The correct answer is the configuration that includes all four commands: standby 10 ip 192.168.1.254, standby 10 priority 150, standby 10 preempt, and standby 10 track GigabitEthernet0/1 20. This is because HSRP uses priority to determine the active router, but without preempt, a higher-priority router will not take over an already active role, and the track command must specify a decrement value to adjust priority when the tracked interface fails. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this question tests your ability to configure HSRP with priority, preempt, and tracking in a single scenario, often appearing as a multiple-choice or simulation task where a missing or incorrect parameter is a common trap. A frequent mistake is omitting the decrement value on the track command or forgetting preempt entirely, which leaves the router passive. Remember the mnemonic “VIP PT” for the four required elements: Virtual IP, Priority, Preempt, and Track with decrement.
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.
Network Topology
You are connected to R1. The network uses HSRP for default gateway redundancy. Currently, both routers R1 and R2 are in the 'Active' state for HSRP group 10, causing traffic issues. Configure HSRP on R1 so that it becomes the Active router with a priority of 150, preempt enabled, a virtual IP of 192.168.1.254, and track interface GigabitEthernet0/1 so that if it goes down, the priority decrements by 20. Then verify the configuration with 'show standby brief'.
R1#show standby brief
P indicates configured to preempt.
|
Interface Grp Pri P State Active Standby Virtual IP
Gi0/0 10 100 Active 192.168.1.1 192.168.1.2 192.168.1.1
R1#show running-config | section interface GigabitEthernet0/0
interface GigabitEthernet0/0
ip address 192.168.1.1 255.255.255.0
no shutdown
R1#show running-config | section interface GigabitEthernet0/1
interface GigabitEthernet0/1
ip address 10.0.0.1 255.255.255.252
no shutdown
This sequence correctly configures HSRP group 10 with a virtual IP of 192.168.1.254, priority 150, preempt enabled, and tracking of GigabitEthernet0/1 with a decrement of 20. This ensures R1 becomes the Active router and will yield priority if the tracked interface fails.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because the 'standby track' command requires a decrement value; without it, the default decrement is 10, not 20 as specified in the question.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because the order of commands does not matter in HSRP configuration; however, the track command is missing the decrement value? Actually, it includes 20, so this option is functionally correct? Wait, the issue is that the track command is placed before preempt, but that is fine. However, the question requires preempt enabled, and this option includes it. But the correct answer is A. Let me re-evaluate: Option C has the same commands as A but in a different order. In Cisco IOS, the order of 'standby' commands does not affect functionality. So why is C wrong? Because the question might expect a specific order? Typically, the order does not matter. However, the exam trap is that some candidates think order matters, but it does not. Actually, both A and C are functionally identical. But the question says 'Configure HSRP on R1 so that it becomes the Active router with a priority of 150, preempt enabled, a virtual IP of 192.168.1.254, and track interface GigabitEthernet0/1 so that if it goes down, the priority decrements by 20.' The order of commands is not specified. So both A and C are correct? But the question expects exactly one correct answer. Let me check: In option C, the track command is 'standby 10 track GigabitEthernet0/1 20' which is correct. So why is C wrong? Perhaps because the track command should be after preempt? No, that is not a requirement. Actually, I think the issue is that in option C, the track command is placed before preempt, but that is fine. However, some older IOS versions might require the track command to be after the priority command? No. Let me reconsider: The correct answer is A because it lists the commands in the order typically recommended: ip, priority, preempt, track. But Cisco does not enforce order. However, to make the question have a single correct answer, I need to make C incorrect. Perhaps I can say that the track command must include the interface and decrement, but in C it does include them. Wait, maybe the problem is that in C, the track command is 'standby 10 track GigabitEthernet0/1 20' but the correct syntax is 'standby 10 track GigabitEthernet0/1 decrement 20'? No, the syntax is 'standby [group] track interface-type interface-number [decrement value]'. So 'standby 10 track GigabitEthernet0/1 20' is correct. So C is also correct. To avoid ambiguity, I need to make C incorrect by introducing an error. Let me change C to have a different error, like missing the decrement value or using wrong interface. But the question says 'track interface GigabitEthernet0/1 so that if it goes down, the priority decrements by 20.' So the decrement must be 20. In C, it is 20. So C is correct. I need to adjust the options. Perhaps I can make C have the decrement value missing or wrong. Let me revise C to: 'standby 10 ip 192.168.1.254
standby 10 priority 150
standby 10 track GigabitEthernet0/1
standby 10 preempt' (missing decrement). That would be incorrect. But then it would be similar to B. To differentiate, I'll make C have a different error: using 'standby 10 track GigabitEthernet0/1 10' (decrement 10 instead of 20). That is a plausible mistake. Let me update C accordingly.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because the track command uses a decrement of 10 instead of the required 20. The priority would only drop to 140, which might still be higher than the other router's priority, preventing failover.
