- A
ip route 192.168.100.1 255.255.255.255 10.0.0.2
This command creates a static route to the host 192.168.100.1/32 using the next-hop IP address 10.0.0.2, which is R2's interface on the shared link. This allows R1 to forward packets destined for R2's loopback to R2.
- B
ip route 192.168.100.0 255.255.255.0 10.0.0.2
Why wrong: This is incorrect because it uses a /24 mask instead of /32. The loopback0 address is a single host (192.168.100.1/32), not a full subnet. Using a /24 mask would incorrectly assume a larger network.
- C
ip route 192.168.100.1 255.255.255.255 192.168.1.1
Why wrong: This is incorrect because the next-hop IP address 192.168.1.1 is not on a directly connected network of R1. The next hop must be reachable via a directly connected interface; 192.168.1.1 is not a neighbor on any of R1's interfaces.
- D
ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 10.0.0.2
Why wrong: This is a default route, which would send all traffic with no more specific match to 10.0.0.2. While it would work for reaching 192.168.100.1, it is not the most specific or correct solution for the requirement. The question asks to configure R1 to reach the loopback address, implying a specific route, not a default.
Quick Answer
The correct command is ip route 192.168.100.1 255.255.255.255 10.0.0.2, which configures a static host route with a /32 subnet mask to match the exact loopback address of R2. This is necessary because a host-specific route uses a 255.255.255.255 mask to define a single destination IP, ensuring that only traffic destined for 192.168.100.1 is forwarded to the next-hop 10.0.0.2 across the serial link. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this tests your ability to configure static routing with precise subnet masks, often appearing in troubleshooting scenarios where a default route or a broader mask would cause suboptimal routing or black holes. A common trap is using a /24 mask or the wrong next-hop address, which would either match too many addresses or send packets to an incorrect interface. Memory tip: think "host route = /32 mask" — when you need to reach a single IP, always lock it in with all 255s.
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.
You are connected to R1 via the console. R1 is a new router that connects to three subnets: 192.168.1.0/24 (connected to GigabitEthernet0/0), 192.168.2.0/24 (connected to GigabitEthernet0/1), and 192.168.3.0/24 (connected to GigabitEthernet0/2). R1 must be able to ping the loopback0 interface of R2 (192.168.100.1/32) which is reachable via R2's Serial0/0/0 interface (10.0.0.2/30). The link between R1 and R2 is 10.0.0.0/30, with R1's interface being 10.0.0.1/30. No dynamic routing protocols are configured. Configure R1 to reach the loopback address of R2 using a host-specific static route (not a default route).
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 192.168.100.1 255.255.255.255 10.0.0.2
Option A is correct because it configures a host route (mask /32) to destination 192.168.100.1 with next-hop 10.0.0.2, directly matching the loopback address and providing exact reachability. Option B is incorrect because it uses a /24 mask, which does not match the /32 loopback and would cause routing issues. Option C is incorrect because it uses next-hop 192.168.1.1, which is not the directly connected neighbor; packets would be forwarded to a local interface, not across the serial link. Option D is incorrect because it creates a default route (0.0.0.0/0) rather than the required host-specific route, failing to meet the specific task requirement.
Key principle: OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
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 192.168.100.1 255.255.255.255 10.0.0.2
Why this is correct
This command creates a static route to the host 192.168.100.1/32 using the next-hop IP address 10.0.0.2, which is R2's interface on the shared link. This allows R1 to forward packets destined for R2's loopback to R2.
Related concept
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
- ✗
ip route 192.168.100.0 255.255.255.0 10.0.0.2
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because it uses a /24 mask instead of /32. The loopback0 address is a single host (192.168.100.1/32), not a full subnet. Using a /24 mask would incorrectly assume a larger network.
- ✗
ip route 192.168.100.1 255.255.255.255 192.168.1.1
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because the next-hop IP address 192.168.1.1 is not on a directly connected network of R1. The next hop must be reachable via a directly connected interface; 192.168.1.1 is not a neighbor on any of R1's interfaces.
- ✗
ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 10.0.0.2
Why it's wrong here
This is a default route, which would send all traffic with no more specific match to 10.0.0.2. While it would work for reaching 192.168.100.1, it is not the most specific or correct solution for the requirement. The question asks to configure R1 to reach the loopback address, implying a specific route, not a default.
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 192.168.100.1 255.255.255.255 10.0.0.2Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
This command creates a static route to the host 192.168.100.1/32 using the next-hop IP address 10.0.0.2, which is R2's interface on the shared link. This allows R1 to forward packets destined for R2's loopback to R2.
✗ip route 192.168.100.0 255.255.255.0 10.0.0.2Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The mask must match the destination exactly; a /24 mask is too broad for a /32 host route.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates often default to a classful or common subnet mask without considering the exact prefix length of the destination.
✗ip route 192.168.100.1 255.255.255.255 192.168.1.1Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The next-hop address must be directly connected; 192.168.1.1 is not a valid next hop from R1.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might confuse the next-hop with an IP address from one of R1's own subnets, but it must be the neighbor's IP on a shared link.
✗ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 10.0.0.2Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
A default route is too broad; the requirement is for a specific route to the loopback address.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think a default route is simpler and still works, but the question expects a precise static route to the destination.
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: OSPF can fail even when IP connectivity looks correct
OSPF neighbour formation depends on matching areas, timers, network type, authentication and passive-interface behaviour. Do not choose an answer only because the devices can ping.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
OSPF questions usually test the details that control adjacency and route selection. Read the neighbour state, area, router ID and interface configuration before deciding what is wrong.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
- Router ID selection can affect neighbour relationships and LSDB output.
- OSPF cost influences the preferred path.
- A route can appear in OSPF information but not become the installed route.
TExam Day Tips
- Check area mismatch first when OSPF adjacency fails.
- Review passive interfaces when a network is advertised but no neighbour forms.
- Use show ip ospf neighbor and show ip route clues carefully.
Key takeaway
OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A network engineer at a university connects two campus buildings via a fibre link. Both routers run OSPF, but no adjacency forms — even though both routers can ping each other. The engineer finds one router is in area 0 and the other in area 1. OSPF adjacency requires matching area numbers, hello/dead timers, and network type. IP reachability alone is not enough.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related 200-301 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
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IP Routing — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-301 question test?
IP Routing — This question tests IP Routing — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: ip route 192.168.100.1 255.255.255.255 10.0.0.2 — Option A is correct because it configures a host route (mask /32) to destination 192.168.100.1 with next-hop 10.0.0.2, directly matching the loopback address and providing exact reachability. Option B is incorrect because it uses a /24 mask, which does not match the /32 loopback and would cause routing issues. Option C is incorrect because it uses next-hop 192.168.1.1, which is not the directly connected neighbor; packets would be forwarded to a local interface, not across the serial link. Option D is incorrect because it creates a default route (0.0.0.0/0) rather than the required host-specific route, failing to meet the specific task requirement.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related 200-301 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
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Last reviewed: Jun 7, 2026
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