes routers to select the route with the most specific subnet mask that matches the destination IP address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Because the connected /24 route is more specific than the static /16 route. — The static route is not being used because the connected route is the more specific match. In practical terms, route selection starts with prefix specificity. The static route covers a broad /16, but the destination 172.18.9.10 also falls inside a connected /24. The /24 wins because it is more specific.
This is a classic routing interpretation question because it tests whether you apply longest-prefix logic before thinking about route source preference.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Review longest-prefix match causes routers to select the route with the most specific subnet mask that matches the destination IP address., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Longest-prefix match causes routers to select the route with the most specific subnet mask that matches the destination IP address.
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