The answer is to configure the static route with an administrative distance of 100 using the command `ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 203.0.113.2 100`. This creates a floating static route configuration that acts as a backup default, because the default administrative distance for a static route is 1, which would override the EIGRP-learned default route’s AD of 90; by raising the static AD above 90, the EIGRP route remains the primary path and the static route only appears in the routing table when the EIGRP route disappears. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this tests your understanding of administrative distance as the tiebreaker between routes from different sources—a common trap is forgetting that static routes default to a very low AD, making them preferred over dynamic protocols unless you manually adjust it. A reliable memory tip is “floating static = higher AD,” meaning you must increase the static route’s AD above the dynamic route’s AD to make it a backup.
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 via the console. The network currently uses EIGRP as its IGP, but you recently configured a static default route toward R2 (next-hop 203.0.113.2) to reach the Internet. However, traffic from R1 to the Internet is not taking the expected path. Examine the provided routing table and partial configuration, then fix the issue so that the static default route is used only when the EIGRP-learned default route is unavailable.
R1# show ip route
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 10.0.0.2 to network 0.0.0.0
D* 0.0.0.0/0 [90/3072] via 10.0.0.2, 00:12:34, GigabitEthernet0/0
S* 0.0.0.0/0 [1/0] via 203.0.113.2
10.0.0.0/8 is variably subnetted, 2 subnets, 2 masks
C 10.0.0.0/30 is directly connected, GigabitEthernet0/0
L 10.0.0.1/32 is directly connected, GigabitEthernet0/0
R1# show running-config | section ip route
ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 203.0.113.2 10
!
router eigrp 100
network 10.0.0.0 0.0.0.3
redistribute static metric 10000 100 255 1 1500
!
R1# show ip eigrp topology
P 0.0.0.0/0, 1 successors, FD is 3072
via 10.0.0.2 (3072/2816), GigabitEthernet0/0
A
Configure the static route with an administrative distance of 100 using 'ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 203.0.113.2 100'.
This is correct because the EIGRP default route has an AD of 90, and by setting the static route's AD to 100 (higher than 90), the static route becomes a floating static backup. It will only be installed in the routing table when the EIGRP route is removed, ensuring the intended path selection.
B
Remove the EIGRP default route by configuring 'no network 0.0.0.0' under the EIGRP process.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because removing the EIGRP default route would eliminate the primary path, forcing all traffic to use the static route. The goal is to keep the EIGRP route as primary and use the static route only as a backup.
C
Increase the metric of the EIGRP default route to make it less preferred than the static route.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because route preference is determined by administrative distance, not metric, when comparing routes from different sources. EIGRP uses metric only for internal route selection; a static route and an EIGRP route are compared by AD first.
D
Configure the static route with a next-hop of 203.0.113.2 and a metric of 100.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because static routes do not use a metric in the same way as dynamic protocols. The 'ip route' command does not accept a metric parameter; instead, the administrative distance is used to influence route preference. Specifying a metric would be invalid syntax.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Configure the static route with an administrative distance of 100 using 'ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 203.0.113.2 100'.
The static default route was configured with an administrative distance (AD) of 10, which is lower than the EIGRP‑learned default route's AD of 90. This made the static route the preferred path, overriding the intended primary EIGRP route. To create a floating static route that only activates when the EIGRP route disappears, the static AD must be raised above 90—using 'ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 203.0.113.2 100' ensures the EIGRP route is primary. Option B is wrong because removing the EIGRP route eliminates the preferred path entirely, defeating the backup purpose. Option C fails because EIGRP metrics are irrelevant against a lower‑AD static route; AD dictates route source preference. Option D is incorrect because static routes do not accept a metric parameter—the trailing number sets the AD, not a metric.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Configure the static route with an administrative distance of 100 using 'ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 203.0.113.2 100'.
Why this is correct
This is correct because the EIGRPdefault route has an AD of 90, and by setting the static route's AD to 100 (higher than 90), the static route becomes a floating static backup. It will only be installed in the routing table when the EIGRP route is removed, ensuring the intended path selection.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
Remove the EIGRP default route by configuring 'no network 0.0.0.0' under the EIGRP process.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because removing the EIGRPdefault route would eliminate the primary path, forcing all traffic to use the static route. The goal is to keep the EIGRP route as primary and use the static route only as a backup.
✗
Increase the metric of the EIGRP default route to make it less preferred than the static route.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because route preference is determined by administrative distance, not metric, when comparing routes from different sources. EIGRP uses metric only for internal route selection; a static route and an EIGRP route are compared by AD first.
✗
Configure the static route with a next-hop of 203.0.113.2 and a metric of 100.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because static routes do not use a metric in the same way as dynamic protocols. The 'ip route' command does not accept a metric parameter; instead, the administrative distance is used to influence route preference. Specifying a metric would be invalid syntax.
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.
✓Configure the static route with an administrative distance of 100 using 'ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 203.0.113.2 100'.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
This is correct because the EIGRP default route has an AD of 90, and by setting the static route's AD to 100 (higher than 90), the static route becomes a floating static backup. It will only be installed in the routing table when the EIGRP route is removed, ensuring the intended path selection.
