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CCNA IP Routing Questions

75 of 276 questions · Page 3/4 · IP Routing · Answers revealed

151
MCQhard

R1 and R2 are directly connected and both configured for OSPF area 0. The IP addresses are correct, but the routers do not become neighbors. What is the most likely cause?

A.The OSPF network types on the interfaces do not match.
B.The routers need matching hostnames to exchange LSAs.
C.The /30 subnet is too small for OSPF to operate.
D.The interfaces must be converted into switch trunks.
AnswerA

This is correct because OSPF network type controls fundamental adjacency behaviors such as Hello/Dead timer intervals and DR/BDR election. A point-to-point interface expects to form an adjacency without a DR, while a broadcast interface will wait for a DR/BDR process, and their timer values typically differ. Even if both routers have matching subnet masks and are directly connected, a mismatch in network type causes the routers to discard each other's Hello packets or fail to reach Full state, preventing any LSA exchange.

Why this answer

The most likely cause is an OSPF network type mismatch. In practical terms, both routers are on the same IP segment and both are trying to use OSPF in the same area, but they do not agree on the type of OSPF network the interface represents. That matters because OSPF behavior changes depending on the network type, including how neighbors are discovered and how adjacencies are formed.

This is a classic exam-style troubleshooting case because the obvious items look correct: IP addressing works and the area matches. But a mismatch between point-to-point and broadcast expectations can still stop the relationship from forming cleanly. That makes network type mismatch the strongest answer here.

Exam trap

A frequent exam trap is to overlook the importance of matching OSPF network types on connected interfaces. Candidates might assume that correct IP addressing and area numbers are sufficient for adjacency. However, if one router uses a broadcast network type and the other uses point-to-point, they will not become neighbors despite appearing correctly configured.

This subtle mismatch is often missed because it does not generate explicit errors, leading to confusion and incorrect troubleshooting steps.

Why the other options are wrong

B

This option is incorrect because OSPF neighbor relationships do not depend on matching hostnames. Hostnames are administrative identifiers and do not affect OSPF protocol operations or LSA exchanges.

C

This option is incorrect because a /30 subnet is a standard subnet size for point-to-point links and does not prevent OSPF from operating or forming adjacencies. OSPF works normally over /30 subnets.

D

This option is incorrect because OSPF runs over routed interfaces and does not require interfaces to be configured as switch trunks. Trunking is related to VLAN tagging and switching, not OSPF adjacency.

152
PBQmedium

You are connected to R1 via console. R1 is connected to R2 via GigabitEthernet0/0 (10.0.0.1/30) and to R3 via GigabitEthernet0/1 (10.0.0.5/30). R1 has a management subnet 192.168.1.0/24 connected to GigabitEthernet0/2. The network administrator wants to ensure that traffic from the management subnet to the Internet (203.0.113.0/24) uses R2 as the primary path and R3 as a backup. Currently, OSPF is running with default metrics. You must configure a floating static route that will be used only if the OSPF route fails.

Network Topology
G0/010.0.0.1/30G0/110.0.0.5/30G0/2192.168.1.1/24R1R2R3Management subnet

Hints

  • Floating static route has a higher administrative distance than the dynamic route you want to back up.
  • The next-hop IP for the backup route is R3's interface IP connected to R1.
  • Check the OSPF administrative distance (default 110) and set the static route's AD accordingly.
A.ip route 203.0.113.0 255.255.255.0 10.0.0.6 150
B.ip route 203.0.113.0 255.255.255.0 10.0.0.2 150
C.ip route 203.0.113.0 255.255.255.0 10.0.0.6 110
D.ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 10.0.0.6 150
AnswerA
solution
! R1
ip route 203.0.113.0 255.255.255.0 10.0.0.6 150

Why this answer

The floating static route is configured with an administrative distance of 150, which is higher than OSPF's default AD of 110. This ensures that the static route is only installed in the routing table when the OSPF route is not present (e.g., due to a failure). The next-hop is R3's IP on the directly connected link.

Exam trap

Remember that a floating static route requires an administrative distance higher than the dynamic protocol's default. Also, ensure the next-hop is the backup router's IP, not the primary. Do not confuse the destination network with a default route unless the question asks for Internet access in general.

Why the other options are wrong

B

The next-hop should be R3 (10.0.0.6), not R2 (10.0.0.2).

C

The AD must be higher than OSPF's 110 (e.g., 150) to act as a floating static route.

D

The destination network should be 203.0.113.0/24, not a default route.

153
MCQhard

Exhibit: OSPF neighbors are not reaching FULL state on an Ethernet segment with multiple routers. The output of show ip ospf neighbor on R2 shows a neighbor in the 2WAY/DROTHER state. What is the most likely reason?

A.Authentication mismatch between R2 and 3.3.3.3
B.The 2WAY state with another DROTHER on a broadcast segment is normal
C.R2 must be configured as a point-to-point network type
D.R2 has a duplicate router ID
AnswerB

On a broadcast multiaccess segment, OSPF elects a DR and BDR; all other routers are DROTHERs. DROTHERs only form full adjacencies with the DR and BDR, while two DROTHERs remain in 2WAY, which is the normal and expected state. The exhibit showing R2 in 2WAY with another DROTHER is therefore not a problem, so this is the correct explanation.

Why this answer

On a broadcast Ethernet network, two routers normally become fully adjacent through the DR or BDR. If the local router is stuck in 2WAY with another DROTHER, that is normal behavior. It is not a fault by itself.

Exam trap

A common exam trap is assuming that neighbors stuck in the 2-Way state indicate a problem requiring troubleshooting or configuration changes. Many candidates mistakenly believe that all OSPF neighbors on a broadcast segment must reach the FULL state with each other. However, OSPF’s design limits full adjacency to DR and BDR routers only.

DROTHER routers remain in 2-Way state with each other, which is normal and expected. Misinterpreting this behavior can lead to incorrect answers such as blaming authentication or router ID issues when the output actually reflects standard OSPF operation.

Why the other options are wrong

A

Authentication mismatches prevent OSPF neighbors from reaching the 2-Way state by blocking bidirectional communication. Since the neighbors here have reached 2-Way, authentication mismatch is unlikely the cause.

C

Configuring the network type as point-to-point is not required on Ethernet segments and would change the adjacency formation behavior rather than explain the current normal 2-Way state with DROTHER routers.

D

Duplicate router IDs cause adjacency failures and routing problems but do not cause neighbors to remain in the 2-Way state with DROTHER routers. The output does not indicate a router ID conflict.

154
MCQhard

An engineer configures a floating static route to 0.0.0.0/0 with an administrative distance of 200 while OSPF is providing a default route. What is the intended behavior?

A.The static default route acts as a backup and becomes active only if the OSPF default route is lost.
B.The static default route overrides OSPF immediately because it is manually configured.
C.Both default routes must always load-balance together.
D.The router ignores both defaults because they overlap.
AnswerA

A floating static route is configured with an administrative distance greater than OSPF's default of 110, such as 150. While the OSPF default route exists in the routing table, the static route remains dormant because the router prefers the lower AD. If the OSPF route disappears due to a neighbor loss or removal of the default-information originate command, the static route is then installed and used as the default path.

Why this answer

The intended behavior is that the static default route stays in reserve and becomes active only if the OSPF-learned default route disappears. In plain language, the administrator wants a backup path, not a replacement for the normal OSPF path. By assigning the static route a higher administrative distance than OSPF, the router treats it as less trustworthy during normal operation.

This is a standard floating-static design. The static route is still configured, but it does not normally appear as the preferred forwarding choice until the lower-distance route is lost. That is the key operational purpose of the configuration.

Exam trap

Don't assume static routes always take precedence over dynamic ones; administrative distance dictates preference.

Why the other options are wrong

B

The static default route has an administrative distance of 200, which is higher than OSPF's default distance of 110. Therefore, OSPF's route is preferred, and the static route does not override it. Manual configuration does not bypass administrative distance; the router always prefers the lower distance.

C

Load balancing requires multiple routes with equal administrative distance and metric. Here, OSPF and the static route have different administrative distances (110 vs. 200), so they are not equal. The router will only use the best route (OSPF) and not load-balance.

D

Overlapping default routes are common and do not cause the router to ignore them. The router uses the route with the lowest administrative distance (OSPF) and ignores the static route unless OSPF fails. There is no conflict that would cause both to be ignored.

155
MCQhard

A router learns the same destination from EIGRP and OSPF. The EIGRP route has a metric of 1000, and the OSPF route has a metric of 10. Which route is installed by default?

A.The OSPF route, because 10 is lower than 1000
B.The EIGRP route, because its source has a lower default administrative distance
C.Both routes automatically install for load balancing
D.Neither route installs until the administrator chooses manually
AnswerB

The EIGRP route is chosen because Cisco's default administrative distance for EIGRP is 90, while OSPF uses a default AD of 110. Since the router compares AD first to decide which protocol's route to trust, the lower AD of EIGRP makes it the preferred source for the destination, and OSPF's route is held as a backup only. The metric values, no matter how attractive, are not considered until the AD comparison is resolved, so EIGRP wins outright.

Why this answer

The EIGRP route is installed by default because route selection between different routing protocols is based on administrative distance before the protocol-specific metric is compared across sources. In plain language, the router does not compare an OSPF metric of 10 directly against an EIGRP metric of 1000 because those metrics come from different systems and are not numerically comparable in a meaningful cross-protocol way. Instead, the router first looks at the trustworthiness of the source.

By default, internal EIGRP routes have a lower administrative distance than OSPF routes, so EIGRP wins even though the OSPF metric value appears lower. This is a classic CCNA trap designed to catch people who compare metrics across different protocols without considering administrative distance first.

Exam trap

A common exam trap is to assume that the route with the numerically lowest metric is always preferred, regardless of the routing protocol. In this question, the OSPF route has a metric of 10, which looks better than the EIGRP metric of 1000. However, metrics from different protocols are not directly comparable.

The router first compares administrative distance, which rates the trustworthiness of the routing source. Since EIGRP’s default administrative distance (90) is lower than OSPF’s (110), the router installs the EIGRP route despite its higher metric. This trap tests your understanding of routing protocol preference, not just metric values.

Why the other options are wrong

A

This option is incorrect because it assumes the router compares OSPF and EIGRP metrics directly. Metrics from different protocols are not comparable until administrative distance is considered, so the lower OSPF metric does not guarantee route installation.

C

This option is incorrect because load balancing occurs only when multiple equal-cost routes exist within the same routing protocol. Routes from different protocols are not automatically load-balanced simply because they reach the same destination.

D

This option is incorrect because the router automatically selects the best route using its decision process based on administrative distance and metric. Manual intervention is not required for route installation in this scenario.

156
MCQhard

A router learns 172.16.0.0/16 from OSPF and 172.16.10.0/24 from a static route. Which route is used for traffic to 172.16.10.55?

A.The OSPF /16 route
B.The static /24 route
C.The default route
D.Neither route because the prefixes overlap
AnswerB

The static /24 route is correct because the destination 172.16.10.55 matches its prefix length of 24 bits (172.16.10.0/24), whereas the OSPF /16 route only matches the first 16 bits. Routers use longest prefix match (LPM) to select the most specific route, and the /24 is more specific than both the /16 and any default route. Even though OSPF may have a lower administrative distance, prefix length takes precedence over AD for route selection when prefixes differ, so the static /24 is installed in the forwarding table for this destination.

Why this answer

The static /24 route is used because it is more specific than the OSPF /16 route. In plain language, even though OSPF is a dynamic source and the /16 covers the destination broadly, the router prefers the entry that describes the exact destination range more precisely. Since 172.16.10.55 falls within 172.16.10.0/24, that route wins under longest-prefix match.

This is a classic example of route specificity taking priority before broader route-source comparisons would matter between equal prefix lengths.

Exam trap

A frequent exam trap is assuming that the dynamic OSPF route will always be preferred over a static route, regardless of prefix length. Many candidates overlook that the router prioritizes the longest-prefix match before considering administrative distance or route source. Because 172.16.10.0/24 is more specific than 172.16.0.0/16, the router uses the static route for traffic to 172.16.10.55.

Misunderstanding this can lead to incorrect answers, especially when both routes overlap. Remember, overlapping routes are common and resolved by prefix specificity, not by route type alone.

Why the other options are wrong

A

The OSPF /16 route is less specific than the static /24 route. Although OSPF is a dynamic routing protocol, the router prefers the route with the longer prefix length, so this option is incorrect.

C

The default route is only used when no specific matching route exists. Since both OSPF and static routes cover the destination, the default route is not used here, so this option is incorrect.

D

Overlapping prefixes are normal in routing tables and do not prevent route selection. The router resolves overlaps using longest-prefix match, so this option is incorrect.

157
Drag & Dropmedium

Drag and drop the following steps into the correct order to configure and verify HSRP on a router interface.

Drag steps to the numbered slots on the right, or tap a step then tap a slot.

Steps
Order
1Step 1
2Step 2
3Step 3
4Step 4
5Step 5
6Step 6
7Step 7

Why this order

The correct order begins by entering interface configuration mode, because all HSRP commands are applied at the interface level. Next, assign a physical IPv4 address to the interface, as HSRP requires a Layer 3 interface with an IP address to function. Set HSRP version 2 before defining the HSRP group to ensure compatibility with extended group numbers and newer features.

Then configure the HSRP group number and virtual IP address to create the standby group. After that, set the router’s priority and enable preemption; these steps customize the active/standby election process. Finally, verify the configuration with the show standby command to confirm HSRP operation.

158
Multi-Selectmedium

Which TWO statements correctly describe OSPFv2 router-id selection and verification in a single-area configuration?

Select 2 answers
A.The OSPF router-id is automatically derived from the MAC address of the first Ethernet interface.
B.If the router-id is changed using the 'router-id' command, the change takes effect immediately without any additional action.
C.The router-id must be the same on all routers in a single OSPF area.
D.When no 'router-id' is configured, a loopback interface with the highest IP address is preferred over a physical interface for the router-id.
E.The 'show ip ospf' command displays the current OSPF router-id.
AnswersD, E

When no explicit 'router-id' command is configured, OSPF determines the router ID by first preferring the IP address of any loopback interface, choosing the highest numeric loopback address, and only then falling back to the highest IP address on a physical interface. Loopback interfaces are always up and do not depend on physical link state, making them stable and thus preferred for router ID selection. This behavior is defined by the OSPF RFC and is a well-known practical rule.

Why this answer

OSPFv2 selects the router-ID based on the highest IP address of any loopback interface when no explicit 'router-id' is configured, making D correct. The 'show ip ospf' command displays the current router-ID, verifying choice E. Option A is incorrect because the router-ID is derived from IP addresses, not MAC addresses.

Option B fails because changing the router-ID requires a reload or clearing the OSPF process to take effect. Option C is wrong because each router must have a unique router-ID; they do not need to match across the area.

Exam trap

Cisco often tests the misconception that changing the router-id takes effect immediately, but in reality, you must clear the OSPF process or reload the router for the change to apply.

Why the other options are wrong

A

The router-ID is derived from the highest IP address on a loopback or physical interface, never from a MAC address.

