CCNA IP Routing Practice Question
Network Topology
You are connected to R1. Configure R1 so that it uses a floating static route to reach the 203.0.113.0/24 network via R2 only when the primary route (learned via EIGRP) fails. The primary route has an administrative distance of 90. Currently, R1 has no route to 203.0.113.0/24 because EIGRP is down on the direct link. Ensure the floating static route is installed and used.
⚠ Common exam trap
Remember that floating static routes require an administrative distance higher than the primary route's AD. Do not use the default AD (1) or match the primary AD; always set a higher value.
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
✓
ip route 203.0.113.0 255.255.255.0 10.0.0.2 95
The issue is that R1 has no route to 203.0.113.0/24 because EIGRP is not working (likely due to misconfiguration or link failure). A floating static route with an administrative distance greater than EIGRP's default AD of 90 is needed. By configuring a static route to 203.0.113.0/24 via next-hop 10.0.0.2 with AD 95, the static route will be used only when EIGRP is down (since 95 > 90, EIGRP is preferred when active). The command 'ip route 203.0.113.0 255.255.255.0 10.0.0.2 95' accomplishes this.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
ip route 203.0.113.0 255.255.255.0 10.0.0.2 95
Why this is correct
This command configures a static route to the 203.0.113.0/24 network via next-hop 10.0.0.2 with an administrative distance of 95. Since 95 is greater than EIGRP's default AD of 90, this route will only be used when EIGRP is down, making it a proper floating static route.
- ✗
ip route 203.0.113.0 255.255.255.0 10.0.0.2 90
Why it's wrong here
This command sets the administrative distance to 90, which is equal to EIGRP's default AD. When ADs are equal, the route with the best metric is used, but EIGRP's metric is typically better than a static route's metric of 0. This could cause suboptimal routing or load balancing, not a floating static route.
- ✗
ip route 203.0.113.0 255.255.255.0 10.0.0.2 85
Why it's wrong here
This command sets the administrative distance to 85, which is less than EIGRP's default AD of 90. This would make the static route preferred over EIGRP, defeating the purpose of a floating static route that should only be used as a backup.
- ✗
ip route 203.0.113.0 255.255.255.0 10.0.0.2
Why it's wrong here
This command configures a static route with the default administrative distance of 1. Since 1 is much lower than EIGRP's AD of 90, this static route would always be preferred over EIGRP, making it the primary route instead of a backup.
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.
✓ip route 203.0.113.0 255.255.255.0 10.0.0.2 95Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
This command configures a static route to the 203.0.113.0/24 network via next-hop 10.0.0.2 with an administrative distance of 95. Since 95 is greater than EIGRP's default AD of 90, this route will only be used when EIGRP is down, making it a proper floating static route.
✗ip route 203.0.113.0 255.255.255.0 10.0.0.2 90Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The AD must be greater than 90 to ensure the static route is only used when EIGRP fails. An AD of 90 does not create a floating static route.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may think that matching the AD is sufficient, but floating static routes require a higher AD to be less preferred.
✗ip route 203.0.113.0 255.255.255.0 10.0.0.2 85Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
A floating static route must have a higher AD than the primary route. An AD of 85 is lower than 90, so it would be preferred over EIGRP.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think a lower AD is better, but for a backup route, you want it to be less preferred.
✗ip route 203.0.113.0 255.255.255.0 10.0.0.2Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The default AD for static routes is 1, which is lower than EIGRP's 90. Without specifying a higher AD, the static route will be preferred and not act as a floating static route.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may forget to specify an AD and assume the static route will automatically be a backup, but the default AD makes it primary.
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?”
Quick reference
Routing Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Metric | Max Hops | Algorithm | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RIP v2 | Hop count | 15 | Bellman-Ford | Distance vector |
| OSPF | Cost (bandwidth) | Unlimited | Dijkstra (SPF) | Link state |
| EIGRP | Composite metric | Unlimited | DUAL | Hybrid |
| IS-IS | Cost | Unlimited | Dijkstra | Link state |
| BGP | Policy / attributes | Unlimited | Path vector | Path vector |
RIP's 15-hop limit makes it unsuitable for large networks. OSPF and EIGRP dominate modern enterprise deployments.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
OSPFv3 Single-Area Configuration for IPv6
Key term
Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol
Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP) is a Cisco-proprietary advanced distance-vector routing protocol that calculates the best path through a network using multiple metrics, with fast convergence and loop-free routing.
Key term
Floating static route
A floating static route is a backup route in a routing table that is only used when the primary route fails, because it has a higher administrative distance (lower priority).
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.