✗Remove the EIGRP default route by configuring 'no network 0.0.0.0' under the EIGRP process.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error: EIGRP does not use 'network 0.0.0.0' to advertise a default route; default routes are typically redistributed or generated via 'ip default-network' or redistribution. Removing the EIGRP default route would break the intended primary path.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think removing the EIGRP route would force the static route to be used, but this does not achieve the desired redundancy and violates the requirement to keep the EIGRP route as primary.
✗Increase the metric of the EIGRP default route to make it less preferred than the static route.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error: Administrative distance is the primary factor for route selection between different routing protocols or sources. Changing the EIGRP metric does not affect the comparison with a static route.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates often confuse metric with administrative distance, thinking that a higher metric makes a route less preferred. However, metric only applies within the same routing protocol.
✗Configure the static route with a next-hop of 203.0.113.2 and a metric of 100.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error: The 'ip route' command syntax is 'ip route prefix mask {next-hop | interface} [distance] [name] [permanent] [tag tag]'. There is no metric parameter. The correct way to make a static route less preferred is to set a higher administrative distance.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may think that since EIGRP uses metric, they can set a metric on the static route to make it less preferred, but this is not supported. They might also confuse metric with administrative distance.
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: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This is incorrect because static routes do not use a metric in the same way as dynamic protocols. The 'ip route' command does not accept a metric parameter; instead, the administrative distance is used to influence route preference. Specifying a metric would be invalid syntax.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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 the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 200-301 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
IP Routing — This question tests IP Routing — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure the static route with an administrative distance of 100 using 'ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 203.0.113.2 100'. — The static default route was configured with an administrative distance (AD) of 10, which is lower than the EIGRP‑learned default route's AD of 90. This made the static route the preferred path, overriding the intended primary EIGRP route. To create a floating static route that only activates when the EIGRP route disappears, the static AD must be raised above 90—using 'ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 203.0.113.2 100' ensures the EIGRP route is primary. Option B is wrong because removing the EIGRP route eliminates the preferred path entirely, defeating the backup purpose. Option C fails because EIGRP metrics are irrelevant against a lower‑AD static route; AD dictates route source preference. Option D is incorrect because static routes do not accept a metric parameter—the trailing number sets the AD, not a metric.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 200-301 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
About these practice questions
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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. Drag and drop the following steps into the correct order to configure a primary default static route and a floating default static route on a Cisco router.
medium
✓ A.Enter global configuration mode using the configure terminal command.
✓ B.Configure the primary default static route: ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 203.0.113.1
✓ C.Configure the floating default static route: ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 203.0.113.2 5
✓ D.Exit configuration mode with the end command.
✓ E.Verify the static routes with the show ip route static command.
Why A: First, enter global configuration mode. Then configure the primary default route (no administrative distance specified, default 1). Next, configure the floating default route with a higher administrative distance (e.g., 5). Exit configuration mode, and finally verify the static routes in the routing table.
Variation 2. Drag and drop the following steps into the correct order to configure IPv4 and IPv6 static routes, a default route, and a floating static route with a higher administrative distance, then verify with show ip route and show ipv6 route.
medium
✓ A.1. Enter global configuration mode. 2. Configure IPv4 static routes. 3. Configure IPv6 static routes. 4. Configure default route and floating static route with higher AD. 5. Verify with show ip route and show ipv6 route.
✓ B.1. Enter global configuration mode. 2. Configure default route and floating static route with higher AD. 3. Configure IPv4 static routes. 4. Configure IPv6 static routes. 5. Verify with show ip route and show ipv6 route.
✓ C.1. Enter global configuration mode. 2. Configure IPv6 static routes. 3. Configure IPv4 static routes. 4. Configure default route and floating static route with higher AD. 5. Verify with show ip route and show ipv6 route.
✓ D.1. Enter global configuration mode. 2. Configure default route and floating static route with higher AD. 3. Configure IPv6 static routes. 4. Configure IPv4 static routes. 5. Verify with show ip route and show ipv6 route.
Why A: Start in global config, then configure static routes for IPv4, then IPv6, then default and floating static routes. Finally verify with show commands.
Variation 3. Drag and drop the following steps into the correct order to configure IPv4 and IPv6 static routes, a default route, and a floating static route with higher administrative distance, then verify the routing tables.
medium
✓ A.Configure specific IPv4 and IPv6 static routes, then configure the default route and floating static route with higher AD, then verify routing tables.
✓ B.Configure the default route first, then specific static routes, then the floating static route, then verify routing tables.
✓ C.Configure the floating static route first, then specific static routes, then the default route, then verify routing tables.
✓ D.Verify routing tables first, then configure specific static routes, then the default route, then the floating static route.
Why A: The order first configures specific static routes, then the default route and floating static route (which can be done in any order but typically after specific routes), and finally verification. The floating static route is configured with a higher AD so it is less preferred.
Last reviewed: Jun 6, 2026
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