B

A router-id change does not take effect immediately; you must clear the OSPF process or reload the router.

C

Router-IDs must be unique per router, not identical across all routers in the area.

159
Drag & Dropmedium

Drag and drop the following steps into the correct order to configure OSPFv3 for IPv6 on a Cisco router.

Drag steps to the numbered slots on the right, or tap a step then tap a slot.

Steps
Order
1Step 1
2Step 2
3Step 3
4Step 4

Why this order

After entering global config, create the OSPFv3 process, set a router ID, then enable OSPFv3 on the desired interfaces under interface configuration.

Exam trap

Remember that OSPFv3 requires a router ID to be explicitly configured (or derived from an IPv4 address) before enabling it on interfaces. The process must be created first, then the router ID, then interface enablement.

160
Multi-Selectmedium

A router learns a route to 172.16.0.0/16 via OSPF (administrative distance 110) and a route to 172.16.10.0/24 via EIGRP (administrative distance 90). No other overlapping routes exist. Which TWO statements about how the router handles these routes are correct?

Select 2 answers
A.The router installs only the EIGRP route because it has a lower administrative distance.
B.Both the OSPF and EIGRP routes are installed in the routing table.
C.Traffic to 172.16.10.100 is forwarded using the OSPF route.
D.The EIGRP route is used for all traffic destined to any address within 172.16.0.0/16.
E.The OSPF route is used for destinations within 172.16.0.0/16 that are not part of the 172.16.10.0/24 subnet.
AnswersB, E

Because 172.16.0.0/16 and 172.16.10.0/24 are not identical prefixes, the router treats them as separate destinations in the routing table. The RIB can hold a less-specific covering route and a more-specific route simultaneously, regardless of administrative distance. Longest-prefix matching during packet forwarding then determines which route is used for a given destination.

Why this answer

B is correct because the router installs both routes in the routing table when they have different prefix lengths. The EIGRP route to 172.16.10.0/24 (AD 90) is more specific than the OSPF route to 172.16.0.0/16 (AD 110). The router uses the longest prefix match rule for forwarding, so both routes coexist without conflict.

Exam trap

Cisco often tests the misconception that administrative distance alone determines which route is installed, ignoring the critical role of prefix length in the longest prefix match rule.

Why the other options are wrong

A

The router does not discard the OSPF route; it installs both /16 and /24 entries because they represent different network-specific entries.

C

The traffic matches the /24 route, not the /16, so it would be forwarded via the EIGRP next-hop.

D

The /24 is a subset; traffic outside 172.16.10.0/24 matches only the /16 OSPF route.

161
Multi-Selectmedium

Which TWO statements about IPv4 and IPv6 static routes, including floating static routes, are correct?

Select 2 answers
A.A floating static route uses a higher administrative distance than the primary route to provide backup connectivity.
B.An IPv6 static route using a link-local next-hop address must include both the next-hop address and the outgoing interface.
C.In IPv6, the default route prefix is 0.0.0.0/0.
D.For a floating static route to be installed in the routing table, it must have an administrative distance lower than that of the primary route.
E.An IPv4 static route will only be inserted into the routing table if its next-hop IP address belongs to a directly connected subnet.
AnswersA, B

A floating static route acts as a backup by intentionally using an administrative distance (AD) that is higher than that of the primary route. Since routing protocols and static routes are selected by lowest AD, the floating route remains out of the routing table while the primary route is active. Only when the primary route is removed due to failure does the router install the floating route, providing connectivity.

Why this answer

A floating static route is configured with a higher administrative distance (AD) than the primary route. This ensures the floating route is only used when the primary route fails, as the router prefers routes with lower AD values. For example, if the primary route has an AD of 1 (static route default), the floating static route might be set to AD 200, making it a backup.

Exam trap

Cisco often tests the distinction between IPv4 and IPv6 default route prefixes (0.0.0.0/0 vs ::/0) and the requirement for specifying the outgoing interface with IPv6 link-local next-hop addresses, which candidates frequently confuse.

Why the other options are wrong

C

0.0.0.0/0 is the IPv4 default route; the correct IPv6 default prefix is ::/0.

D

A floating static route must have a higher AD, not lower, so that it is less preferred and only installed when the primary (lower AD) route is lost.

E

Cisco IOS requires the next-hop to be reachable, but it does not have to be directly connected. As long as a route exists to reach that next-hop (even recursively), the static route can be installed.

162
MCQmedium

R1 has the following static route configured: ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 203.0.113.1 What does this route accomplish?

A.It blocks unknown destinations from leaving the router.
B.It creates a host route to 203.0.113.1 only.
C.It advertises all connected routes into OSPF.
D.It creates a default route used when no more specific route exists.
AnswerD

This static route has a destination of 0.0.0.0 and a mask of 0.0.0.0, which is the IPv4 default route. It matches any IP packet whose destination does not have a more specific (longer-prefix) match in the routing table, so it acts as the gateway of last resort. Next hop 203.0.113.1 is where all unmatched traffic is forwarded.

Why this answer

This command creates a default static route. In everyday terms, it tells the router, “If you do not know a more specific way to reach a destination, send the traffic to 203.0.113.1.” That next-hop address usually points toward an upstream router or ISP edge. The command does not describe one specific remote network; it represents every destination not otherwise matched by a more specific entry.

At the routing-table level, `0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0` is the broadest possible IPv4 prefix. Because it matches everything, it is used only when nothing more specific exists.

Exam trap

Do not confuse default routes with specific network routes or access control lists; focus on the 0.0.0.0/0 prefix.

Why the other options are wrong

A

This option is incorrect because static routes do not inherently block traffic; they simply define paths for routing packets. A static route allows traffic to specific destinations, rather than blocking unknown ones.

B

This option is wrong because the static route configured does not limit routing to a single host; instead, it typically defines a broader range or a default route for multiple destinations.

C

This option is wrong because static routes do not inherently advertise routes into OSPF; they simply define a path to a specific destination. The question specifically asks about the function of a static route, which does not involve OSPF route advertisement.

163
MCQhard

R1 and R2 are connected via Ethernet and are configured with OSPF, but they fail to form an adjacency. Upon checking the interface configurations, you see that R1’s interface is in OSPF area 0 while R2’s interface is in area 1, and both interfaces use default timers and are in the same subnet. What is the most likely reason?

A.The OSPF areas do not match on the shared segment.
B.The routers must use the same process ID.
C.The interfaces are in different IPv4 subnets.
D.OSPF cannot run on Ethernet interfaces.
AnswerA

OSPF requires both neighbors to agree on the area ID for a given link; a mismatch prevents the formation of adjacency because the Hello packets carry the area ID and a mismatch causes the receiving router to drop them. Even if subnets and timers match, an area mismatch leaves the neighbor state stuck in Down or Attempt.

Why this answer

The most likely cause is an OSPF area mismatch on the shared segment. R1 and R2 are in the same IP subnet and use default hello/dead timers, so neither subnet mismatch nor timer mismatch is the problem. OSPF can run on Ethernet interfaces.

However, OSPF requires neighbors on the same link to agree on the area ID; here they differ, preventing adjacency. Option B is incorrect because OSPF process IDs are locally significant and do not need to match.

Exam trap

A common mistake is believing that OSPF process IDs must match between routers to form an adjacency; process IDs are locally significant and do not need to match.

Why the other options are wrong

B

This option is incorrect because OSPF process IDs are locally significant and do not need to match between routers. Different process IDs do not prevent adjacency formation.

C

This option is incorrect because the interfaces are in the same IPv4 subnet (10.1.50.0/24), which is a prerequisite for OSPF adjacency on broadcast networks.

D

This option is incorrect because OSPF commonly runs on Ethernet interfaces. Ethernet is a supported media type for OSPF neighbor discovery and adjacency formation.

164
Drag & Dropmedium

Drag and drop the following steps into the correct order to describe the router's routing table lookup process for a destination IP address, including the best-path selection logic (longest prefix match, then administrative distance, then metric) and the final forwarding decision.

Drag steps to the numbered slots on the right, or tap a step then tap a slot.

Steps
Order
1Step 1
2Step 2
3Step 3
4Step 4

Why this order

The router applies longest prefix match first, then administrative distance, then metric, in that order, to select the best path and forward the packet.

Exam trap

Do not confuse the order of tiebreakers: longest prefix match always comes first, then administrative distance, then metric. Many candidates mistakenly swap AD and metric or think metric is compared first.

165
MCQhard

A router has a connected route to 192.168.1.0/24 and also has a default route. Which route is used for traffic to 192.168.1.55?

A.The connected route to 192.168.1.0/24
B.The default route
C.Both routes equally
D.Neither route
AnswerA

This is correct because the destination falls within the directly connected subnet.

Why this answer

The connected route is used because it is both directly attached and more specific than the default route. In plain language, the router already knows that the destination belongs to one of its local interface networks, so it has no reason to send that traffic to a fallback route.

This is one of the most basic route-selection behaviors. Default routes matter only when no better match exists. Here, a directly connected, exact matching network is already present.

Exam trap

A common exam trap is assuming that the default route will be used for all traffic not explicitly configured, including traffic destined for directly connected subnets. Candidates may mistakenly select the default route because it appears as a fallback path, ignoring that connected routes always take precedence due to their specificity and administrative distance. Another trap is thinking that both routes could be used simultaneously or load-balanced, which is incorrect because the router selects only the best matching route based on prefix length and administrative distance.

Why the other options are wrong

B

Incorrect. The default route is less specific and only used when no matching connected or static route exists. Since a connected route matches, the default route is ignored.

C

Incorrect. The router does not load-balance equally between a connected route and a default route. It selects the single best route based on prefix length and administrative distance.

D

Incorrect. The router clearly has a matching connected route for the destination subnet, so it will use that route rather than discarding the traffic.

166
Multi-Selectmedium

Which three of the following statements about the routing table lookup process on a Cisco router are true? (Choose three.)

Select 3 answers
A.The router performs a longest prefix match to select the most specific route for a destination IP.
B.If an exact match is found for the destination network, the router will forward the packet regardless of any more specific routes.
C.A default route (0.0.0.0/0) is used only when no other route matches the destination IP.
D.The router does not perform recursive resolution when the next-hop IP address is not directly connected.
E.The router always prefers routes with a higher administrative distance over those with a lower administrative distance.
F.A directly connected route is automatically installed in the routing table when an interface is configured with an IP address and is up/up.
AnswersA, C, F

When a router receives a packet, it examines the destination IP address and searches its routing table for the route with the longest prefix length, meaning the highest number of matching bits in the network portion. This ensures that the most specific route, such as a /24, is chosen over a less specific one, like a /16, even if both entries could theoretically match. The longest prefix match algorithm is fundamental to IP routing because it enables precise path selection in networks with overlapping routes.

Why this answer

The routing table uses longest prefix match (A) to find the most specific route. The default route (C) is used only when no other route matches. Directly connected routes (F) are automatically installed when the interface is up/up.

Option D is incorrect because the router does recursively resolve the next‑hop IP when it is not directly connected.

Exam trap

Cisco often tests the misconception that an exact match overrides a more specific route, but the longest prefix match rule always selects the route with the longest subnet mask, regardless of administrative distance or metric.

Why the other options are wrong

D

When the next-hop IP is not directly connected, the router does recursively resolve the address to determine the outgoing interface.

167
MCQhard

Exhibit: R1 has the static route 'ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 192.0.2.2 200' and also learns a default route from OSPF. Which default route will be installed while the OSPF route is present?

A.The static default route
B.The OSPF default route
C.Both default routes with per-packet load balancing
D.Neither route because floating statics suppress dynamic defaults
AnswerB

The OSPF default route is the preferred route because it has a lower administrative distance (110) than the floating static default route, which is configured with a higher AD (e.g., 200) to serve as a backup. OSPF injects the default via 'default-information originate', and the routing table installs only the OSPF route for 0.0.0.0/0. The static route remains in the configuration but is not used until the OSPF route disappears.

Why this answer

The OSPF external default route wins because its administrative distance is 110, which is lower than the floating static route's distance of 200. The static route is intentionally given a higher AD so it is used only as a backup.

Exam trap

A common exam trap is assuming that static routes always override dynamic routes because static routes have a default administrative distance of 1. However, in this question, the static route is configured with an administrative distance of 200, making it less preferred than the OSPF route with an AD of 110. This floating static route is intended as a backup and will not be installed while the OSPF route is present.

Misreading the static route’s AD or ignoring it leads to the incorrect conclusion that the static route will be used, which is a frequent mistake in CCNA routing questions.

Why the other options are wrong

A

The static default route has an administrative distance of 200, which is higher than OSPF’s 110. Therefore, it is less preferred and will not be installed while the OSPF route is present, making this option incorrect.

C

Cisco routers do not perform per-packet load balancing between routes with different administrative distances. The route with the lowest AD is installed exclusively, so this option is incorrect.

D

Floating static routes do not suppress dynamic routes; instead, they serve as backups when dynamic routes are unavailable. Therefore, neither route is not installed is incorrect because the OSPF route will be installed.

168
MCQhard

A router shows the following route: O 10.10.40.0/24 [110/20] via 192.0.2.2, 00:00:12, GigabitEthernet0/0 What does the value 110 represent?

A.The OSPF cost to the destination
B.The administrative distance of OSPF
C.The number of hops to the destination
D.The route age in seconds
AnswerB

In OSPF, the first number within the brackets of an IP routing table entry is the administrative distance (AD). For OSPF, this is a fixed default of 110, which represents the protocol's trustworthiness compared to other routing sources. The router uses this value to select the best route when multiple protocols offer paths to the same destination, with lower AD being preferred. Here, the '110' matches OSPF's standard AD, confirming this is the correct interpretation.

Why this answer

In Cisco route output, the value in brackets is [administrative distance/metric].

Exam trap

A frequent exam trap is mistaking the administrative distance value for the OSPF cost or metric. The number 110 in the route output is the administrative distance, not the cost to reach the destination. The OSPF cost is the second number inside the brackets, which in this example is 20.

Confusing these values can lead to incorrect assumptions about route preference and path selection. Remember, administrative distance compares trustworthiness between routing protocols, while the metric determines the best path within a single protocol.

Why the other options are wrong

A

The OSPF cost to the destination is not represented by the first number in brackets; it is the second number. Therefore, 110 cannot be the OSPF cost.

C

The number of hops is not indicated by the value 110. OSPF does not use hop count as its metric, so this option is incorrect.

D

The route age is shown separately after the next-hop IP address and interface, not inside the brackets. Thus, 110 does not represent route age.

169
MCQhard

A network engineer notices that R1 is using the static route to 192.168.10.0/24 via next-hop 10.1.1.2 instead of the OSPF route via 10.2.2.2, even though the OSPF path has lower latency. What is the most likely cause?

A.The static route has a lower administrative distance than the OSPF route.
B.The OSPF route has a higher metric than the static route.
C.Equal-cost multi-path (ECMP) is disabled for OSPF.
D.The static route is configured with a higher next-hop IP address, so it is preferred.
AnswerA

Administrative distance is the first criterion used to select routes from different routing protocols. A static route has an AD of 1, while OSPF has an AD of 110. The lower AD wins, so the static route is installed in the routing table and used for forwarding, regardless of the OSPF path's better performance.