The required HSRP configuration consists of all four commands: virtual IP, priority 150, preempt, and tracking with a decrement of 20. Option A lists them correctly. Option B fails because the track command is missing the decrement value. Option C is incorrect because it omits the 'standby 10 preempt' command; without preempt, the router will not take over the active role even when its priority is higher. Option D uses a decrement of 10 instead of 20, which does not meet the requirement.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
This sequence correctly configures HSRP group 10 with a virtual IP of 192.168.1.254, priority 150, preempt enabled, and tracking of GigabitEthernet0/1 with a decrement of 20. This ensures R1 becomes the Active router and will yield priority if the tracked interface fails.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
This is incorrect because the 'standby track' command requires a decrement value; without it, the default decrement is 10, not 20 as specified in the question.
This is incorrect because the order of commands does not matter in HSRP configuration; however, the track command is missing the decrement value? Actually, it includes 20, so this option is functionally correct? Wait, the issue is that the track command is placed before preempt, but that is fine. However, the question requires preempt enabled, and this option includes it. But the correct answer is A. Let me re-evaluate: Option C has the same commands as A but in a different order. In Cisco IOS, the order of 'standby' commands does not affect functionality. So why is C wrong? Because the question might expect a specific order? Typically, the order does not matter. However, the exam trap is that some candidates think order matters, but it does not. Actually, both A and C are functionally identical. But the question says 'Configure HSRP on R1 so that it becomes the Active router with a priority of 150, preempt enabled, a virtual IP of 192.168.1.254, and track interface GigabitEthernet0/1 so that if it goes down, the priority decrements by 20.' The order of commands is not specified. So both A and C are correct? But the question expects exactly one correct answer. Let me check: In option C, the track command is 'standby 10 track GigabitEthernet0/1 20' which is correct. So why is C wrong? Perhaps because the track command should be after preempt? No, that is not a requirement. Actually, I think the issue is that in option C, the track command is placed before preempt, but that is fine. However, some older IOS versions might require the track command to be after the priority command? No. Let me reconsider: The correct answer is A because it lists the commands in the order typically recommended: ip, priority, preempt, track. But Cisco does not enforce order. However, to make the question have a single correct answer, I need to make C incorrect. Perhaps I can say that the track command must include the interface and decrement, but in C it does include them. Wait, maybe the problem is that in C, the track command is 'standby 10 track GigabitEthernet0/1 20' but the correct syntax is 'standby 10 track GigabitEthernet0/1 decrement 20'? No, the syntax is 'standby [group] track interface-type interface-number [decrement value]'. So 'standby 10 track GigabitEthernet0/1 20' is correct. So C is also correct. To avoid ambiguity, I need to make C incorrect by introducing an error. Let me change C to have a different error, like missing the decrement value or using wrong interface. But the question says 'track interface GigabitEthernet0/1 so that if it goes down, the priority decrements by 20.' So the decrement must be 20. In C, it is 20. So C is correct. I need to adjust the options. Perhaps I can make C have the decrement value missing or wrong. Let me revise C to: 'standby 10 ip 192.168.1.254
standby 10 priority 150
standby 10 track GigabitEthernet0/1
standby 10 preempt' (missing decrement). That would be incorrect. But then it would be similar to B. To differentiate, I'll make C have a different error: using 'standby 10 track GigabitEthernet0/1 10' (decrement 10 instead of 20). That is a plausible mistake. Let me update C accordingly.
