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Question 310 of 1,052
hardmultiple choiceObjective-mapped
CCNA Practice Question: A junior network engineer configured a floating…
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of 200-301 exam topics. 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.
Exhibit
R1# show ip route static
Codes: L - local, C - connected, S - static, R - RIP, M - mobile, B - BGP
D - EIGRP, EX - EIGRP external, O - OSPF, IA - OSPF inter area
N1 - OSPF NSSA external type 1, N2 - OSPF NSSA external type 2
E1 - OSPF external type 1, E2 - OSPF external type 2
i - IS-IS, su - IS-IS summary, L1 - IS-IS level-1, L2 - IS-IS level-2
ia - IS-IS inter area, * - candidate default, U - per-user static route
o - ODR, P - periodic downloaded static route
Gateway of last resort is not set
S* 0.0.0.0/0 [1/0] via 192.168.1.2
S 10.10.10.0/24 [200/0] via 192.168.2.2
R1# show running-config | include ip route
ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 192.168.1.2
ip route 10.10.10.0 255.255.255.0 192.168.2.2 200A junior network engineer configured a floating static route on Router R1 to provide backup connectivity to a remote network 10.10.10.0/24. The primary connection uses OSPF. However, after the primary link fails, hosts on R1 cannot reach the remote network. The OSPF adjacency is down, and the floating static route is not appearing in the routing table. Based on the exhibit, what is the most likely cause of the issue?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Clue:
"primary"Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
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
✓
The static route uses a next-hop IP that is not directly connected.
The floating static route has an administrative distance (AD) of 200, which is higher than OSPF's AD of 110. However, the route is not appearing in the routing table even when OSPF is down. The issue is that the static route points to next-hop 192.168.2.2, which is not directly connected to R1 (it is reachable via the primary link that is now down). When the primary link fails, the next-hop becomes unreachable, so the route is not installed. The correct fix is to use an exit interface (e.g., Serial0/0/0) instead of a next-hop IP, or ensure the next-hop is reachable via a directly connected interface that remains up. Option B correctly identifies this as the root cause. Option A is wrong because the static route is configured, but it is not installed due to the unreachable next-hop. Option C is incorrect because the AD of 200 is appropriate for a backup route. Option D is incorrect because the default route is not the issue; the specific route to 10.10.10.0/24 is missing.
Key principle: OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The floating static route is missing from the configuration.
Why it's wrong here
The exhibit shows the static route is configured.
- ✓
The static route uses a next-hop IP that is not directly connected.
Why this is correct
The next-hop 192.168.2.2 is not directly connected; it is reachable via the primary link. When the primary link fails, the next-hop becomes unreachable, and the route is not installed.
Clue confirmation
The clue words "most likely", "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
- ✗
The administrative distance of the static route is too high.
Why it's wrong here
An AD of 200 is correct for a floating static route to act as a backup to OSPF (AD 110).
- ✗
The default route is overriding the static route to 10.10.10.0/24.
Why it's wrong here
The default route is for 0.0.0.0/0 and does not affect the more specific route to 10.10.10.0/24.
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.
✓The static route uses a next-hop IP that is not directly connected.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
The next-hop 192.168.2.2 is not directly connected; it is reachable via the primary link. When the primary link fails, the next-hop becomes unreachable, and the route is not installed.
✗The floating static route is missing from the configuration.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The route is present in the running-config, so this is not the problem.
✗The administrative distance of the static route is too high.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The AD is not the issue; the route would be installed if the next-hop were reachable.
✗The default route is overriding the static route to 10.10.10.0/24.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
A default route only matches traffic when no more specific route exists; it does not block the static route.
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: OSPF can fail even when IP connectivity looks correct
OSPF neighbour formation depends on matching areas, timers, network type, authentication and passive-interface behaviour. Do not choose an answer only because the devices can ping.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The exhibit shows the static route is configured.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
OSPF questions usually test the details that control adjacency and route selection. Read the neighbour state, area, router ID and interface configuration before deciding what is wrong.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
- Router ID selection can affect neighbour relationships and LSDB output.
- OSPF cost influences the preferred path.
- A route can appear in OSPF information but not become the installed route.
TExam Day Tips
- Check area mismatch first when OSPF adjacency fails.
- Review passive interfaces when a network is advertised but no neighbour forms.
- Use show ip ospf neighbor and show ip route clues carefully.
Key takeaway
OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A network engineer at a university connects two campus buildings via a fibre link. Both routers run OSPF, but no adjacency forms — even though both routers can ping each other. The engineer finds one router is in area 0 and the other in area 1. OSPF adjacency requires matching area numbers, hello/dead timers, and network type. IP reachability alone is not enough.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related 200-301 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-301 question test?
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The static route uses a next-hop IP that is not directly connected. — The floating static route has an administrative distance (AD) of 200, which is higher than OSPF's AD of 110. However, the route is not appearing in the routing table even when OSPF is down. The issue is that the static route points to next-hop 192.168.2.2, which is not directly connected to R1 (it is reachable via the primary link that is now down). When the primary link fails, the next-hop becomes unreachable, so the route is not installed. The correct fix is to use an exit interface (e.g., Serial0/0/0) instead of a next-hop IP, or ensure the next-hop is reachable via a directly connected interface that remains up. Option B correctly identifies this as the root cause. Option A is wrong because the static route is configured, but it is not installed due to the unreachable next-hop. Option C is incorrect because the AD of 200 is appropriate for a backup route. Option D is incorrect because the default route is not the issue; the specific route to 10.10.10.0/24 is missing.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related 200-301 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely", "primary". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
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