Why this answer

R1 prefers the static route over the OSPF route because static routes have a default administrative distance (AD) of 1, whereas OSPF has a default AD of 110. Since a lower AD indicates a more trustworthy route, the static route is installed in the routing table regardless of metric or latency. The OSPF route, despite having lower latency, is not used because AD is evaluated before metric.

Exam trap

Cisco often tests the distinction between administrative distance and metric, trapping candidates who assume lower latency or lower metric always determines the best path, when in fact AD is evaluated first for routes from different sources.

Why the other options are wrong

B

Common misconception that metrics are compared across different routing protocols. In reality, AD is evaluated first, and only routes from the same protocol with equal AD are compared by metric.

C

Mistaking ECMP as the mechanism for selecting between two routes from different sources; in this scenario, the static route's AD disqualifies the OSPF route entirely.

D

Misunderstanding that IP addresses, not administrative distance or metrics, influence path selection.

170
PBQmedium

You are connected to R1 via console. R1 connects three subnets: 10.0.1.0/24 (area 0), 10.0.2.0/24 (area 0), and 10.0.3.0/24 (area 0). The serial link to R2 uses IP subnet 10.0.0.0/30 and is in OSPF area 1. The network administrator wants to advertise a single summary route for these three subnets to R2, reducing the OSPF link-state database size in area 1. R1 is already running OSPF with network statements for its connected subnets in their respective areas. You need to configure route summarization on R1 so that only the summary route is advertised to R2 via the serial link.

Hints

  • Summarization in OSPF is configured under the router ospf process using the area range command.
  • The summary route must cover all subnets with a single prefix.
  • Verify that the summary route appears in the OSPF database as a type 3 summary LSA.
A.router ospf 1 area 0 range 10.0.0.0 255.255.252.0
B.router ospf 1 summary-address 10.0.0.0 255.255.252.0
C.interface serial 0/0/0 ip summary-address ospf 1 10.0.0.0 255.255.252.0
D.router ospf 1 area 0 range 10.0.0.0 255.255.255.0
AnswerA
solution
! R1
router ospf 1
area 0 range 10.0.0.0 255.255.252.0

Why this answer

The 'area 0 range' command creates a summary route for the specified range, which is then advertised as a type 3 summary LSA to other areas. This reduces routing table size and prevents flapping.

Exam trap

Be careful not to confuse OSPF summarization commands with those of other routing protocols. OSPF uses 'area range' for internal summarization and 'summary-address' for external routes, while EIGRP uses 'summary-address' on interfaces. Also, ensure you calculate the correct summary mask that covers all subnets without being too broad or too specific.

Why the other options are wrong

B

The 'summary-address' command is not valid for OSPF; it is used in EIGRP and BGP.

C

The 'ip summary-address ospf' command is used for external route summarization, not for summarizing internal OSPF routes within an area.

D

The mask 255.255.255.0 is too specific and only covers a single /24 network, not the required range.

171
PBQhard

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.

Network Topology
G0/010.0.0.1/30G0/010.0.0.2/30G0/1203.0.113.1/30203.0.113.2/30R1R2ISP

Hints

  • Compare the administrative distances of the two default routes in the routing table.
  • The static route currently has a lower AD (1) than EIGRP (90), so it is not acting as a backup.
  • To make a static route a floating static, you need to configure an AD higher than the dynamic protocol's AD.
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'.
B.Remove the EIGRP default route by configuring 'no network 0.0.0.0' under the EIGRP process.
C.Increase the metric of the EIGRP default route to make it less preferred than the static route.
D.Configure the static route with a next-hop of 203.0.113.2 and a metric of 100.
AnswerA
solution
! R1
configure terminal
no ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 203.0.113.2 10
ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 203.0.113.2 100
end
write memory

Why this answer

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.

Exam trap

Don't confuse administrative distance with metric. When comparing routes from different sources (static vs. EIGRP), AD is the deciding factor.

Also, remember that static routes use AD, not metric, to influence preference. The 'ip route' command syntax does not include a metric parameter.

Why the other options are wrong

B

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.

C

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.

D

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.

172
PBQhard

You are connected to R1. Configure OSPFv2 on R1 and R2 so that they form a full adjacency and can exchange routes. The current configuration has mismatched hello/dead timers blocking the adjacency. Adjust only the necessary settings on R1 to match R2's OSPF timers.

Network Topology
G0/0192.0.2.1/30G0/0192.0.2.2/30linkR1R2

Hints

  • Check the OSPF interface timers on both routers using 'show ip ospf interface'.
  • The dead interval must be exactly four times the hello interval unless manually set.
  • Use the 'ip ospf hello-interval' and 'ip ospf dead-interval' commands under the interface configuration.
A.Configure 'ip ospf hello-interval 5' and 'ip ospf dead-interval 20' on R1's GigabitEthernet0/0 interface.
B.Configure 'ip ospf hello-interval 10' and 'ip ospf dead-interval 40' on R2's interface to match R1's default timers.
C.Configure 'ip ospf hello-interval 5' on R1's GigabitEthernet0/0 interface only; the dead interval will adjust automatically.
D.Configure 'ip ospf dead-interval 20' on R1's GigabitEthernet0/0 interface only; the hello interval will adjust automatically.
AnswerA
solution
! R1
interface gigabitethernet0/0
ip ospf hello-interval 5
ip ospf dead-interval 20

Why this answer

The adjacency between R1 and R2 is not forming because the OSPF hello and dead timers are mismatched. R1 has default timers (Hello 10, Dead 40) while R2 has custom timers (Hello 5, Dead 20). To form an adjacency, OSPF timers must match on both ends.

On R1, you need to configure the OSPF interface timers to match R2 by issuing 'ip ospf hello-interval 5' and 'ip ospf dead-interval 20' on interface GigabitEthernet0/0. After applying these commands, the adjacency should come up.

Exam trap

A common trap is assuming that changing only the hello interval will automatically adjust the dead interval, or vice versa. In Cisco IOS, these timers are independent and must be set explicitly. Also, note that the dead interval must be at least four times the hello interval, but that relationship is not enforced automatically.

Why the other options are wrong

B

The specific factual error is that the instruction limits changes to R1 only; modifying R2 is not allowed.

C

The specific factual error is that the dead interval is not automatically derived from the hello interval; it must be set separately.

D

The specific factual error is that the hello interval is not automatically derived from the dead interval; both must be set explicitly.

173
Multi-Selectmedium

Which TWO statements about floating static routes and default routes are correct?

Select 2 answers
A.A floating static route uses an administrative distance higher than that of the primary route to act as a backup.
B.A floating static route must have a lower administrative distance than the primary route to ensure faster convergence.
C.A default route can be configured as a static route with destination 0.0.0.0/0 for IPv4 and ::/0 for IPv6.
D.Floating static routes are supported only for IPv6, not for IPv4.
E.A default static route cannot be configured as a floating static route.
AnswersA, C

A floating static route is configured with an administrative distance (AD) higher than that of the primary route, such as AD 200 instead of the default AD 1 for a directly connected static route. This higher AD makes the route less preferred, so the router uses the primary route as long as it exists in the routing table; if the primary route disappears, the floating static route is installed as a backup and traffic is sent via its next hop.

Why this answer

A floating static route is configured with a higher administrative distance (AD) than the primary route. This ensures the floating route remains inactive in the routing table unless the primary route fails, at which point the router installs the floating static route as a backup. The higher AD makes it less preferred than the primary dynamic or static route.

Exam trap

Cisco often tests the misconception that a floating static route must have a lower AD to be 'faster,' when in fact it requires a higher AD to serve as a backup; candidates also mistakenly think default routes cannot be made floating or that floating routes are IPv6-only.

Why the other options are wrong

B

Floating static routes require a higher AD, not lower, to be less preferred than the primary route.

D

Both IPv4 and IPv6 static routes can be configured as floating routes by setting a higher AD.

E

You can have multiple default static routes with different ADs, making the higher AD one a floating backup.

174
Drag & Dropmedium

Drag and drop the following steps into the correct order to configure and verify HSRP active/standby election, including priority, preempt, virtual IP, and failover verification.

Drag steps to the numbered slots on the right, or tap a step then tap a slot.

Steps
Order
1Step 1
2Step 2
3Step 3
4Step 4

Why this order

The order ensures the interface is ready, then priority and preempt are set to influence the election, followed by the virtual IP and verification of failover behavior.

Exam trap

Do not configure the virtual IP before setting priority and preempt, as the router may become active with default priority and then preempt later, causing unnecessary flapping. Always configure the interface first, then priority/preempt, then virtual IP.

175
PBQhard

You are connected to R1 via console. R1 and R2 are directly connected via GigabitEthernet0/0. Configure OSPF process 1 on both routers so that they form a full adjacency. R1's router-id must be 1.1.1.1, and R2's router-id must be 2.2.2.2. Use network statements to advertise the direct link. Ensure that R1 does not send OSPF hellos out of its GigabitEthernet0/1 interface. The current configuration on R1 has mismatched hello and dead timers, and an incorrect network type, preventing adjacency. Fix all issues.

Network Topology
G0/0192.0.2.1/30G0/0192.0.2.2/30linkR1R2

Hints

  • Check the hello and dead timer values on R1 vs R2 using show ip ospf interface.
  • The default hello timer for broadcast networks is 10 seconds, dead timer 40 seconds.
  • Use interface configuration mode to change OSPF timers.
A.On R1, configure 'ip ospf hello-interval 10' and 'ip ospf dead-interval 40' under interface GigabitEthernet0/0, and ensure network type is broadcast. On R2, configure 'router-id 2.2.2.2' under router ospf 1. Also, on R1, add 'passive-interface GigabitEthernet0/1' under router ospf 1.
B.On R1, configure 'ip ospf hello-interval 30' and 'ip ospf dead-interval 120' under interface GigabitEthernet0/0, and set network type to point-to-point. On R2, configure 'router-id 2.2.2.2' under router ospf 1. Also, on R1, add 'passive-interface default' under router ospf 1.
C.On R1, configure 'ip ospf hello-interval 10' and 'ip ospf dead-interval 40' under interface GigabitEthernet0/0, and set network type to point-to-point. On R2, configure 'router-id 2.2.2.2' under router ospf 1. Also, on R1, add 'passive-interface GigabitEthernet0/1' under router ospf 1.
D.On R1, configure 'ip ospf hello-interval 10' and 'ip ospf dead-interval 40' under interface GigabitEthernet0/0, and ensure network type is broadcast. On R2, configure 'router-id 2.2.2.2' under router ospf 1. Also, on R1, add 'network 10.0.0.0 0.255.255.255 area 0' under router ospf 1.
AnswerA
solution
! R1
interface GigabitEthernet0/0
ip ospf hello-interval 10
ip ospf dead-interval 40

Why this answer

The adjacency was failing because R1 had incorrect hello (30) and dead (120) timers, while R2 used defaults (10/40). Additionally, R1’s network type was set to a non-broadcast type, causing a mismatch. To fix, on R1’s GigabitEthernet0/0, set hello-interval 10, dead-interval 40, and network type broadcast.

In OSPF process 1 on R1, configure passive-interface GigabitEthernet0/1 to suppress hellos on that interface. On R2, under router ospf 1, set router-id 2.2.2.2. Option A addresses all requirements.

Option B uses wrong timers and passive-interface default, which blocks hellos on all interfaces, breaking adjacency. Option C sets network type point-to-point, creating a type mismatch with R2’s broadcast, preventing adjacency. Option D omits the passive-interface command, failing to suppress hellos on GigabitEthernet0/1 as required.

Exam trap

The exam trap is that candidates may focus on the network type or extra network statements, but the primary issue is the timer mismatch. OSPF requires hello and dead timers to match for adjacency. Also, remember that 'passive-interface default' suppresses hellos on all interfaces, which would break the adjacency; use specific passive-interface commands.

Why the other options are wrong

B

Incorrect timers (30/120) break adjacency, and 'passive-interface default' suppresses hellos on all interfaces, including the transit link.

C

Network type point-to-point on R1 does not match R2's default broadcast, causing a type mismatch that prevents OSPF adjacency.

D

Omits the required 'passive-interface GigabitEthernet0/1' command, leaving hellos sending on that interface.

176
MCQhard

Based on the exhibit, why is traffic to 192.168.40.200 using the default route instead of the intended static route?

A.The static route next hop is unreachable or invalid for forwarding.
B.Default routes always override static routes.
C.The destination must be configured as a /16, not a /24.
D.Static routes can be used only if OSPF is disabled.
AnswerA

The IPv4 routing table installs a static route only when the next-hop address is reachable via a valid connected or static interface route. If the next hop is unreachable—for example, no directly connected network matches it or the recursive lookup fails—the route is not inserted into the RIB, and traffic to 192.168.40.200 falls back to the default route. Therefore, the static route next hop being unreachable or invalid correctly explains why the destination is not using the static path.

Why this answer

The intended static route is not being used because the next hop for that static route is not reachable from the current routing table. In practical terms, a route can be configured, but the router still needs a way to resolve and forward to the next-hop address. If that next hop is unreachable, the route may not be installed or usable, so traffic falls back to the default route instead.

This is a realistic troubleshooting pattern because the configuration line alone can look correct until you compare it with actual reachability.

Exam trap

Be cautious of confusing administrative distance with reachability issues. Always verify the next hop's reachability.

Why the other options are wrong

B

This option is incorrect because static routes do not inherently get overridden by default routes; rather, the routing table prioritizes routes based on their specificity and administrative distance.

C

This option is incorrect because the subnet mask of the destination IP does not affect the functionality of static routes in this context; static routes can operate with various subnet masks without being limited to /16 or /24.

D

This option is incorrect because static routes can coexist with dynamic routing protocols like OSPF; they do not require OSPF to be disabled to function properly.

177
MCQhard

Two directly connected routers, R1 and R2, are configured with single-area OSPF in Area 0. The administrator notices that they are not forming a full OSPF neighbor adjacency. The exhibit displays relevant portions of the running configurations. What is the most likely cause of the problem?

A.The network command on R1 does not include the correct subnet mask.
B.R1's passive-interface default prevents OSPF hello packets from being sent on GigabitEthernet0/0.
C.The GigabitEthernet0/0 interface on R2 is administratively down.
D.The routers are configured with different OSPF area IDs.
AnswerB

R1's configuration includes `passive-interface default`, which makes all OSPF-enabled interfaces passive by default. A passive interface does not send or process OSPF hello packets, so R1 never establishes a neighbor relationship on GigabitEthernet0/0. Unless a `no passive-interface GigabitEthernet0/0` statement is present, hellos are suppressed even though the interface is up and the network statement matches.

Why this answer

The passive-interface default command on R1 sets all interfaces to passive by default, which prevents OSPF hello packets from being sent out GigabitEthernet0/0. Without hello packets, R1 cannot discover R2 or form a neighbor adjacency, even though the network command is correctly configured. This is the most likely cause because the exhibit shows R1's configuration includes passive-interface default without a corresponding no passive-interface GigabitEthernet0/0 statement.

