The answer is the default route, represented by the IPv4 command `ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 serial0/0/0` and the IPv6 command `ipv6 route ::/0 serial0/0/0`, because these use all-zero network and mask patterns to match any destination address, directing unmatched traffic out a specified exit interface. This static routing concepts matching task on the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam tests your ability to distinguish between default, floating, standard, and summary static routes by their syntax and purpose. A common trap is confusing the floating static route, which includes an administrative distance like 200 to act as a backup, with a standard static route that uses only a next-hop IP. Remember that the keyword “default” is tied to the all-zeros pattern, while “floating” always involves a higher AD value, and “summary” often points to null0 to discard traffic.
CCNA IP Routing Practice Question
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of ip routing. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 IPv4/IPv6 static routing concepts on the left to the correct descriptions on the right.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Default route
Each command matches its description as follows: "ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 serial0/0/0" is an IPv4 default static route because it uses all-zeros network and mask to match any destination and specifies an exit interface. "ipv6 route ::/0 serial0/0/0" is an IPv6 default static route for the same reason with IPv6. "ip route 10.0.0.0 255.0.0.0 192.168.1.1 200" sets an administrative distance of 200, making it a floating static route that serves as a backup when the primary route fails. "ip route 10.0.0.0 255.0.0.0 192.168.1.1" is a standard static route pointing to a next-hop IP with a specific destination. "ipv6 route 2001:db8::/32 2001:db8:1::1" is a standard IPv6 static route. "ip route 10.0.0.0 255.0.0.0 null0" creates a summary static route (also called a discard route) that drops traffic matching the aggregate to prevent routing loops.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Default route
Why this is correct
A default route (0.0.0.0/0 or ::/0) matches any destination IP address, used when no specific route exists.
A summary route aggregates multiple contiguous networks into a single route, not for matching any destination.
✗
Floating route
Why it's wrong here
A floating route is a backup route with a higher administrative distance, activated when the primary route fails.
✗
Recursive route
Why it's wrong here
A recursive route requires the router to perform an additional lookup to find the exit interface via another route.
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.
✓Default routeCorrect answer▾
Why this is correct
A default route (0.0.0.0/0 or ::/0) matches any destination IP address, used when no specific route exists.
✗Summary routeWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Summary routes reduce routing table size by representing multiple networks, not all destinations.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may confuse 'any destination' with 'multiple networks' because both involve broad matching.
✗Floating routeWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Floating routes provide redundancy, not a catch-all for any destination.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think 'floating' implies flexibility to match any destination, but it refers to backup behavior.
✗Recursive routeWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Recursive routes involve multiple lookups, not matching any destination.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may associate 'recursive' with 'any' due to the idea of repeated lookups, but it's about route resolution.
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: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
→Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
→Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
→Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
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 block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related 200-301 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
IP Routing — This question tests IP Routing — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Default route — Each command matches its description as follows: "ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 serial0/0/0" is an IPv4 default static route because it uses all-zeros network and mask to match any destination and specifies an exit interface. "ipv6 route ::/0 serial0/0/0" is an IPv6 default static route for the same reason with IPv6. "ip route 10.0.0.0 255.0.0.0 192.168.1.1 200" sets an administrative distance of 200, making it a floating static route that serves as a backup when the primary route fails. "ip route 10.0.0.0 255.0.0.0 192.168.1.1" is a standard static route pointing to a next-hop IP with a specific destination. "ipv6 route 2001:db8::/32 2001:db8:1::1" is a standard IPv6 static route. "ip route 10.0.0.0 255.0.0.0 null0" creates a summary static route (also called a discard route) that drops traffic matching the aggregate to prevent routing loops.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related 200-301 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.