- A
Step 1: Examine the destination IP address of the packet. Step 2: Perform a longest prefix match on the routing table. Step 3: Determine the next-hop IP address and outgoing interface. Step 4: Forward the packet to the next hop.
This sequence correctly describes the routing table lookup process: the router first identifies the destination IP, then finds the best matching route using longest prefix match, determines the next hop, and forwards the packet.
- B
Step 1: Perform a longest prefix match on the routing table. Step 2: Examine the destination IP address of the packet. Step 3: Determine the next-hop IP address and outgoing interface. Step 4: Forward the packet to the next hop.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because the router must first examine the destination IP address before performing the routing table lookup; you cannot match a route without knowing the destination.
- C
Step 1: Examine the destination IP address of the packet. Step 2: Determine the next-hop IP address and outgoing interface. Step 3: Perform a longest prefix match on the routing table. Step 4: Forward the packet to the next hop.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because the longest prefix match must be performed before determining the next hop; the next hop is derived from the matched route.
- D
Step 1: Determine the next-hop IP address and outgoing interface. Step 2: Examine the destination IP address of the packet. Step 3: Perform a longest prefix match on the routing table. Step 4: Forward the packet to the next hop.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because the router cannot determine the next hop without first knowing the destination IP and performing the routing table lookup.
CCNA IP Routing Practice Question
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. 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 describe how a router selects the best path and forwards a packet, using the routing table lookup process from destination IP to forwarding decision.
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"best"Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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
Step 1: Examine the destination IP address of the packet. Step 2: Perform a longest prefix match on the routing table. Step 3: Determine the next-hop IP address and outgoing interface. Step 4: Forward the packet to the next hop.
The router first identifies the destination IP, then finds the best matching route using longest prefix match, and forwards to the next hop.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Step 1: Examine the destination IP address of the packet. Step 2: Perform a longest prefix match on the routing table. Step 3: Determine the next-hop IP address and outgoing interface. Step 4: Forward the packet to the next hop.
Why this is correct
This sequence correctly describes the routing table lookup process: the router first identifies the destination IP, then finds the best matching route using longest prefix match, determines the next hop, and forwards the packet.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- ✗
Step 1: Perform a longest prefix match on the routing table. Step 2: Examine the destination IP address of the packet. Step 3: Determine the next-hop IP address and outgoing interface. Step 4: Forward the packet to the next hop.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because the router must first examine the destination IP address before performing the routing table lookup; you cannot match a route without knowing the destination.
- ✗
Step 1: Examine the destination IP address of the packet. Step 2: Determine the next-hop IP address and outgoing interface. Step 3: Perform a longest prefix match on the routing table. Step 4: Forward the packet to the next hop.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because the longest prefix match must be performed before determining the next hop; the next hop is derived from the matched route.
- ✗
Step 1: Determine the next-hop IP address and outgoing interface. Step 2: Examine the destination IP address of the packet. Step 3: Perform a longest prefix match on the routing table. Step 4: Forward the packet to the next hop.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because the router cannot determine the next hop without first knowing the destination IP and performing the routing table lookup.
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.
✓Step 1: Examine the destination IP address of the packet. Step 2: Perform a longest prefix match on the routing table. Step 3: Determine the next-hop IP address and outgoing interface. Step 4: Forward the packet to the next hop.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
This sequence correctly describes the routing table lookup process: the router first identifies the destination IP, then finds the best matching route using longest prefix match, determines the next hop, and forwards the packet.
✗Step 1: Perform a longest prefix match on the routing table. Step 2: Examine the destination IP address of the packet. Step 3: Determine the next-hop IP address and outgoing interface. Step 4: Forward the packet to the next hop.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error is that the routing table lookup is initiated after the destination IP is known, not before.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think the lookup process starts with the routing table because that is where the decision is made, but the destination IP must be extracted first.
✗Step 1: Examine the destination IP address of the packet. Step 2: Determine the next-hop IP address and outgoing interface. Step 3: Perform a longest prefix match on the routing table. Step 4: Forward the packet to the next hop.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error is that the next hop is a result of the route lookup, not a step that precedes it.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might confuse the order because in some contexts, the next hop is known from the routing table entry, but the lookup must happen first.
✗Step 1: Determine the next-hop IP address and outgoing interface. Step 2: Examine the destination IP address of the packet. Step 3: Perform a longest prefix match on the routing table. Step 4: Forward the packet to the next hop.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error is that the next hop is determined after the route is selected, not before examining the destination.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think the next hop is predetermined, but it depends on the destination and the routing table.
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: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
- Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
- NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
- Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
- Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
- Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 200-301 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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IP Routing — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-301 question test?
IP Routing — This question tests IP Routing — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Step 1: Examine the destination IP address of the packet. Step 2: Perform a longest prefix match on the routing table. Step 3: Determine the next-hop IP address and outgoing interface. Step 4: Forward the packet to the next hop. — The router first identifies the destination IP, then finds the best matching route using longest prefix match, and forwards to the next hop.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 200-301 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Last reviewed: Jun 6, 2026
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