CCNA IP Routing Practice Question
Network Topology
You are connected to R1. The network currently uses a static default route pointing to ISP1 (198.51.100.1) via GigabitEthernet0/0. However, the backup link to ISP2 (203.0.113.1) via Serial0/0/0 has a floating static default route with an administrative distance of 130. The backup route is not taking over when the primary link fails. Configure the floating static route correctly so that it becomes active when the primary route is lost, and verify that the routing table shows the backup default route with the appropriate next-hop.
⚠ Common exam trap
Be careful: The 'permanent' keyword on a static route keeps it in the routing table even if the interface is down. This can prevent floating static routes from becoming active. Always check for 'permanent' when troubleshooting backup route issues.
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
✓
Remove the primary static route and reconfigure it without the 'permanent' keyword, then verify the backup route appears in the routing table.
The primary static default route was configured with the 'permanent' keyword, which keeps the route in the routing table even when the GigabitEthernet0/0 interface goes down. This prevents the floating static route (AD 130) from becoming active. The solution is to remove the primary route (no ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 198.51.100.1 permanent) and reconfigure it without the 'permanent' keyword. After that, when the primary link fails, the route is removed, and the backup route (AD 130) enters the routing table. Option A is correct. Option B would make the backup preferred over the primary, which is not the intended behavior. Option C (adding permanent to the backup) would not help and could cause issues. Option D (track) is an alternative but not the required configuration here.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Remove the primary static route and reconfigure it without the 'permanent' keyword, then verify the backup route appears in the routing table.
Why this is correct
The primary static route was likely configured with the 'permanent' keyword, which keeps the route in the routing table even if the next-hop interface goes down. Removing the 'permanent' keyword allows the route to be removed when the interface fails, enabling the floating static route with AD 130 to take over.
- ✗
Change the administrative distance of the floating static route to 1 so it is preferred over the primary route.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because changing the AD to 1 would make the backup route the primary route, defeating the purpose of a floating static route. The backup route should have a higher AD than the primary route so it only becomes active when the primary is lost.
- ✗
Add the 'permanent' keyword to the floating static route to ensure it remains in the routing table.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because adding 'permanent' to the floating static route would keep it in the routing table even if its next-hop interface fails, but the issue is that the primary route is not being removed. The backup route is already configured; the problem is that the primary route persists due to the 'permanent' keyword.
- ✗
Configure a static route with a next-hop of 203.0.113.1 and an administrative distance of 130, but also add the 'track' command to monitor the primary link.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because the floating static route is already configured with AD 130. Adding a track object is a valid method to monitor the primary link, but the question states the backup route is not taking over. The root cause is the primary route persisting due to the 'permanent' keyword, not the lack of tracking.
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.
✓Remove the primary static route and reconfigure it without the 'permanent' keyword, then verify the backup route appears in the routing table.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
The primary static route was likely configured with the 'permanent' keyword, which keeps the route in the routing table even if the next-hop interface goes down. Removing the 'permanent' keyword allows the route to be removed when the interface fails, enabling the floating static route with AD 130 to take over.
✗Change the administrative distance of the floating static route to 1 so it is preferred over the primary route.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error: Administrative distance determines route preference; a lower AD is preferred. Setting the backup to AD 1 would make it the primary route, not a backup.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think lowering the AD will force the backup to be used, but they overlook that it would then always be preferred, not just during failure.
✗Add the 'permanent' keyword to the floating static route to ensure it remains in the routing table.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error: The 'permanent' keyword prevents route removal when the interface goes down, which is not the solution here. The backup route needs to become active when the primary fails, not be forced to stay.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may think 'permanent' makes routes more reliable, but they misunderstand its effect on route removal during interface failure.
✗Configure a static route with a next-hop of 203.0.113.1 and an administrative distance of 130, but also add the 'track' command to monitor the primary link.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error: The track command is used to conditionally remove a static route based on reachability, but it is not necessary if the primary route is correctly configured without 'permanent'. The existing backup route should work once the primary route is removed.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may think tracking is required for floating static routes to work, but in this scenario the primary route's 'permanent' keyword is the issue.
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
Route
A route is a path that data takes through a network from one device or network to another, determined by routing protocols and configured rules.
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
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.