This is incorrect because the track command uses a decrement of 10 instead of the required 20. The priority would only drop to 140, which might still be higher than the other router's priority, preventing failover.
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.
This sequence correctly configures HSRP group 10 with a virtual IP of 192.168.1.254, priority 150, preempt enabled, and tracking of GigabitEthernet0/1 with a decrement of 20. This ensures R1 becomes the Active router and will yield priority if the tracked interface fails.
✗standby 10 ip 192.168.1.254
standby 10 priority 150
standby 10 preempt
standby 10 track GigabitEthernet0/1Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The track command must include the decrement value (20) to match the requirement. Omitting it uses the default decrement of 10.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may forget that the decrement value is mandatory when a specific value is needed, or they may assume the default is acceptable.
✗standby 10 ip 192.168.1.254
standby 10 priority 150
standby 10 track GigabitEthernet0/1 20Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Missing the 'standby 10 preempt' command; order is irrelevant, but preempt must be enabled for the router to take over the active role.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might mistakenly use the default decrement of 10 or misremember the required value.
✗standby 10 ip 192.168.1.254
standby 10 priority 150
standby 10 preempt
standby 10 track GigabitEthernet0/1 10Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The decrement value must be 20 to meet the requirement. Using 10 is a common error.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may confuse the decrement value with the default or think a smaller decrement is sufficient.
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: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Trap categories for this question
Similar concept trap
This is incorrect because the order of commands does not matter in HSRP configuration; however, the track command is missing the decrement value? Actually, it includes 20, so this option is functionally correct? Wait, the issue is that the track command is placed before preempt, but that is fine. However, the question requires preempt enabled, and this option includes it. But the correct answer is A. Let me re-evaluate: Option C has the same commands as A but in a different order. In Cisco IOS, the order of 'standby' commands does not affect functionality. So why is C wrong? Because the question might expect a specific order? Typically, the order does not matter. However, the exam trap is that some candidates think order matters, but it does not. Actually, both A and C are functionally identical. But the question says 'Configure HSRP on R1 so that it becomes the Active router with a priority of 150, preempt enabled, a virtual IP of 192.168.1.254, and track interface GigabitEthernet0/1 so that if it goes down, the priority decrements by 20.' The order of commands is not specified. So both A and C are correct? But the question expects exactly one correct answer. Let me check: In option C, the track command is 'standby 10 track GigabitEthernet0/1 20' which is correct. So why is C wrong? Perhaps because the track command should be after preempt? No, that is not a requirement. Actually, I think the issue is that in option C, the track command is placed before preempt, but that is fine. However, some older IOS versions might require the track command to be after the priority command? No. Let me reconsider: The correct answer is A because it lists the commands in the order typically recommended: ip, priority, preempt, track. But Cisco does not enforce order. However, to make the question have a single correct answer, I need to make C incorrect. Perhaps I can say that the track command must include the interface and decrement, but in C it does include them. Wait, maybe the problem is that in C, the track command is 'standby 10 track GigabitEthernet0/1 20' but the correct syntax is 'standby 10 track GigabitEthernet0/1 decrement 20'? No, the syntax is 'standby [group] track interface-type interface-number [decrement value]'. So 'standby 10 track GigabitEthernet0/1 20' is correct. So C is also correct. To avoid ambiguity, I need to make C incorrect by introducing an error. Let me change C to have a different error, like missing the decrement value or using wrong interface. But the question says 'track interface GigabitEthernet0/1 so that if it goes down, the priority decrements by 20.' So the decrement must be 20. In C, it is 20. So C is correct. I need to adjust the options. Perhaps I can make C have the decrement value missing or wrong. Let me revise C to: 'standby 10 ip 192.168.1.254
standby 10 priority 150
standby 10 track GigabitEthernet0/1
standby 10 preempt' (missing decrement). That would be incorrect. But then it would be similar to B. To differentiate, I'll make C have a different error: using 'standby 10 track GigabitEthernet0/1 10' (decrement 10 instead of 20). That is a plausible mistake. Let me update C accordingly.
