- A
Enter interface configuration mode, set HSRP version, configure virtual IP, set priority (if needed), enable preempt, then verify with 'show standby'.
This is the correct sequence: first configure HSRP on the interface (version, virtual IP, priority, preempt), then verify the state with 'show standby' to confirm active/standby roles.
- B
Enter global configuration mode, create a VLAN, assign an IP address, then enable HSRP on the VLAN interface.
This is incorrect because HSRP is configured on a Layer 3 interface (e.g., physical or SVI), not by creating a VLAN separately. The steps are out of order and incomplete.
- C
Configure HSRP priority first, then set the virtual IP, then enter interface configuration mode, and finally verify with 'show running-config'.
This is incorrect because you must enter interface configuration mode before setting HSRP parameters. Also, verification should use 'show standby' to see active/standby state, not just 'show running-config'.
- D
Enable HSRP globally with a 'router hsrp' command, then assign the virtual IP on the interface, and verify with 'debug standby'.
This is incorrect because HSRP does not require a global 'router hsrp' command; it is configured per interface. 'debug standby' is a debugging tool, not a verification command for normal operation.
CCNA IP Routing Practice Question
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of ip routing. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. 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.
Drag and drop the following steps into the correct order to configure HSRP on an interface and verify the active/standby election process, including failover and verification.
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
Enter interface configuration mode, set HSRP version, configure virtual IP, set priority (if needed), enable preempt, then verify with 'show standby'.
The correct order for HSRP configuration is step A: first enter interface configuration mode, set HSRP version, configure the virtual IP, optionally set priority to influence active router selection, enable preempt to allow the higher-priority router to reclaim active role, and verify with 'show standby' to see real-time roles and states. Step B is incorrect because HSRP is configured per interface, not via global configuration and VLAN creation; the virtual IP is set on the interface, not on a VLAN. Step C is wrong because priority should be set after entering interface configuration mode, not before, and verification should use 'show standby' not 'show running-config'. Step D is invalid because there is no global 'router hsrp' command; HSRP configuration is done directly on the interface, and 'debug standby' is not a reliable verification command. 'show standby' is the standard command to verify active/standby status.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Enter interface configuration mode, set HSRP version, configure virtual IP, set priority (if needed), enable preempt, then verify with 'show standby'.
Why this is correct
This is the correct sequence: first configure HSRP on the interface (version, virtual IP, priority, preempt), then verify the state with 'show standby' to confirm active/standby roles.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
Enter global configuration mode, create a VLAN, assign an IP address, then enable HSRP on the VLAN interface.
- ✓
Configure HSRP priority first, then set the virtual IP, then enter interface configuration mode, and finally verify with 'show running-config'.
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because you must enter interface configuration mode before setting HSRP parameters. Also, verification should use 'show standby' to see active/standby state, not just 'show running-config'.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
Enable HSRP globally with a 'router hsrp' command, then assign the virtual IP on the interface, and verify with 'debug standby'.
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because HSRP does not require a global 'router hsrp' command; it is configured per interface. 'debug standby' is a debugging tool, not a verification command for normal operation.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 200-301 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-301 question test?
IP Routing — This question tests IP Routing — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enter interface configuration mode, set HSRP version, configure virtual IP, set priority (if needed), enable preempt, then verify with 'show standby'. — The correct order for HSRP configuration is step A: first enter interface configuration mode, set HSRP version, configure the virtual IP, optionally set priority to influence active router selection, enable preempt to allow the higher-priority router to reclaim active role, and verify with 'show standby' to see real-time roles and states. Step B is incorrect because HSRP is configured per interface, not via global configuration and VLAN creation; the virtual IP is set on the interface, not on a VLAN. Step C is wrong because priority should be set after entering interface configuration mode, not before, and verification should use 'show standby' not 'show running-config'. Step D is invalid because there is no global 'router hsrp' command; HSRP configuration is done directly on the interface, and 'debug standby' is not a reliable verification command. 'show standby' is the standard command to verify active/standby status.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 200-301 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 6, 2026
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