CCNA IP Routing Practice Question
Network Topology
You are connected to R1 via console. R1 must reach the remote loopback 2001:db8:1::1/128 on R3 via R2 (2001:db8:0:2::2/64). Currently, IPv6 ping fails. Additionally, configure a floating static default route via R2 (198.51.100.2/30) with an appropriate AD so that it only becomes active if a dynamic default route (with default AD 1) is absent. Identify and fix the recursive routing failure, correct the next-hop, set the correct AD, and ensure the default route is present.
⚠ Common exam trap
Be careful: using the router's own IP as a next-hop creates a forwarding loop, not a reachability failure. For a floating static route, the AD must be higher than the active route's AD to act as a backup.
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
✓
Change the IPv6 static route to '2001:db8:1::1/128 GigabitEthernet0/1 2001:db8:0:2::2' and set the floating default route's AD to 254.
The original IPv6 static route uses the next-hop 2001:db8:0:2::1, which is R1's own G0/1 address, causing a routing loop. Correct the route by specifying a directly connected remote next-hop (2001:db8:0:2::2) either with or without the exit interface. Set the floating static default route with an AD higher than the dynamic route's default AD (e.g., 254) so it becomes a backup. Option A (exit interface + next-hop) and Option D (next-hop only) both achieve this; Options B and C fail due to wrong next-hop or AD.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Change the IPv6 static route to '2001:db8:1::1/128 GigabitEthernet0/1 2001:db8:0:2::2' and set the floating default route's AD to 254.
Why this is correct
This fixes the recursive routing failure by specifying the exit interface and a directly connected next-hop, ensuring R1 can reach R3. The AD of 254 is higher than the default AD of dynamic routes (e.g., 1 for EIGRP or 110 for OSPF), making it a proper floating static default route that only activates when the dynamic route is absent.
- ✗
Change the IPv6 static route to '2001:db8:1::1/128 2001:db8:0:2::1' and set the floating default route's AD to 1.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because the next-hop 2001:db8:0:2::1 is not directly connected; R1 has no route to it, causing recursive lookup failure. Additionally, setting AD to 1 equals the default AD of a static route, so it will not act as a floating route; it will always be active and may conflict with a dynamic default route.
- ✗
Change the IPv6 static route to '2001:db8:1::1/128 GigabitEthernet0/1 2001:db8:0:2::2' and set the floating default route's AD to 1.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because while the IPv6 static route fix is correct, setting the floating default route's AD to 1 means it will have the same administrative distance as a default static route, so it will not be a floating route; it will always be present and may override or conflict with a dynamic default route.
- ✓
Change the IPv6 static route to '2001:db8:1::1/128 2001:db8:0:2::2' and set the floating default route's AD to 254.
Why this is correct
This configuration is correct because 2001:db8:0:2::2 is a directly connected next-hop on R1's GigabitEthernet0/1 subnet, so R1 can resolve it through IPv6 neighbor discovery without any recursive route lookup. The original failure occurred because the old next-hop was not directly connected and no route existed to it. Additionally, an administrative distance of 254 for the floating default route ensures it is less preferred than any dynamic route (most dynamic protocols use ADs well below 254), so it remains inactive until all better routes are lost.
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.
✓Change the IPv6 static route to '2001:db8:1::1/128 GigabitEthernet0/1 2001:db8:0:2::2' and set the floating default route's AD to 254.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
This fixes the recursive routing failure by specifying the exit interface and a directly connected next-hop, ensuring R1 can reach R3. The AD of 254 is higher than the default AD of dynamic routes (e.g., 1 for EIGRP or 110 for OSPF), making it a proper floating static default route that only activates when the dynamic route is absent.
✗Change the IPv6 static route to '2001:db8:1::1/128 2001:db8:0:2::1' and set the floating default route's AD to 1.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The next-hop address is not directly connected, and the AD value is too low to function as a floating static route.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may think that any IPv6 address can be used as a next-hop without considering direct connectivity, and they may mistakenly believe that AD 1 is appropriate for a floating route because it is the default for static routes.
✗Change the IPv6 static route to '2001:db8:1::1/128 GigabitEthernet0/1 2001:db8:0:2::2' and set the floating default route's AD to 1.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The AD value of 1 is too low; a floating static route requires an AD higher than the dynamic routing protocol's default AD.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may think that AD 1 is the default for static routes and assume it is correct for a floating route, not realizing that a floating route must have a higher AD to serve as a backup.
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?”
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
OSPFv3 Single-Area Configuration for IPv6
Key term
Exit interface
The exit interface is the network interface through which a router forwards a packet out of the router after matching a route in its routing table.
Key term
Default route
A default route is a catch-all routing entry that tells a network device where to send packets when no specific route matches the destination address.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
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