Command / output trap
This is incorrect because the 'standby track' command requires a decrement value; without it, the default decrement is 10, not 20 as specified in the question.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 200-301 question in full detail.
Identify which 200-301 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
IP Routing — This question tests IP Routing — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: standby 10 ip 192.168.1.254
standby 10 priority 150
standby 10 preempt
standby 10 track GigabitEthernet0/1 20 — The required HSRP configuration consists of all four commands: virtual IP, priority 150, preempt, and tracking with a decrement of 20. Option A lists them correctly. Option B fails because the track command is missing the decrement value. Option C is incorrect because it omits the 'standby 10 preempt' command; without preempt, the router will not take over the active role even when its priority is higher. Option D uses a decrement of 10 instead of 20, which does not meet the requirement.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Identify which 200-301 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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 →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. You are connected to R1 via the console. The routers R1 and R2 are directly connected using their GigabitEthernet0/0 interfaces, which are in VLAN 100 and use subnet 192.168.1.0/24. Both routers are currently showing as active for HSRP group 10. Configure HSRP on R1's GigabitEthernet0/0 to become the active router (priority 150, preempt enabled, virtual IP 192.168.1.254). Ensure that if R1's GigabitEthernet0/1 WAN interface goes down, its HSRP priority decrements by 30 so that R2 can take over. Also, correct any existing misconfiguration in the HSRP setup.
hard
✓ A.Configure: interface GigabitEthernet0/0, standby 10 ip 192.168.1.254, standby 10 priority 150, standby 10 preempt, standby 10 track GigabitEthernet0/1 decrement 30. Also, ensure preempt is enabled on R1 (currently missing) and correct any duplicate virtual IP.
B.Configure: interface GigabitEthernet0/0, standby 10 ip 192.168.1.254, standby 10 priority 150, standby 10 preempt, standby 10 track GigabitEthernet0/1 decrement 30. No other changes needed because preempt is already enabled.
C.Configure: interface GigabitEthernet0/0, standby 10 ip 192.168.1.254, standby 10 priority 150, standby 10 preempt, standby 10 track GigabitEthernet0/1 decrement 30. Also, change the virtual IP to 192.168.1.1 because the current one is wrong.
D.Configure: interface GigabitEthernet0/0, standby 10 ip 192.168.1.254, standby 10 priority 150, standby 10 preempt, standby 10 track GigabitEthernet0/1 decrement 30. Also, remove the standby 10 track command from R2 to prevent conflicts.
Why A: Both routers showing as active means either R2 has an equal or higher priority or preempt is missing, preventing a single active election. To fix this, on R1's GigabitEthernet0/0 interface, set standby priority 150 with preempt enabled. Add tracking of GigabitEthernet0/1 with decrement 30 so the priority drops to 120 if the WAN link fails, allowing R2 to become active. The existing misconfiguration is that preempt is either absent or disabled, causing a split-brain scenario; this solution makes R1 the active router and provides correct failover.
Variation 2. You are connected to R1. The network requires HSRP for default gateway redundancy on subnet 192.168.1.0/24. R2 should be the active router, and R1 the standby. Currently, both routers show as active. Configure R1 with priority 90, enable preempt, ensure the virtual IP is 192.168.1.254, and configure tracking of interface GigabitEthernet0/1 (subnet 203.0.113.0/30) so that if R1's tracked interface goes down, its priority decreases by 20. Verify the final state with 'show standby brief'.
Why A: The scenario requires R2 to be the HSRP active router. By default, both routers have priority 100, and HSRP election would select the router with the higher IP address as active if priorities are equal. To ensure R2 becomes active, R1's priority must be lowered to 90. Additionally, tracking interface GigabitEthernet0/1 with a decrement of 20 is configured so that if R1's uplink fails, its priority drops to 70, further preventing it from becoming active. The correct configuration on R1 sets priority 90, enables preempt, and tracks the correct interface with decrement 20. Options B, C, and D are wrong because: B sets a higher priority (110) which would make R1 active; C uses an incorrect decrement of 30; and D tracks the wrong interface (Gig0/0 instead of Gig0/1).
Last reviewed: Jun 6, 2026
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