Exam trap

Cisco often tests the passive-interface default command as a trap, because candidates may overlook that it applies to all interfaces unless explicitly overridden, leading them to incorrectly focus on network command mismatches or area ID issues.

Why the other options are wrong

A

The network statement is syntactically correct and covers the interface IP address, so it does enable OSPF process on that interface (subject to the passive-interface setting).

C

The configuration shows 'no shutdown', indicating the interface is enabled. Administrative down would require the 'shutdown' command or lack of 'no shutdown'.

D

The output clearly shows 'area 0' in both routers' OSPF configurations, so area mismatch is not the cause.

178
MCQhard

Refer to the exhibit. A network engineer is troubleshooting an OSPF adjacency issue between R1 and R2. The output of the show ip ospf neighbor command on R1 shows the neighbor relationship with R2 stuck in the EXSTART/DROTHER state. What is the most likely cause?

A.OSPF network type mismatch between R1 and R2, preventing full adjacency.
B.Duplicate OSPF Router IDs on R1 and R2, causing DBD packet rejection.
C.OSPF authentication mismatch on the link, causing DBD packets to be rejected.
D.MTU mismatch on the link between R1 and R2, causing DBD packets to be dropped.
AnswerD

The EXSTART/DROTHER state in the exhibit indicates that OSPF is stuck in the DBD exchange phase. This is a classic symptom of an MTU mismatch, where one side creates DBD packets larger than the other's MTU, leading to silent drops. The output directly confirms the neighbor is in EXSTART, not EXCHANGE or FULL.

Why this answer

The EXSTART/DROTHER state indicates that the routers have progressed beyond the 2-WAY state but are stuck during the Database Description (DBD) packet exchange phase. An MTU mismatch between R1 and R2 causes DBD packets to be dropped because the receiving router will reject packets larger than its configured interface MTU, preventing the routers from completing the master/slave election and database synchronization.

Exam trap

The trap here is that candidates often confuse the EXSTART/DROTHER state with authentication or network type mismatches, but Cisco specifically tests that MTU mismatches cause DBD packet drops during the database exchange phase, not earlier adjacency stages.

Why the other options are wrong

A

Candidates may confuse adjacency failures with DBD exchange problems, but network type mismatch leads to a different state (2-WAY).

B

Candidates think duplicate Router IDs might cause DBD exchange failure, but duplicate IDs prevent neighbor discovery entirely.

C

Many associate EXSTART with any adjacency issue, but authentication errors prevent the neighbor from being listed at all.

179
PBQmedium

You are connected to R1 via console. R1 has three directly connected subnets: 192.168.1.0/24 (G0/0), 192.168.2.0/24 (G0/1), and 192.168.3.0/24 (G0/2). You need to configure a summary route to be advertised to a neighbor via a static route pointing to Null0 to prevent routing loops. The summary should cover all three subnets.

Hints

  • Determine the smallest subnet mask that can summarize the three /24 networks.
  • The summary route should be a single prefix that covers all three subnets.
  • Use Null0 as the next-hop to drop traffic that does not match a more specific route.
A.ip route 192.168.0.0 255.255.252.0 Null0
B.ip route 192.168.1.0 255.255.252.0 Null0
C.ip route 192.168.0.0 255.255.255.0 Null0
D.ip route 192.168.0.0 255.255.254.0 Null0
AnswerA
solution
! R1
ip route 192.168.0.0 255.255.252.0 Null0

Why this answer

The three subnets 192.168.1.0/24, 192.168.2.0/24, and 192.168.3.0/24 can be summarized as 192.168.0.0/22, which covers 192.168.0.0 to 192.168.3.255. A static route to Null0 ensures that traffic matching the summary but not a more specific route is dropped, preventing routing loops.

Exam trap

When summarizing, ensure the summary network address is the first address in the block (aligned to the subnet boundary) and the mask is calculated correctly. A common mistake is to start the summary at the first subnet address (192.168.1.0) instead of the network address (192.168.0.0). Also, verify the mask covers all subnets without including extra networks.

Why the other options are wrong

B

The network address is wrong; the summary must start at 192.168.0.0, not 192.168.1.0.

C

The subnet mask /24 is too small; it does not summarize the three subnets.

D

The subnet mask /23 is too specific; it only covers two of the three subnets.

180
MCQmedium

A branch router learns a route to 10.20.30.0/24 from OSPF with metric 30 and also has a static route to the same prefix with an administrative distance of 5. Which route will appear in the routing table?

A.The OSPF route because metric 30 is lower than the static route metric
B.The static route because its administrative distance is lower
C.Both routes with equal preference because they point to the same prefix
D.Neither route until the router performs a full SPF recalculation
AnswerB

A static route is assigned an administrative distance of 1 by default in Cisco IOS, whereas an OSPF internal route has an AD of 110. Because the router always prefers the route with the lowest AD, it installs the static route in the routing table and uses it to forward traffic to 10.20.30.0/24. The OSPF route is retained in the OSPF database but not placed in the RIB.

Why this answer

The router installs the static route because administrative distance is compared before metric when two different routing sources advertise the same prefix. OSPF metric matters only against other OSPF choices, not against a lower-AD static route.

Exam trap

A common exam trap is to confuse the OSPF metric with administrative distance and assume the route with the lower metric is preferred. Since OSPF’s metric is 30 and the static route’s metric is not applicable or higher, candidates may incorrectly select the OSPF route. However, Cisco routers first compare administrative distance, which is a measure of route trustworthiness across different routing sources.

Because the static route has a lower administrative distance (5) than OSPF (110), the static route is preferred and installed in the routing table. Misunderstanding this leads to incorrect route selection and exam errors.

Why the other options are wrong

A

This option is incorrect because metric values are only compared among routes learned from the same routing protocol. The OSPF metric of 30 is irrelevant when compared to a static route, which is a different routing source with a lower administrative distance.

C

This option is incorrect because routers do not install multiple routes to the same prefix from different routing protocols unless they have equal administrative distance and are configured for load balancing. Here, the static route’s lower AD prevents the OSPF route from being installed.

D

This option is incorrect because the router does not delay route installation until a full SPF recalculation. Route selection is immediate based on administrative distance and metric rules. SPF recalculation only affects OSPF route selection, not cross-protocol comparisons.

181
PBQmedium

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).

Network Topology
G0/0192.168.1.1/24S0/0/010.0.0.2/30R1R2

Hints

  • The destination is a single host address.
  • Use the next-hop IP address of R2's serial interface.
  • The command starts with 'ip route'.
A.ip route 192.168.100.1 255.255.255.255 10.0.0.2
B.ip route 192.168.100.0 255.255.255.0 10.0.0.2
C.ip route 192.168.100.1 255.255.255.255 192.168.1.1
D.ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 10.0.0.2
AnswerA
solution
! R1
ip route 192.168.100.1 255.255.255.255 10.0.0.2

Why this answer

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.

Exam trap

Pay close attention to the prefix length of the destination. The loopback is a /32 host route, so the mask must be 255.255.255.255. Also, ensure the next-hop IP is directly connected to R1.

Why the other options are wrong

B

Uses a /24 mask, which does not match the /32 loopback address, potentially leading to incorrect routing.

C

Uses next-hop 192.168.1.1, which is not directly reachable over the serial link to R2.

D

Creates a default route, which is not a host-specific static route as required.

182
MCQhard

Which summary route best represents these four networks? 10.20.0.0/24 10.20.1.0/24 10.20.2.0/24 10.20.3.0/24

A.10.20.0.0/22
B.10.20.0.0/23
C.10.20.0.0/24
D.10.20.0.0/21
AnswerA

10.20.0.0/22 is the correct summary because it aggregates exactly the four /24 networks 10.20.0.0, 10.20.1.0, 10.20.2.0, and 10.20.3.0 into a single contiguous block. The /22 prefix length means the first 22 bits are fixed, covering address space from 10.20.0.0 to 10.20.3.255, which is a power-of-two boundary and the smallest supernet that contains all four without any wasted addresses.

Why this answer

Four contiguous /24 networks starting at 10.20.0.0 summarize cleanly into 10.20.0.0/22. That block covers 10.20.0.0 through 10.20.3.255.

Exam trap

Be careful to calculate the correct subnet mask that covers all given networks without including unnecessary additional ranges.

Why the other options are wrong

B

Option B, 10.20.0.0/23, is incorrect because it only encompasses two of the four specified networks (10.20.0.0/24 and 10.20.1.0/24), failing to include the other two networks (10.20.2.0/24 and 10.20.3.0/24).

C

Option C is incorrect because it only summarizes a single network (10.20.0.0/24) and does not encompass the other three networks (10.20.1.0/24, 10.20.2.0/24, 10.20.3.0/24) that need to be included in the summary route.

D

Option D (10.20.0.0/21) is incorrect because it encompasses a larger range of addresses than required, including networks that are not part of the specified four networks, which are only within the /24 range of 10.20.0.0 to 10.20.3.0.

183
Drag & Dropmedium

Drag and drop the following steps into the correct order to describe the router's routing table lookup process for a destination IP address, including best-path selection using longest prefix match, administrative distance, and metric.

Drag steps to the numbered slots on the right, or tap a step then tap a slot.

Steps
Order
1Step 1
2Step 2
3Step 3
4Step 4

Why this order

The order follows the router's decision process: longest prefix match first, then administrative distance, then metric, leading to the forwarding decision.

Exam trap

Students often confuse the order of AD and metric, thinking metric is compared before AD. Remember: AD is a tiebreaker between different routing protocols (e.g., OSPF vs. EIGRP), while metric is a tiebreaker within the same protocol.

Also, longest prefix match always comes first—never skip it.

184
MCQhard

A router has a static route to 10.20.20.0/24 and also has a default route. Which route is used for traffic to 10.20.20.8?

A.The static route to 10.20.20.0/24
B.The default route
C.Both routes are used equally
D.Neither route is valid
AnswerA

The static route to 10.20.20.0/24 is used because routers employ longest prefix match (LPM) to select the most specific route in the routing table. With a destination of 10.20.20.0/24, the /24 prefix has 24 matching bits, whereas the default route has only 0 matching bits. Therefore, the /24 route is preferred and installed as the best route.

Why this answer

The static route to 10.20.20.0/24 is used because it is more specific than the default route. In practical terms, the router always chooses the route that most precisely matches the destination before falling back to the default route.

This question reinforces the idea that the default route is a route of last resort, not a preferred choice when a better match already exists.

Exam trap

A frequent exam trap is assuming the default route is used whenever it exists, ignoring the presence of more specific static routes. This misunderstanding leads to incorrect answers because routers always prefer the route with the longest matching prefix, not the default route unless no other matches exist.

Why the other options are wrong

B

This option is incorrect because the default route is less specific and only used when no other matching routes exist. Here, a more specific static route is present.

C

This option is incorrect because routers do not load balance equally between a specific static route and a default route; they prefer the most specific route.

D

This option is incorrect because the static route to 10.20.20.0/24 clearly matches the destination, making it a valid route for forwarding traffic.

185
PBQhard

You are connected to R1 via the console. Configure single-area OSPFv2 on R1 and R2 so that they form a full adjacency. The link between R1 and R2 uses 203.0.113.0/30. R1 has G0/0 203.0.113.1/30 and R2 has G0/0 203.0.113.2/30. R1's router-id must be 1.1.1.1, and R2's router-id must be 2.2.2.2. R1's GigabitEthernet0/0 interface is configured as a passive interface under OSPF, preventing OSPF hello messages from being sent out of that interface. Ensure that R1 does not send OSPF hellos out of its loopback0 interface (203.0.113.129/32). After configuration, verify the adjacency is established and OSPF routes are exchanged.

Hints

  • Check if G0/0 is passive on R1 using 'show ip ospf interface'
  • The passive-interface default command makes all interfaces passive unless explicitly excluded
  • Use 'no passive-interface <interface>' under router ospf to allow hellos on the link
A.The adjacency fails because R1's GigabitEthernet0/0 interface is configured as passive-interface. Remove the passive-interface command for G0/0.
B.The adjacency fails because the router-id 1.1.1.1 is not reachable from R2. Configure a static route for 1.1.1.1/32 on R2.
C.The adjacency fails because the subnet mask on the link is /30 but OSPF expects a /24. Change the mask to /24 on both interfaces.
D.The adjacency fails because OSPF is not enabled on R2's GigabitEthernet0/0 interface. Configure 'ip ospf 1 area 0' on R2's G0/0.
AnswerA
solution
! R1
router ospf 1
no passive-interface GigabitEthernet0/0

Why this answer

The adjacency fails because R1's GigabitEthernet0/0 interface is configured as passive-interface (the 'No Hellos' line in show ip ospf interface). This prevents R1 from sending OSPF hellos to R2. To fix, remove the passive-interface command for G0/0.

The loopback0 interface should remain passive. After removal, verify with 'show ip ospf neighbor' to see the neighbor state change to FULL and 'show ip route ospf' to see routes.

Exam trap

The trap is that candidates may overlook the 'passive-interface' command's effect on hello suppression. They might focus on router-id or subnet issues instead. Always check 'show ip ospf interface' for passive status when adjacency fails.

Why the other options are wrong

B

The router-id is used only for OSPF router identification and does not need to be reachable; adjacency uses interface IP addresses.

C

OSPF does not require a specific subnet mask; it uses the configured mask on the interface as the network type.

D

OSPF is enabled on R2's G0/0; the issue is on R1's side where the passive-interface prevents hellos.

186
Multi-Selectmedium

Which two statements accurately describe route summarization?

Select 2 answers
A.It can reduce the number of individual routes that must be advertised.
B.It can help improve routing scalability by simplifying route information.
C.It forces every router to use only a default route.
D.It is the same thing as PAT overload.
E.It automatically encrypts routing updates.
AnswersA, B

Summarization combines multiple contiguous subnet prefixes into a single aggregate route, so a router advertises one summary instead of many specific entries. For example, 10.1.1.0/24 through 10.1.4.0/24 can be advertised as 10.1.0.0/22, shrinking the routing table and update size. This reduces bandwidth and processing required for routing protocol updates.

Why this answer

Route summarization combines multiple specific routes into a smaller number of broader advertisements. In plain language, it lets a router describe a group of networks with one shorter, more general route instead of announcing each one individually. This can reduce routing-table size and improve scalability. It can also reduce the amount of routing information that must be exchanged across certain boundaries.

The wrong answers often confuse summarization with default routing or encryption. The two correct statements are the ones that preserve its aggregation and scaling purpose.

Exam trap

A frequent exam trap is mistaking route summarization for default routing or NAT-related functions. Some candidates incorrectly believe summarization forces routers to use only a default route, which is false because summarization still advertises specific aggregated routes, not just a default. Others confuse summarization with PAT overload, a NAT feature unrelated to routing.

Additionally, some think summarization automatically encrypts routing updates, which it does not. These misconceptions can lead to incorrect answers and misunderstandings about routing behavior in Cisco networks.

