- A
1. Enter interface configuration mode on the desired interface. 2. Configure the HSRP group number and virtual IP address using the 'standby group-number ip virtual-ip' command. 3. Set the HSRP priority using the 'standby group-number priority priority-value' command. 4. Enable preemption using the 'standby group-number preempt' command. 5. Verify the HSRP state using 'show standby' or 'show standby brief'. 6. Test failover by shutting down the active router's interface and observing the state change.
This order correctly follows the standard HSRP configuration process: first configure the interface and HSRP group with a virtual IP, then set priority and preempt to influence the election, then verify the state, and finally test failover to confirm the election process works.
- B
1. Enter interface configuration mode. 2. Set the HSRP priority. 3. Configure the HSRP group number and virtual IP. 4. Enable preemption. 5. Test failover. 6. Verify the HSRP state.
This order is incorrect because the HSRP group and virtual IP must be configured before setting priority and preempt. Additionally, verification should occur before testing failover, not after.
- C
1. Enter interface configuration mode. 2. Configure the HSRP group number and virtual IP. 3. Enable preemption. 4. Set the HSRP priority. 5. Verify the HSRP state. 6. Test failover.
This order is incorrect because preemption should be enabled after setting priority, as preemption relies on the priority value to determine when to take over. Setting preempt before priority is logically flawed.
- D
1. Enter interface configuration mode. 2. Set the HSRP priority. 3. Enable preemption. 4. Configure the HSRP group number and virtual IP. 5. Verify the HSRP state. 6. Test failover.
This order is incorrect because the HSRP group and virtual IP must be configured before setting priority and preempt. Without a group, the priority and preempt commands have no effect.
CCNA IP Routing Practice Question
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of ip routing. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 a router and verify the active/standby election process.
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
1. Enter interface configuration mode on the desired interface. 2. Configure the HSRP group number and virtual IP address using the 'standby group-number ip virtual-ip' command. 3. Set the HSRP priority using the 'standby group-number priority priority-value' command. 4. Enable preemption using the 'standby group-number preempt' command. 5. Verify the HSRP state using 'show standby' or 'show standby brief'. 6. Test failover by shutting down the active router's interface and observing the state change.
The order begins with interface and HSRP group configuration, then priority and preempt. Verification shows the current state, and failover testing validates the election process works correctly.
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.
- ✓
1. Enter interface configuration mode on the desired interface. 2. Configure the HSRP group number and virtual IP address using the 'standby group-number ip virtual-ip' command. 3. Set the HSRP priority using the 'standby group-number priority priority-value' command. 4. Enable preemption using the 'standby group-number preempt' command. 5. Verify the HSRP state using 'show standby' or 'show standby brief'. 6. Test failover by shutting down the active router's interface and observing the state change.
Why this is correct
This order correctly follows the standard HSRP configuration process: first configure the interface and HSRP group with a virtual IP, then set priority and preempt to influence the election, then verify the state, and finally test failover to confirm the election process works.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
1. Enter interface configuration mode. 2. Set the HSRP priority. 3. Configure the HSRP group number and virtual IP. 4. Enable preemption. 5. Test failover. 6. Verify the HSRP state.
Why this is correct
This order is incorrect because the HSRP group and virtual IP must be configured before setting priority and preempt. Additionally, verification should occur before testing failover, not after.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
1. Enter interface configuration mode. 2. Configure the HSRP group number and virtual IP. 3. Enable preemption. 4. Set the HSRP priority. 5. Verify the HSRP state. 6. Test failover.
Why this is correct
This order is incorrect because preemption should be enabled after setting priority, as preemption relies on the priority value to determine when to take over. Setting preempt before priority is logically flawed.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
1. Enter interface configuration mode. 2. Set the HSRP priority. 3. Enable preemption. 4. Configure the HSRP group number and virtual IP. 5. Verify the HSRP state. 6. Test failover.
Why this is correct
This order is incorrect because the HSRP group and virtual IP must be configured before setting priority and preempt. Without a group, the priority and preempt commands have no effect.
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 practitioner preparing for the 200-301 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
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: 1. Enter interface configuration mode on the desired interface. 2. Configure the HSRP group number and virtual IP address using the 'standby group-number ip virtual-ip' command. 3. Set the HSRP priority using the 'standby group-number priority priority-value' command. 4. Enable preemption using the 'standby group-number preempt' command. 5. Verify the HSRP state using 'show standby' or 'show standby brief'. 6. Test failover by shutting down the active router's interface and observing the state change. — The order begins with interface and HSRP group configuration, then priority and preempt. Verification shows the current state, and failover testing validates the election process works correctly.
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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