CCNA IP Routing Practice Question
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?
⚠ Common exam trap
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.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
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.
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
The router uses the longest-prefix match rule when selecting a route, so the /24 connected route is preferred over the /16 static route because it is more specific. The static /16 route remains in the routing table and will be used for other destinations in the 172.16.0.0/16 range that are not covered by the /24. Thus, the static route is not used for that particular subnet because of the /24's longer mask.
- ✗
Because static routes are never used when a connected network exists anywhere in the table.
Why it's wrong here
This is false because a connected network in the routing table does not automatically make static routes unusable. Static routes can still be installed and preferred for destinations that are not within any connected subnet, and they can coexist with connected routes. The issue here is that for the overlapping destination, the connected /24 has a more specific prefix, not that static routes are barred by the presence of a connected network.
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 directly connected routes have an administrative distance of 0, which is the most trustworthy value, not 255. Administrative distance 255 is reserved for routes that are considered unusable and are not installed in the routing table. Since connected routes are extremely reliable, the explanation for the static route not being used must be longest-prefix match, not a misstatement about AD.
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 incorrect because static routes are not restricted to default networks; a static route can be configured for any specific IPv4 prefix, such as a /16, /24, or even a host /32. A default static route is just a special case with destination 0.0.0.0/0. The reason the /16 static route is not used here is not because static routes are limited to defaults, but because a longer-match route exists.
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
The router uses the longest-prefix match rule when selecting a route, so the /24 connected route is preferred over the /16 static route because it is more specific. The static /16 route remains in the routing table and will be used for other destinations in the 172.16.0.0/16 range that are not covered by the /24. Thus, the static route is not used for that particular subnet because of the /24's longer mask.
✗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?”
Visual reference
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Key term
Connected route
A connected route is a network path that a router knows about automatically because it has a network interface directly connected to that network.
Key term
Static route
A static route is a manually configured path in a router's routing table that tells the router exactly where to send packets for a specific destination network.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 200-301 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 200-301 exam.