Why the other options are wrong

C

Option C is incorrect because summarization does not force routers to use only a default route; it aggregates routes but still allows routers to use more specific routes within the summary when available.

D

Option D is incorrect since route summarization is a routing optimization technique and is unrelated to PAT overload, which is a NAT function that translates multiple private IP addresses to a single public IP address with port differentiation.

E

Option E is incorrect because route summarization does not involve encryption of routing updates; encryption is a separate security feature not related to summarization.

187
MCQhard

Refer to the exhibit. A network engineer notices that traffic from R1 to the 10.1.0.0/16 network is taking a longer path than expected despite OSPF being the only routing protocol. The engineer examines the OSPF LSDB on R1 to investigate. Based on the output, what is the most likely cause of the suboptimal routing?

A.The reference bandwidth has been misconfigured on R1, causing the OSPF cost calculation to be inflated for some links.
B.The ABR is filtering the 10.1.0.0/16 route from Area 1 into Area 0, causing the router to recalculate the metric higher.
C.The ABR is configured with the 'area 1 range 10.1.0.0 255.255.0.0 cost 1000' command.
D.The metric-type for OSPF external routes has been set to type 2, causing the metric to be inflated to 1000 for the 10.1.0.0/16 prefix.
AnswerC

The ABR (10.1.1.1) is advertising a Type 3 summary LSA for 10.1.0.0/16 with a metric of 1000. This matches the behavior of the 'area range' command with the 'cost' keyword, which overrides the default metric calculation for inter-area summaries and injects the specified cost. The other LSAs from the same ABR use normal metrics, confirming the summary-specific configuration.

Why this answer

The OSPF LSDB output shows that the route to 10.1.0.0/16 has a metric of 1000, which is unusually high for an intra-area or inter-area route. The 'area 1 range 10.1.0.0 255.255.0.0 cost 1000' command on the ABR sets a fixed cost for the summarized route, overriding the default OSPF cost calculation. This causes R1 to see a higher metric for the summarized route, leading to suboptimal routing if a lower-cost path exists via another area or router.

Exam trap

Cisco often tests the distinction between route summarization with a fixed cost versus default OSPF cost calculation, and the trap here is that candidates may confuse the 'area range cost' command with external route metric manipulation or filtering, rather than recognizing it as a summary route cost override.

Why the other options are wrong

A

Candidates may attribute arbitrary high metrics to a bandwidth calculation error, without noticing that only one LSA is affected.

B

A misunderstanding that filtering can somehow alter the metric rather than block the advertisement completely.

D

Confusion between external and inter-area route types leads candidates to think that metric-type manipulation could affect an internal summary LSA.

188
MCQhard

An enterprise network uses an IPv6 dual-stack design. Router R1 has a primary default route ::/0 via 2001:db8:1::1 with AD 1 and a floating default route with AD 10 via link-local address fe80::2. After the primary link fails, the floating route fails to install, and R1 loses all external connectivity. The administrator confirms the backup interface is up/up.

A.The administrative distance of the backup route is 10, so it is not installed while the primary route still exists.
B.The floating static route uses a link-local next-hop but does not specify an exit interface, making the route incomplete.
C.The floating static route will be installed only if the primary link is administratively shut down, not after a physical failure.
D.The next-hop fe80::2 is unreachable because IPv6 neighbor discovery is disabled on the backup interface.
AnswerB

An IPv6 static route that uses a link-local next-hop such as fe80::2 must also specify the exit interface because link-local addresses are only meaningful on a specific link. Without that interface keyword, the router cannot determine which interface to use to reach the next hop, so the route is considered incomplete and is not installed in the routing table. This remains true even if the next-hop address is otherwise reachable, and it is exactly why the backup route fails to appear when the primary route is removed. The correct configuration would include the outgoing interface, for example 'ipv6 route 2001:db8::/32 GigabitEthernet0/1 fe80::2'.

Why this answer

A floating static route using a link-local next-hop (fe80::2) must also specify an exit interface (e.g., GigabitEthernet0/1) to be considered complete. Without the exit interface, the router cannot determine which interface to use for neighbor discovery, leaving the route incomplete and unable to be installed into the routing table. This is a common requirement for IPv6 static routes with link-local addresses, as the next-hop is not globally unique.

Exam trap

Cisco often tests the requirement that IPv6 static routes with link-local next-hops must include an exit interface, tricking candidates into thinking the route is valid without it or misattributing the failure to administrative distance or interface status.

Why the other options are wrong

A

A floating static route with a higher AD is installed when the lower AD route is removed because of interface failure.

C

Floating static routes do not distinguish between physical and administrative interface down events; the primary route is removed in both cases.

D

The immediate cause is the missing exit interface; neighbor discovery configuration does not make an incomplete static route valid.

189
MCQhard

Refer to the exhibit. A network technician is troubleshooting router R1, which cannot reach hosts on the internet. R1 is connected to an ISP router at 203.0.113.1. The exhibit shows the output of the show ip route command. What is the most likely cause of the issue?

A.A static default route is not configured on R1, and OSPF is not advertising a default route.
B.The OSPF neighbor relationship with the ISP router is down.
C.The interface connecting to the ISP router is in a shutdown state.
D.An incorrect next-hop address was specified in the static default route, making the route invalid.
AnswerA

The output explicitly shows 'Gateway of last resort is not set' and no 0.0.0.0/0 route. A default route is required to reach external networks like the internet. The OSPF-learned route proves OSPF adjacency, but the absence of O*E2 or similar default route indicates default-information originate is not configured.

Why this answer

The exhibit shows that R1 has no default route (0.0.0.0/0) in its routing table, and the only routes present are OSPF-learned internal routes. Since R1 cannot reach the internet, the most likely cause is that no static default route is configured pointing to the ISP router (203.0.113.1) and OSPF is not injecting a default route into R1. Without a default route, R1 has no path for traffic destined outside its OSPF domain.

Exam trap

Cisco often tests the misconception that OSPF automatically shares a default route to all neighbors, when in fact it requires explicit configuration via the 'default-information originate' command.

Why the other options are wrong

B

Candidates often assume OSPF is not working at all when a default route is missing, ignoring other OSPF routes in the table.

C

Candidates may assume any connectivity failure means an interface is disabled, but the routing table would show no connected network if the interface were shut down.

D

Candidates might think a misconfigured static route would cause the problem, but they overlook that the route would still appear in the table, just with a different next-hop.

190
MCQhard

R1 has routes to 172.16.10.0/24 from multiple sources. Which route will be installed?

A.The OSPF route with metric 20
B.The EIGRP internal route
C.The RIP route because hop count is lowest
D.The static route with administrative distance 95
AnswerB

EIGRP internal AD 90 is the lowest among the listed candidates.

Why this answer

Routers compare route source trust first using administrative distance. EIGRP internal routes have an AD of 90, which is lower than OSPF (110), RIP (120), and a static route with AD 95. Therefore, the EIGRP internal route is installed, regardless of metrics.

Exam trap

A common trap is confusing administrative distance with routing metric, causing candidates to choose OSPF due to its lower metric or the static route with AD 95 over the correct EIGRP route.

Why the other options are wrong

A

The OSPF route (AD 110) has a lower metric but a higher administrative distance than EIGRP, so it loses.

C

The RIP route (AD 120) has the highest administrative distance and loses regardless of its hop count metric.

D

The static route with AD 95 loses to the EIGRP internal route (AD 90) because a lower AD is preferred.

191
Drag & Dropmedium

Drag and drop the following steps into the correct order to describe the router's routing table lookup process from receiving a packet with a destination IP address to making the forwarding decision, including best-path selection criteria.

Drag steps to the numbered slots on the right, or tap a step then tap a slot.

Steps
Order
1Step 1
2Step 2
3Step 3
4Step 4

Why this order

The process starts with packet arrival, then longest prefix match, followed by tie-breaking using administrative distance and metric, culminating in forwarding.

Exam trap

Do not confuse the order of longest prefix match and administrative distance. Longest prefix match is always performed first; administrative distance and metric are tie-breakers applied only when multiple routes match the same prefix length.

192
MCQhard

A router shows the following routing table entries for the same destination: O 10.10.50.0/24 [110/20] via 192.168.12.2, GigabitEthernet0/0 D 10.10.50.0/24 [90/30720] via 192.168.13.2, GigabitEthernet0/1 Which route will become the active route in the routing table?

A.The OSPF route, because its metric is lower
B.The EIGRP route, because its administrative distance is lower
C.Both routes, because the prefixes are identical
D.Neither route, because the metrics use different scales
AnswerB

EIGRP is selected because Cisco routers use administrative distance (AD) as the primary trust metric when multiple routing protocols propose the same prefix. The default AD for EIGRP internal routes is 90, while OSPF's default AD is 110; the lower AD wins, so the EIGRP route is installed in the routing table. The metric values from different protocols are never compared against each other—the router first chooses the protocol with the best AD, and only then uses that protocol's metric for path selection. Therefore, even though OSPF may report a numerically smaller cost, EIGRP's lower AD takes precedence.

Why this answer

The EIGRP route becomes active because the router compares administrative distance first when the same destination is learned from different routing protocols. This is one of the most common Cisco exam traps: candidates compare the OSPF metric value of 20 to the EIGRP metric value and assume the smaller number must win. That is not how route selection works across different protocols.

OSPF metrics and EIGRP metrics are calculated differently, so the router does not compare them directly. Instead it checks administrative distance. EIGRP internal routes default to 90, while OSPF routes default to 110.

Since 90 is lower than 110, the EIGRP route is trusted more and is installed as the active path.

Exam trap

Avoid comparing metric values directly between different protocols; focus on administrative distance first.

Why the other options are wrong

A

This option is incorrect because the active route is determined by the administrative distance, not the metric. In this case, the EIGRP route has a lower administrative distance than the OSPF route, making it the active route.

C

This option is incorrect because only one route can be active for a given destination in a routing table, and having identical prefixes does not mean both routes can be active simultaneously. The router will select the route with the lower administrative distance, which is not addressed here.

D

This option is wrong because both routes are valid, and the router will select the route with the lower administrative distance, not the metric. The administrative distance of the EIGRP route is lower than that of the OSPF route, making it the active route.

193
Multi-Selecthard

A static default route is configured on R1 toward ISP-A, and a second default route toward ISP-B is configured with a higher administrative distance. Which two statements are correct during normal operation and after ISP-A failure?

Select 2 answers
A.The route through ISP-A is preferred during normal operation
B.The route through ISP-B acts as a floating backup
C.Both defaults are always installed and used equally
D.The backup route is ignored permanently because only one default route can exist
AnswersA, B

During normal operation, the static default route toward ISP-A is installed in the routing table because it has the default administrative distance of 1 for a static route. Cisco routers select the route with the lowest AD for a given prefix, so the ISP-A default outranks the ISP-B route, which is configured with a higher AD (typically 200). Consequently, all unmatched traffic is forwarded via ISP-A under steady-state conditions.

Why this answer

This is a classic floating static design. The lower-AD default route is primary, and the higher-AD default waits in reserve.

Exam trap

A frequent exam trap is assuming that both default routes are simultaneously active and load-balanced, or that the backup route is permanently ignored because only one default route can exist. The trap lies in misunderstanding administrative distance behavior: the higher AD route is not used until the primary route fails. Misreading this can lead to incorrect answers claiming equal usage or permanent backup route exclusion.

Remember, Cisco routers always prefer the route with the lowest administrative distance and only switch to the floating static route when the primary path is lost.

Why the other options are wrong

C

This option is incorrect because Cisco routers do not install multiple default routes with different administrative distances simultaneously; only the route with the lowest AD is installed and used.

D

This option is incorrect because the backup route is not ignored permanently; it becomes active when the primary default route toward ISP-A fails, ensuring continuous connectivity.

194
Multi-Selectmedium

Which three of the following are valid features of Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP)? (Choose three.)

Select 3 answers
.EIGRP maintains a topology table containing all routes learned from neighbors.
.EIGRP uses the Diffusing Update Algorithm (DUAL) to ensure loop-free paths.
.EIGRP supports unequal-cost load balancing using the 'variance' command.
.EIGRP is a link-state routing protocol similar to OSPF.
.EIGRP uses multicast address 224.0.0.5 for all neighbor communications.
.EIGRP automatically summarizes routes at classful boundaries by default on all interfaces.

Why this answer

All three statements are correct features of EIGRP. EIGRP maintains a topology table that stores all routes learned from directly connected neighbors, including feasible successors. It uses the Diffusing Update Algorithm (DUAL) to guarantee loop-free paths by performing a diffusing computation when a route is lost.

Additionally, EIGRP supports unequal-cost load balancing by using the 'variance' command, which allows traffic to be distributed across multiple paths with different metrics, as long as the metric of the alternate path is within the variance multiplier times the best metric.

Exam trap

Cisco often tests the distinction between EIGRP's topology table (which stores all learned routes) and its routing table (which stores only the best routes), and candidates may confuse the 'variance' command with equal-cost load balancing only, forgetting that it enables unequal-cost load balancing.

195
PBQhard

You are connected to R1, a router that must establish OSPFv3 adjacency with R2 over the directly connected link G0/0. The current configuration is incomplete: OSPFv3 process is configured but not enabled on the interface, and global IPv6 unicast routing is missing. Configure R1 so that it becomes an OSPFv3 neighbor with R2 and learns the loopback route 2001:db8:1:2::/64 via OSPFv3. Then verify neighbor state and routing table.

Network Topology
G0/02001:db8:0:1::1/64G0/02001:db8:0:1::2/64linkR1R2

Hints

  • OSPFv3 requires IPv6 unicast routing to be enabled globally before it can operate.
  • OSPFv3 is enabled on an interface using the 'ipv6 ospf <process-id> area <area-id>' command.
  • Without the interface-level command, the router will not send hellos and will not form an adjacency.
A.Enable IPv6 unicast routing globally and activate OSPFv3 on GigabitEthernet0/0 with the command 'ipv6 ospf 1 area 0'.
B.Enable IPv6 unicast routing globally and configure OSPFv3 process 1 with the 'network' command under the OSPFv3 router configuration mode.
C.Enable IPv6 unicast routing globally and configure OSPFv3 process 1 with the 'router-id' command to ensure adjacency.
D.Enable IPv6 unicast routing globally and configure OSPFv3 process 1 with the 'passive-interface default' command to allow adjacency.
AnswerA
solution
! R1
ipv6 unicast-routing
interface GigabitEthernet0/0
ipv6 ospf 1 area 0

Why this answer

R1 is missing two critical configurations: global IPv6 unicast routing must be enabled with 'ipv6 unicast-routing', and OSPFv3 must be activated on GigabitEthernet0/0 using 'ipv6 ospf 1 area 0' under the interface. Without these, R1 cannot send or receive OSPFv3 hellos, so no adjacency forms and routes are not exchanged. After applying both commands, the neighbor state becomes FULL and the remote loopback appears in the IPv6 routing table.

Exam trap

The exam trap is that OSPFv3 configuration differs from OSPFv2: OSPFv3 does not use network statements under the router process; instead, it is enabled directly on the interface. Additionally, IPv6 unicast routing must be globally enabled before OSPFv3 can function. Candidates often forget one of these two steps.

Why the other options are wrong

B

The specific factual error is that OSPFv3 uses interface-level configuration, not network statements under the OSPF process.

C

The specific factual error is that setting a router ID alone does not activate OSPFv3 on an interface; OSPFv3 must be explicitly enabled on the interface.

D

The specific factual error is that 'passive-interface default' would actually prevent adjacency, not help form it.

196
Multi-Selecthard

Exhibit: An OSPFv2 adjacency between two routers on Ethernet is not forming. Which two mismatches would directly prevent the routers from becoming neighbors?

Select 2 answers
A.Different OSPF area assignments on the interfaces
B.Authentication mismatch between the interfaces
C.Different hostnames on the routers
D.Different loopback addresses used for management
E.One router using SSH version 2
AnswersA, B

When two routers on the same Ethernet segment have different OSPF area assignments, the area ID embedded in each Hello packet differs. A router receiving a Hello with a mismatched area ID discards the packet, preventing the neighbor relationship from even reaching the 2-Way state. Thus, area numbers must match exactly on the shared link for OSPFv2 adjacency to form.

Why this answer

On an OSPFv2 network, area mismatch and authentication mismatch both directly prevent adjacency formation. Mismatched timers (such as hello or dead intervals) also block adjacency on all network types, including Ethernet. In this scenario, the correct choices are area mismatch (A) and authentication mismatch (B).

Exam trap

A common exam trap is selecting options like different hostnames or loopback addresses as causes for OSPF adjacency failure. Candidates may mistakenly believe that router identification parameters affect neighbor formation. However, OSPF adjacency strictly depends on protocol parameters such as area ID and authentication.

Hostnames and loopback interfaces are used for management or router ID purposes but do not block adjacency. Misunderstanding this can lead to incorrect troubleshooting steps or exam answers, wasting valuable time and causing confusion.

Why the other options are wrong

C

Different hostnames do not affect OSPF adjacency since hostnames are used only for identification and management, not neighbor formation.

D

Different loopback addresses used for management do not influence OSPF adjacency on Ethernet interfaces, so they do not block neighbor relationships.

E

One router using SSH version 2 is unrelated to OSPF adjacency because SSH is a management protocol and does not impact routing protocol neighbor formation.

197
MCQhard

Refer to the exhibit. A network administrator is troubleshooting an OSPF adjacency on R1's GigabitEthernet0/0 interface connected directly to R2. R2 is powered on and shows correct OSPF configuration, but the adjacency is stuck in the INIT or DOWN state. Based on the output, what is the most likely cause of the failure?

A.The OSPF network type on R1's GigabitEthernet0/0 does not match the network type on R2.
B.The OSPF hello and dead timers on R1 do not match those configured on R2.
C.The GigabitEthernet0/0 interface on R1 has been assigned to a different OSPF area than R2's connected interface.
D.The OSPF passive-interface command has been applied to GigabitEthernet0/0, preventing hello packets from being sent.
AnswerD

The line 'No Hellos (Passive interface)' in the output is the direct and definitive indication that the GigabitEthernet0/0 interface has been configured with the OSPF passive-interface command. This command prevents OSPF from sending Hello packets out of this interface, and without Hellos, R1 cannot discover R2 or form an adjacency with it. Passive-interface is a common administrative choice to stop OSPF on a LAN segment while still advertising the connected subnet, but it breaks neighbor formation entirely, which is exactly the problem described in the scenario.

Why this answer

The adjacency is stuck in INIT or DOWN state, which indicates that R1 is not receiving OSPF Hello packets from R2. The passive-interface command on GigabitEthernet0/0 prevents R1 from sending Hellos, so R2 never sees R1, and R1 may see R2's Hellos (stuck in INIT) or not (stuck in DOWN). This matches the symptom exactly, as passive-interface suppresses outgoing Hellos while still allowing the interface to be advertised.

Exam trap

Cisco often tests the passive-interface command as a subtle cause of OSPF adjacency failure, where candidates mistakenly think it only affects routing updates (like in EIGRP) rather than Hello suppression in OSPF.

Why the other options are wrong

A

Candidates may think network type mismatch when they see no adjacency, but the exhibit does not indicate a mismatch and explicitly shows the passive state.

B

Timer mismatch is a classic troubleshooting trap, but the 'No Hellos (Passive interface)' message overrides any timer considerations.

C

Candidates may guess area mismatch as a cause, but the exhibit provides no evidence of it, while the passive-interface message is a direct cause.

198
PBQmedium

You are connected to R1 via console. R1 is connected to three routers (R2, R3, R4) over Ethernet links, all in OSPF area 0. Due to network topology, R1 should not become the Designated Router (DR) or Backup Designated Router (BDR) on any of its interfaces. You need to configure R1's OSPF priority appropriately to ensure it never participates in DR/BDR elections.

Network Topology
G0/010.0.0.1/24G0/110.0.1.1/24G0/210.0.2.1/24R1R2R3R4

Hints

  • The DR/BDR election is based on the highest OSPF priority, with a tiebreaker on router ID.
  • Setting the priority to 0 on an interface means the router cannot become DR or BDR.
  • The command is configured under the interface.
A.Set the OSPF priority to 0 on all interfaces of R1.
B.Set the OSPF priority to 255 on all interfaces of R1.
C.Set the OSPF priority to 1 on all interfaces of R1.
D.Set the OSPF priority to 0 on the loopback interface of R1.
AnswerA
solution
! R1
interface GigabitEthernet0/0
ip ospf priority 0
interface GigabitEthernet0/1
ip ospf priority 0
interface GigabitEthernet0/2
ip ospf priority 0

Why this answer

Setting the OSPF priority to 0 on each Ethernet interface excludes R1 from DR/BDR elections entirely, as a priority of 0 signals that the router is ineligible. In contrast, option B (priority 255) is incorrect because the highest priority makes a router the most likely to become DR/BDR, not prevent it. Option C (priority 1) allows the router to participate in elections and could still become DR/BDR if no higher-priority router exists.

Option D is wrong because setting priority to 0 on the loopback interface does not affect the physical Ethernet interfaces where elections occur.

Exam trap

Remember that only a priority of 0 prevents a router from being elected as DR or BDR. Do not confuse priority with other OSPF parameters like cost or hello interval. Also, priority must be set on the actual interfaces facing the multiaccess network, not on loopback or other logical interfaces.

Why the other options are wrong

B

A priority of 255 is the highest possible value, ensuring the router becomes the DR or BDR, not excluding it.

C

Priority 1 is the default and allows the router to be elected if it has the highest priority or Router ID.

D

Loopback interfaces are not used for DR/BDR elections; they are logical interfaces. The priority must be set on the physical interfaces connecting to other routers.

199
MCQhard

A network engineer notices that traffic from the router to server 192.168.10.5 is being sent over a slow backup link, even though the primary high-speed link is up. The routing table has an OSPF route for 192.168.10.0/24 via the primary link and a static host route to 192.168.10.5/32 via the backup link. Why is the backup link used for traffic to the server?

A.The static route has an administrative distance of 1, which is lower than OSPF's 110, so it is always preferred.
B.The router is load-balancing between the two routes, and traffic is being hashed to the backup link for this particular flow.
C.The OSPF route is not installed in the routing table because the static route has a better AD.
D.The static /32 route is a more specific match than the OSPF /24 route, so it is selected regardless of administrative distance.
AnswerD

The router selects the static /32 route because it offers the longest prefix match for destination 192.168.10.5. Even though OSPF has a higher administrative distance, prefix length is evaluated first in the forwarding decision. The /32 route exactly matches the destination, whereas the /24 route only matches the general subnet, so the more specific route is always chosen.

Why this answer

The router uses the most specific matching route in the routing table to forward traffic. The static host route to 192.168.10.5/32 has a longer prefix length (32 bits) than the OSPF route for 192.168.10.0/24 (24 bits), making it a more specific match. Even though OSPF has a higher administrative distance, the longest prefix match rule takes precedence over administrative distance when both routes are present in the routing table.

Exam trap

Cisco often tests the misconception that administrative distance is the sole factor in route selection, when in fact the longest prefix match rule is evaluated first and takes priority over AD for any routes that are already in the routing table.

Why the other options are wrong

A

Administrative distance is only compared when two routes have the same prefix length. Here, the /32 route has a longer prefix, so it is chosen first.

B

Load balancing requires routes with identical prefix lengths and metrics. The /32 and /24 routes are treated as different destinations.

C

AD is only compared when routes have the exact same prefix length. The routing table can hold multiple overlapping routes as long as they differ in prefix length.

200
MCQhard

An OSPF-enabled router has two paths to the same destination network, and both paths have the same OSPF cost. What is the most likely default behavior?

A.Install both routes and use equal-cost multipath forwarding
B.Discard both routes because OSPF cannot handle duplicates
C.Always keep only the route learned first
D.Replace both routes with a default route
AnswerA

OSPF is a link-state protocol that computes the shortest path tree using Dijkstra's algorithm, and when two or more paths to a destination have identical metrics, it intentionally installs them all as equal-cost multipath routes. These parallel next hops are placed in the routing table, and Cisco IOS uses CEF to load-balance traffic across them, maximizing bandwidth utilization and providing fast failover if one link goes down.

Why this answer

When OSPF learns two equally good paths to the same destination, the router can install both and perform equal-cost multipath forwarding. In plain language, the router does not have to throw one away simply because there are two valid answers. If the routes are truly equal from OSPF’s perspective, it can use both paths to improve resilience and share traffic.

This is a classic routing behavior question because many candidates assume the router must always choose only one best path. In reality, equal-cost multipath is a normal feature in many routing environments. The key is that the paths must be equally good according to the protocol’s metric logic.

Exam trap

A frequent exam trap is believing that OSPF must select only one best route when multiple paths have the same cost. Many candidates mistakenly think OSPF discards duplicates or keeps only the first learned route. This misunderstanding leads to incorrect answers suggesting route discarding or default route replacement.

The trap arises because some routing protocols or older implementations do not support equal-cost multipath. However, OSPF explicitly supports installing multiple equal-cost routes to improve load balancing and fault tolerance, so assuming otherwise causes errors in exam scenarios.

Why the other options are wrong

B

Incorrect because OSPF can handle multiple equal-cost routes and does not discard them; it uses all equal-cost paths to improve traffic distribution.

C

Incorrect since OSPF does not keep only the first learned route when multiple equal-cost paths exist; it installs all such routes for load balancing.

D

Incorrect because OSPF does not replace multiple valid equal-cost routes with a default route; default routes are used only when no specific routes exist.

201
MCQhard

Exhibit: R1 has a default route pointing to 10.1.1.2. Users lose internet access when that next hop fails, even though a floating static backup exists. Why is the backup not installed?

A.The backup route has a higher administrative distance and therefore is never considered
B.The primary static route remains installed because there is no tracking to remove it
C.Floating statics work only with dynamic routing protocols
D.The backup route must use the same next hop as the primary route
AnswerB

In the absence of IP SLA tracking or a similar object-tracking mechanism, the router continues to install the primary static route even after its next hop becomes unreachable. Static routes do not have built-in liveness detection, so the route remains in the routing table and traffic is sent toward the dead 10.1.1.2 next hop. The floating backup route, having a higher administrative distance, is never selected because the lower-AD primary is still present.

Why this answer

A floating static route is used only when the primary route disappears from the routing table. If the primary interface stays up and the next hop becomes unreachable beyond that segment, the route can remain installed unless tracking or another detection mechanism removes it.

Exam trap

A frequent exam trap is believing that a floating static route activates automatically when the primary next hop fails. Many candidates overlook that the router only removes the primary static route if it detects the route is invalid or unreachable. Without IP SLA or object tracking, the router sees the primary route as valid because the interface remains up, so it never installs the backup route.

This misunderstanding causes confusion about why users lose internet access despite a floating static backup being configured. The exam tests your knowledge of how Cisco routers handle administrative distance and route tracking, not just static route configuration.

Why the other options are wrong

A

Option A incorrectly states that the backup route is never considered because of its higher administrative distance. In reality, the higher AD is intentional to make it a floating static route that only activates when the primary route is removed.

C

Option C is incorrect because floating static routes do not require dynamic routing protocols to work. They are static routes with adjusted administrative distance and can function independently.

D

Option D is wrong because backup routes typically use a different next hop to provide true redundancy. Using the same next hop would not protect against next-hop failure.

202
MCQhard

R1 loses its route to 192.168.20.0/24 whenever R2's GigabitEthernet0/0 interface flaps. The network engineer has configured a floating static route with an administrative distance of 200. The OSPF route has an AD of 110. After R2's G0/0 interface recovers, the floating static route appears in the routing table instead of the OSPF route. What should the technician do next?

A.Adjust the administrative distance of the floating static route to 201.
B.Check the carrier delay timers on R2's GigabitEthernet0/0 interface.
C.Clear the IP routing table and reset the OSPF process on R1.
D.Verify that the MTU on R1 and R2's GigabitEthernet0/0 interfaces match.
AnswerB

A high carrier-delay (interface debounce) timer can keep the link down for too long after a flap, delaying OSPF neighbor formation. While the interface remains down, the floating static route stays in the table. Checking this timer is a logical, non‑destructive next step.

Why this answer

When R2's GigabitEthernet0/0 interface flaps, the OSPF neighbor relationship goes down, causing R1 to lose the OSPF route. The floating static route (AD 200) then takes over. After the interface recovers, OSPF should re-establish and install its route (AD 110) over the static route.

However, if the carrier delay timer on R2's interface is set too high, the interface may not come up quickly enough for OSPF to re-converge before the floating static route is already installed and preferred. Checking and adjusting the carrier delay timer ensures that the interface state change is propagated promptly, allowing OSPF to re-establish and replace the static route.

Exam trap

Cisco often tests the concept that a floating static route can persist after a link recovers due to interface timers (carrier delay) delaying OSPF convergence, leading candidates to mistakenly focus on administrative distance adjustments or clearing the routing table.

Why the other options are wrong

A

Misunderstanding of route preference: a higher AD value does not keep a floating static installed when a better OSPF route becomes available.

C

Troubleshooting should follow the OSI model bottom‑up; immediately resetting processes skips basic interface‑level verification.

D

It targets a different root cause (OSPF adjacency failure due to MTU) that would manifest constantly, not only after interface recovery.

203
MCQhard

An engineer wants a static route to be used only if the OSPF route to the same network disappears. What should be configured?

A.A static route with lower administrative distance than OSPF
B.A static route with higher administrative distance than OSPF
C.A second OSPF route with a lower metric
D.A default route with no next hop
AnswerB

Configuring a static route with an administrative distance (AD) higher than OSPF's default AD (110) ensures it is less preferred by the router. Routers always prioritise routes with lower ADs when multiple paths to the same destination exist. This setup precisely satisfies the requirement for the static route to be used *only if* the OSPF route, which normally has a lower AD and is thus preferred, becomes unavailable in the routing table.

Why this answer

A floating static route is given a higher administrative distance than the preferred dynamic route so it stays out of the routing table unless the dynamic route is lost.

Exam trap

Remember, administrative distance determines route preference across different protocols, not metrics.

Why the other options are wrong

A

This option is wrong because a static route with a lower administrative distance than OSPF would take precedence over OSPF routes, making it active even when OSPF is available, contrary to the requirement of using the static route only when the OSPF route is unavailable.

C

This option is wrong because a second OSPF route with a lower metric would not serve as a backup to the existing OSPF route; instead, it would be preferred over the static route, which contradicts the requirement for the static route to be used only if the OSPF route disappears.

D

A default route with no next hop would not serve as a backup for an OSPF route because it lacks specificity and cannot direct traffic to a specific network. It would be ineffective in scenarios where a specific static route is needed when OSPF fails.

204
Matchingmedium

Drag and drop the route types on the left to the correct administrative distance and use case descriptions on the right.

Drag a concept onto its matching description — or click a concept then click the description.

Concepts
Matches

AD 1; manually configured path

AD 5; backup route when primary fails

AD 1; catch-all for unknown destinations

AD 110; used for internal routing within an AS

AD 0; network directly attached to router interface

Why these pairings

All the given pairings are correct. Connected routes use AD 0 because they are directly connected. Static routes use AD 1 as they are manually configured.

EIGRP internal routes have AD 90, and OSPF routes have AD 110; both are IGPs used for routing within the same autonomous system.

Exam trap

A common mistake is confusing the AD values of connected (0) and static (1). Also, note that EIGRP internal (90) and OSPF (110) are both IGPs but with different ADs; some might incorrectly assign OSPF an AD of 90.

205
PBQmedium

You are connected to R1 via console. R1 is a new router connecting two subnets: 192.168.1.0/24 on G0/0 and 192.168.2.0/24 on G0/1. You need to configure IPv6 static routes so that hosts on these subnets can reach the IPv6 Internet via R2 (2001:db8:1::2). R1's G0/0 has IPv6 address 2001:db8:1::1/64, and R2 is the next-hop. Also configure a default IPv6 route toward R2.

Network Topology
G0/02001:db8:1::1/64G0/02001:db8:1::2/64G0/12001:db8:2::1/64R1R2internal

Hints

  • The default IPv6 route uses the prefix ::/0.
  • The next-hop address must be reachable via a directly connected interface.
  • No need to create static routes for directly connected networks.
A.ipv6 route ::/0 2001:db8:1::2
B.ipv6 route 2001:db8:1::/64 2001:db8:1::2
C.ipv6 route ::/0 g0/0
D.ipv6 route 2001:db8:1::2/128 g0/0
AnswerA
solution
! R1
ipv6 route ::/0 2001:db8:1::2

Why this answer

A default IPv6 static route with prefix ::/0 points to the next-hop 2001:db8:1::2, which correctly forwards all traffic not in the local routing table to R2 for Internet reachability. Option B is wrong because it creates a static route for the directly connected network 2001:db8:1::/64, which is already in the routing table and unnecessary. Option C fails because on Ethernet interfaces, a static route must specify a next-hop IP address, not just an exit interface.

Option D is incorrect because it creates a host route to 2001:db8:1::2, which is a directly connected address, and does not provide a default route.

Exam trap

Be careful to distinguish between a default route (::/0) and a specific route. Also, remember that on Ethernet interfaces, static routes must specify a next-hop IP address, not just an exit interface. Directly connected networks do not require static routes.

Why the other options are wrong

B

Creates a static route for a directly connected network that is already in the routing table, which is unnecessary.

C

On Ethernet interfaces, a static route must specify a next-hop IP address; specifying only an exit interface does not work for multi-access networks.

D

Creates a host route for the next-hop address itself, which is directly connected and already reachable, and does not provide a default route.

206
MCQhard

Refer to the exhibit. A network engineer is troubleshooting a missing route on R1. The router R3 is configured to advertise network 192.168.30.0/24 via OSPF, but the route is not present in the OSPF routing table of R1 when issuing the show ip route ospf command. What is the most likely cause?

A.R3 has not enabled OSPF on the network 192.168.30.0/24 using the network command.
B.R3 has passive-interface default configured and has not issued the no passive-interface command on the interface facing the OSPF neighbor.
C.R1 has an inbound ACL applied to GigabitEthernet0/1 that blocks OSPF multicast traffic to 224.0.0.5 and 224.0.0.6.
D.R3's OSPF router ID is duplicated with another OSPF router, causing the SPF algorithm to drop routes.
AnswerB

Passive-interface default suppresses OSPF hello packets on all interfaces unless explicitly enabled. Without hellos, an adjacency cannot form, so R1 never learns the 192.168.30.0/24 route. The exhibit shows OSPF working with another neighbor, confirming the problem is isolated to R3’s interface configuration.

Why this answer

R3 has passive-interface default configured, which makes all interfaces passive by default, preventing OSPF hello packets from being sent. Without the no passive-interface command on the interface facing R1, R3 cannot form an OSPF adjacency, so R1 never learns the 192.168.30.0/24 route. This is a common misconfiguration when using passive-interface default to suppress OSPF on non-neighbor interfaces.

Exam trap

Cisco often tests the passive-interface default behavior where candidates assume that configuring OSPF with a network statement is sufficient to form adjacencies, overlooking that passive-interface default silently blocks hello packets on all interfaces unless explicitly overridden.

Why the other options are wrong

A

The question says R3 advertises the network via OSPF; a missing network command would contradict that, so the failure must be in adjacency formation.

C

The presence of other OSPF routes on the same interface disproves a blanket multicast ACL; the issue is specific to R3’s adjacency.

D

A duplicate router ID could prevent adjacency, but the scenario’s focus on passive-interface default provides a more common and direct cause for a total lack of adjacency when OSPF is correctly configured on the network.

207
MCQhard

Refer to the exhibit. An administrator is troubleshooting connectivity from a branch router R1 to the internet. A ping to 8.8.8.8 from R1 fails. The output of the show ip route command is shown. What is the most likely cause?

A.The default route is missing from the routing table.
B.The next-hop IP address for the default route is not reachable.
C.The static route has an incorrect administrative distance.
D.The ip routing process has not been enabled.
AnswerB

The default route via 203.0.113.1 is present, but the routing table contains no connected or static route to reach 203.0.113.1. Without a route to the next-hop, the default route cannot be used, causing the ping failure.

Why this answer

The ping to 8.8.8.8 fails because the default route (0.0.0.0/0) points to a next-hop IP address that is not reachable. The routing table shows the default route is present, but if the next-hop address is not in the routing table via a connected or static route, the router cannot resolve the Layer 2 adjacency and will not forward packets. This is confirmed by the fact that the default route exists but the ping fails, indicating a reachability issue with the next hop.

Exam trap

Cisco often tests the misconception that a missing default route is the only reason for internet connectivity failure, but the trap here is that the default route is present yet the next-hop is unreachable, which candidates overlook because they focus solely on the existence of the route rather than its reachability.

Why the other options are wrong

A

Candidates may misinterpret a failed ping as indicating no default route exists, overlooking that the route is present but unusable.

C

Candidates may think a higher AD is blocking the route, but the AD is standard and not the issue.

D

A common troubleshooting step is to verify ip routing, but the exhibit clearly shows an active routing table.

208
MCQhard

Two directly connected routers running OSPFv3 do not form an adjacency. Both interfaces have valid IPv6 addresses and can ping each other using link-local addresses. What is the most likely cause?

A.The interfaces are assigned to different OSPFv3 areas.
B.The routers need global unicast addresses before OSPFv3 can run.
C.The router IDs must be identical before adjacency can form.
D.The link-local addresses must be learned from DHCPv6.
AnswerA

In OSPFv3 (and OSPFv2), each interface belongs to exactly one area. Two routers directly connected on the same link must have that link in the same area to become neighbors; if they differ, the Hello packets are rejected because the Area ID is carried in the OSPF header, and the neighbor relationship stays down.

Why this answer

The most likely cause is an OSPFv3 area mismatch on the interface. In practical terms, OSPFv3 still requires neighbors on the same link to agree on the area assignment, just as OSPF for IPv4 does. Link-local reachability alone is not enough to form an adjacency. The protocol parameters still have to match.

This is an important IPv6 routing point because people sometimes assume that successful IPv6 ping means the routing protocol should automatically work. It does not. Adjacency depends on protocol alignment, not just basic connectivity.

Exam trap

A frequent exam trap is to assume that because two routers can ping each other using IPv6 link-local addresses, their OSPFv3 adjacency should automatically form. This mistake overlooks the critical requirement that both routers must be configured in the same OSPFv3 area. Candidates might also incorrectly believe that global unicast addresses are necessary for OSPFv3 adjacency or that router IDs must be identical.

These misconceptions lead to selecting incorrect answers, as adjacency depends on matching area IDs and unique router IDs, not on global addressing or identical IDs.

Why the other options are wrong

B

Incorrect. OSPFv3 forms adjacencies using IPv6 link-local addresses, so global unicast addresses are not mandatory for adjacency formation or neighbor discovery.

C

Incorrect. Router IDs must be unique identifiers for OSPF routers. Identical router IDs cause adjacency failure, but they do not need to be identical to form adjacency.

D

Incorrect. IPv6 link-local addresses are automatically configured on interfaces and do not require DHCPv6. OSPFv3 uses these link-local addresses for neighbor communication.

209
PBQhard

You are connected to R1 via console. Configure OSPFv3 for IPv6 on R1 and R2 so that IPv6 loopback interfaces on both routers can communicate. R1's GigabitEthernet0/0 and R2's GigabitEthernet0/1 are directly connected. Ensure OSPFv3 is enabled on the correct interfaces and verify neighbors and routes.

Network Topology
G0/02001:db8:12::1/64G0/12001:db8:12::2/64linkR1R2

Hints

  • OSPFv3 must be enabled per-interface, not globally.
  • Use the same OSPFv3 process ID and area on both routers.
  • Check which interfaces are physically connected between the routers.
A.Enable OSPFv3 on R1's GigabitEthernet0/0 and Loopback0, and on R2's GigabitEthernet0/1 and Loopback0.
B.Enable OSPFv3 only on the loopback interfaces of both routers.
C.Enable OSPFv3 on R1's GigabitEthernet0/0 and R2's GigabitEthernet0/1 only, without loopbacks.
D.Enable OSPFv3 on R1's Loopback0 and R2's GigabitEthernet0/1 only.
AnswerA
solution
! R1
interface GigabitEthernet0/0
ipv6 ospf 1 area 0
interface Loopback0
ipv6 ospf 1 area 0

! R2
interface GigabitEthernet0/1
ipv6 ospf 1 area 0
interface Loopback0
ipv6 ospf 1 area 0

Why this answer

The issue is that OSPFv3 is not enabled on the interfaces. On R1, OSPFv3 must be enabled on GigabitEthernet0/0 (the link to R2) and Loopback0 (to advertise the loopback). On R2, OSPFv3 must be enabled on GigabitEthernet0/1 (the link to R1) and Loopback0.

After enabling OSPFv3 on the correct interfaces, the neighbor adjacency forms and routes are exchanged.

Exam trap

A common trap is to enable OSPFv3 only on the link interfaces or only on the loopbacks. Remember that OSPFv3 must be enabled on every interface that needs to be advertised or that participates in neighbor discovery. Also, note that OSPFv3 uses 'ipv6 ospf <process-id> area <area-id>' under the interface, not the network statement used in OSPFv2.

Why the other options are wrong

B

OSPFv3 requires the link interface to be enabled to form neighbors; loopback-only configuration results in no neighbor relationship.

C

OSPFv3 must be enabled on the loopback interfaces to advertise their prefixes; otherwise, they remain unknown to the neighbor.

D

Both routers must have OSPFv3 enabled on the link interface to form an adjacency, and both loopbacks must be enabled to advertise their prefixes.

210
PBQhard

You are connected to R1 via the console. R1 has two directly connected interfaces: G0/0 to R2 (IPv4 only) and G0/1 to a LAN switch (dual stack). Your task: configure IPv4 and IPv6 default routes on R1 pointing to R2 (next-hop 10.0.0.2 and 2001:db8:1::2). Also configure a floating static route to 192.0.2.0/24 via R2 with an administrative distance of 10 (so it is used only if the directly connected route fails). The current running-config shows an incorrect static route that causes recursive routing failure. Identify and fix the issue.

Network Topology
G0/010.0.0.1/30G0/010.0.0.2/30linkG0/1192.168.1.1/24R2R1switchLAN

Hints

  • Check the next-hop IP in the static route to 192.0.2.0/24 — is it a directly connected neighbor?
  • For a floating static route, the administrative distance must be higher than the primary route's AD.
  • Use 'show ip route 192.0.2.0' to see if the route is flagged as 'recursive failure'.
A.Remove the incorrect static route 192.0.2.0 255.255.255.0 10.0.0.1 and add ip route 192.0.2.0 255.255.255.0 10.0.0.2 10
B.Remove the incorrect static route 192.0.2.0 255.255.255.0 10.0.0.1 and add ip route 192.0.2.0 255.255.255.0 10.0.0.2 1
C.Keep the existing static route and add ip route 192.0.2.0 255.255.255.0 10.0.0.2 10
D.Remove the incorrect static route 192.0.2.0 255.255.255.0 10.0.0.1 and add ip route 192.0.2.0 255.255.255.0 g0/0
AnswerA
solution
! R1
no ip route 192.0.2.0 255.255.255.0 10.0.0.1
ip route 192.0.2.0 255.255.255.0 10.0.0.2 10

Why this answer

The static route to 192.0.2.0/24 uses next-hop 10.0.0.1, which is R1's own interface IP, not R2's. This causes recursive routing failure because the router tries to reach itself. The correct next-hop should be 10.0.0.2 (R2's G0/0 IP).

Additionally, the floating static route must have a higher AD (10) so it is less preferred than the directly connected route (AD 0). Remove the incorrect route and add the correct floating static route with AD 10.

Exam trap

Watch out for recursive routing failures caused by using the router's own interface IP as the next-hop. Also, remember that floating static routes require a higher administrative distance than the primary route to act as a backup.

Why the other options are wrong

B

The specific factual error: The AD of a floating static route must be higher than the primary route's AD to serve as a backup. Here AD 1 is lower than 0? Actually directly connected routes have AD 0, so AD 1 is higher than 0, but the question states the floating static route should be used only if the directly connected route fails, so AD must be higher than 0. AD 1 is higher than 0, so it would still be a backup? Wait, the primary route is directly connected (AD 0).

A floating static route with AD 1 would be less preferred than AD 0, so it would only be used if the directly connected route fails. That is correct behavior. However, the question says 'with an administrative distance of 10' so AD 1 is not 10.

The error is that the AD is not 10 as specified. Also, the explanation in the stem says 'the floating static route must have a higher AD (10) so it is less preferred than the directly connected route (AD 0).' Actually AD 1 is also higher than 0, so it would also be less preferred. But the question explicitly asks for AD 10.

So the answer is wrong because it uses AD 1 instead of 10.

C

The specific factual error: The incorrect static route remains in the routing table, causing recursive routing failure. The router will still try to resolve the next-hop 10.0.0.1, which is its own interface, leading to a loop.

D

The specific factual error: The route does not have an administrative distance of 10, and using an exit interface instead of a next-hop IP is not the intended configuration. Also, the route would be installed with default AD 1, not 10.

211
PBQhard

You are connected to a multilayer switch MLS1. Configure a static default route for IPv4 that points to next-hop 192.0.2.2, but also configure a floating static default route with an administrative distance of 10 that uses next-hop 198.51.100.2. Additionally, configure a static host route for IPv6 host 2001:db8:1::10/128 via next-hop 2001:db8:1::1. The current configuration has a recursive routing failure for the IPv4 default route because the next-hop 192.0.2.2 is not reachable; you must first fix that by adding a directly connected static route. Ensure the floating route becomes active only when the primary route fails.

Network Topology
192.0.2.2/30G0/0SiMLS1R2

Hints

  • The default route fails because the next-hop is not directly connected and there is no route to reach it.
  • You need a static route to the network containing 192.0.2.2, specifying the outgoing interface.
  • Use the command 'ip route 192.0.2.0 255.255.255.252 GigabitEthernet0/0 192.0.2.2' to fix recursive routing.
A.ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 192.0.2.2 ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 198.51.100.2 10 ip route 192.0.2.0 255.255.255.252 GigabitEthernet0/0 192.0.2.2 ipv6 route 2001:db8:1::10/128 2001:db8:1::1
B.ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 192.0.2.2 ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 198.51.100.2 10 ip route 192.0.2.0 255.255.255.0 GigabitEthernet0/0 ipv6 route 2001:db8:1::10/128 2001:db8:1::1
C.ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 192.0.2.2 ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 198.51.100.2 10 ip route 192.0.2.2 255.255.255.255 GigabitEthernet0/0 ipv6 route 2001:db8:1::10/128 2001:db8:1::1
D.ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 192.0.2.2 ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 198.51.100.2 10 ip route 192.0.2.0 255.255.255.252 198.51.100.2 ipv6 route 2001:db8:1::10/128 2001:db8:1::1
AnswerA
solution
! MLS1
configure terminal
ip route 192.0.2.0 255.255.255.252 GigabitEthernet0/0 192.0.2.2

Why this answer

The IPv4 primary default route fails because next-hop 192.0.2.2 is not directly connected and no recursive route exists to it. The floating static route with next-hop 198.51.100.2 is in the directly connected Vlan20 subnet (198.51.100.1/30), so it installs without issue. To fix the primary default route, add a directly connected static route for the network containing 192.0.2.2, e.g., ip route 192.0.2.0 255.255.255.252 GigabitEthernet0/0 192.0.2.2.

The IPv6 host route is correct if next-hop 2001:db8:1::1 is reachable.

Exam trap

Be careful with recursive routing failures: a static route with a next-hop that is not directly connected requires a route to that next-hop in the routing table. Always ensure the next-hop is reachable, either by a directly connected route or another static/dynamic route. Also, remember that a floating static route uses a higher administrative distance than the primary route, so it only becomes active when the primary route is removed.

Why the other options are wrong

B

The specific factual error is using an incorrect subnet mask and omitting the next-hop IP in the directly connected static route. The mask should match the point-to-point link (typically /30 or /31), and the next-hop must be specified to ensure the route is directly connected.

C

The specific factual error is using a /32 mask instead of the subnet mask of the link. A /32 route to the next-hop IP is a valid workaround but is not the standard practice; the question expects a directly connected route to the network containing the next-hop, not a host route.

D

The specific factual error is using the floating route's next-hop as the next-hop for the directly connected route. The directly connected route must be to the network containing 192.0.2.2, not to the backup next-hop.

212
MCQhard

A router has the following routes in its routing table: a static route to 10.60.4.16/28, an OSPF route to 10.60.4.0/24, and an EIGRP route to 10.60.0.0/16. Which route will be used for a packet destined to 10.60.4.17?

A.The static route to 10.60.4.16/28
B.The OSPF route to 10.60.4.0/24
C.The EIGRP route to 10.60.0.0/16
D.No route at all
AnswerA

The destination address 10.60.4.17 falls within all three advertised prefixes, but the router selects the route with the longest prefix match. The static route to 10.60.4.16/28 uses a 28-bit subnet mask, which is longer than the 24-bit OSPF route and the 16-bit EIGRP route. Because this /28 prefix provides the most specific match for the destination, it overrides the other less-specific entries in the routing table.

Why this answer

The route used will be the route with the longest matching prefix. In practical terms, 10.60.4.17 falls inside the /28 route shown, and that is more specific than the broader /24 and /16 alternatives. Because specificity comes first, the /28 route wins.

This is a clean route-table interpretation problem that mirrors actual exam-style thinking very closely.

Exam trap

Remember, the longest prefix match rule is crucial; don't assume broader prefixes are better.

Why the other options are wrong

B

This option is wrong because the OSPF route to 10.60.4.0/24 does not directly match the destination 10.60.4.17, which falls under the static route to 10.60.4.16/28. OSPF would not be preferred if a more specific static route exists.

C

The EIGRP route to 10.60.0.0/16 is not used for the destination 10.60.4.17 because it does not match the more specific subnet of 10.60.4.16/28, which is preferred in routing decisions.

D

This option is wrong because there is a valid static route to the destination 10.60.4.17 via the static route to 10.60.4.16/28, making it reachable. Therefore, stating 'no route at all' is incorrect in this context.

213
PBQhard

You are connected to R1. Configure IPv4 and IPv6 static routes, default routes, and floating static routes so that R1 can reach the Internet via R2 (IPv4 and IPv6). The primary route to the Internet should use next-hop 203.0.113.2 (IPv4) and 2001:db8:203:0:113::2 (IPv6). A backup floating static route with administrative distance 200 must exist for IPv4 only, using next-hop 198.51.100.2. Ensure the default routes are correctly configured and troubleshoot any recursive routing failure. Note: R1 currently has an incorrect IPv6 default route pointing to 2001:db8:198:51:100::2 that must be removed.

Network Topology
G0/010.0.0.1/30G0/010.0.0.2/30linkG0/1198.51.100.1/30G0/1198.51.100.2/30linkG0/2203.0.113.1/30G0/2203.0.113.2/30linkR1R2R3R4

Hints

  • The IPv4 primary default route is missing; only the floating route exists.
  • The IPv6 default route points to the wrong next-hop (should be via 2001:db8:203:0:113::2).
  • Floating static route AD must be higher than the primary route's AD to act as backup.
A.Remove the incorrect IPv6 default route: no ipv6 route ::/0 2001:db8:198:51:100::2; configure the primary default route: ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 203.0.113.2; the floating route is already configured with AD 200; add IPv6 default route: ipv6 route ::/0 2001:db8:203:0:113::2
B.Configure the primary default route: ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 203.0.113.2; change the floating route AD to 1; add IPv6 default route: ipv6 route ::/0 2001:db8:203:0:113::2
C.Configure the primary default route: ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 203.0.113.2 200; the floating route is already configured with AD 200; add IPv6 default route: ipv6 route ::/0 2001:db8:203:0:113::2
D.Configure the primary default route: ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 203.0.113.2; the floating route is already configured with AD 200; no IPv6 route is needed because IPv6 is not required.
AnswerA
solution
! R1
ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 203.0.113.2
ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 198.51.100.2 200
no ipv6 route ::/0 2001:db8:198:51:100::2
ipv6 route ::/0 2001:db8:203:0:113::2

Why this answer

The IPv4 floating route is already correctly pre-configured with AD 200 to serve as a backup. To meet the requirements, you must add the primary IPv4 default route with default AD 1, remove the existing incorrect IPv6 default route, and add the correct IPv6 default route. Option A correctly identifies these steps, while other options either omit the removal, assign a wrong AD to the primary route, or neglect IPv6 entirely.

Exam trap

The trap is that candidates may think the floating route needs to be modified or that the primary route should also have a high AD. Remember: a floating static route must have a higher AD than the primary route to act as a backup. Also, do not forget IPv6 if the question specifies it.

Why the other options are wrong

B

Setting the floating route AD to 1 makes it equal to the primary route's AD, defeating the purpose of a floating static route.

C

The primary route must have a lower AD than the floating route to be preferred. Setting it to 200 makes it equal to the backup, causing ambiguity.

D

The question states 'IPv4 and IPv6 static routes, default routes' and specifies an IPv6 next-hop. Ignoring IPv6 is a direct violation of the requirements.

214
MCQhard

A network administrator is troubleshooting connectivity from a PC (192.168.1.10/24) to a server at 10.0.0.5/24. The PC's default gateway is 192.168.1.1. Router R1 has a directly connected route to 10.0.0.0/24 via interface GigabitEthernet0/1, which is connected to another VLAN. The server is actually located on the 10.0.0.0/16 network, reachable via a static route through 192.168.1.2. What is the most likely cause of the connectivity issue?

A.The route to 10.0.0.0/16 has a lower administrative distance than the directly connected route.
B.The directly connected route to 10.0.0.0/24 is the most specific match but is incorrect for the destination.
C.The route to 10.0.0.0/8 has a higher metric, so it is not used.
D.The router does not have a default route, so traffic to 10.0.0.5 is dropped.
AnswerB

The router uses a longest-prefix-match lookup on the destination 10.0.0.5. The /24 route is the most specific match, so it is selected even though it points to an interface from which 10.0.0.5 is unreachable. The packet is therefore forwarded out the wrong interface rather than being processed by one of the longer, less-specific routes.

Why this answer

The router's routing table contains a directly connected route to 10.0.0.0/24, which is the most specific match (longest prefix) for the destination 10.0.0.5. However, if that directly connected subnet is not actually the network where the server resides (e.g., it points to a different interface or VLAN), traffic will be forwarded incorrectly. The router always prefers the most specific prefix, even if another route (like a summary) is administratively preferred or has a lower metric.

Exam trap

Cisco often tests the concept that the longest prefix match overrides administrative distance and metric, leading candidates to incorrectly assume that a lower AD or metric route will be chosen when a more specific but incorrect route exists.

Why the other options are wrong

A

You might think that OSPF routes are more reliable, but directly connected routes are always preferred regardless of AD.

C

You might confuse metric with prefix length; metric only matters when prefix lengths are equal.

D

A default route is only used when no more specific route exists; here a specific route exists.

215
MCQhard

A network engineer configures OSPF between R1 and R2, but the routers never become neighbors on GigabitEthernet0/0. Based on the exhibit, what is the most likely cause?

A.The routers are using different OSPF areas.
B.The OSPF interface timers do not match.
C.The routers must use the same hostname to become neighbors.
D.The subnet mask prevents multicast OSPF traffic.
AnswerB

OSPF requires that neighbor routers on the same link agree on both the hello interval and the dead interval. If R1 uses the default 10-second hello and 40-second dead timers while R2 has modified those timers, the routers will not recognize each other as valid neighbors and will not exchange OSPF packets. This timer mismatch prevents adjacency formation, regardless of any other matching parameters.

Why this answer

The most likely cause is a hello/dead timer mismatch. In practical terms, both routers are on the same subnet and both are trying to run OSPF in area 0, so the obvious items look correct. But OSPF does not form adjacency based on IP reachability alone. It also checks whether key interface parameters agree. Hello and dead intervals are among those required parameters.

On R1, the hello interval is 10 seconds and the dead interval is 40 seconds. On R2, the hello interval is 5 seconds and the dead interval is 20 seconds. That mismatch is enough to prevent the neighbor relationship from forming. This is a common CCNA troubleshooting pattern because the interfaces can still ping each other, which makes the failure look less obvious at first glance.

Exam trap

A frequent exam trap is assuming that OSPF adjacency forms as long as routers are in the same area and can ping each other. Candidates often overlook the necessity for matching hello and dead intervals, which are critical for neighbor discovery and maintenance. Because routers can still exchange ICMP packets, it may appear that the link is fully operational, leading to the mistaken belief that OSPF should work.

This misunderstanding causes candidates to select incorrect answers related to area mismatches or subnet masks, ignoring the timer mismatch that actually prevents adjacency.

Why the other options are wrong

A

This option is incorrect because both routers are configured to use the same OSPF area 0, so area mismatch is not the cause of adjacency failure.

C

Hostnames do not influence OSPF neighbor relationships; routers form adjacencies based on protocol parameters, not device names, so this option is invalid.

D

A /24 subnet mask does not block OSPF multicast traffic; OSPF uses multicast addresses that function normally on standard subnet masks, so this option is incorrect.

216
MCQhard

A router has a static route and a RIP route for the same destination prefix. What is the primary reason the static route is preferred over the RIP route?

A.Because the static route has a lower administrative distance for the same prefix.
B.Because RIP can never be installed when static routing is configured anywhere.
C.Because RIP is valid only for host routes.
D.Because static routes are always more specific than RIP routes.
AnswerA

Both the static and RIP routes share the same /16 prefix, so the longest-match rule cannot differentiate them. In that case, Cisco IOS compares administrative distance values: static routes default to AD 1, while RIP defaults to AD 120. Since a lower AD is always preferred, the static route is installed in the routing table and used for forwarding. That is the strongest reason because the prefixes are identical, making AD the decisive tie-breaker.

Why this answer

The static route is preferred because both routes describe the same destination prefix and the static route has the lower administrative distance. In practical terms, longest-prefix match does not break the tie because the prefixes are equal. The router then compares source trust, and static routing wins over RIP by default.

This is a core route-selection concept and a very exam-relevant comparison.

Exam trap

Do not confuse administrative distance with metrics or prefix length; administrative distance is the deciding factor here.

Why the other options are wrong

B

This option is incorrect because RIP can coexist with static routes in a routing table; static routes do not prevent RIP routes from being installed. Both routing protocols can be used simultaneously, and the routing decision is based on administrative distance.

C

This option is incorrect because RIP can coexist with static routes in a routing table; static routes do not prevent RIP routes from being installed. Both routing protocols can be used simultaneously in a network.

D

This option is wrong because static routes are not inherently more specific than RIP routes; both can have varying levels of specificity depending on the configuration. The preference of static routes over RIP is determined by administrative distance, not specificity.

217
PBQhard

You are connected to R1, a multilayer switch acting as an HSRP active gateway for VLAN 100. The network requires R1 to be the active router with a virtual IP of 192.168.100.1. Currently, both R1 and the peer router R2 show as active in 'show standby brief', and the virtual IP is misconfigured. Configure HSRP on R1 to fix these issues: set priority to 110, enable preempt, correct the virtual IP, and track interface GigabitEthernet0/1 (decrement priority by 20 if it goes down).

Network Topology
linkG0/1:10.0.0.1/30linkR1R2upstream router

Hints

  • Check the virtual IP address configured under the standby group — it should match the expected virtual IP.
  • Preempt is disabled by default; verify if it's configured to allow R1 to become active after a failure.
  • Use 'show standby' to see all details including tracking status.
A.interface Vlan100 standby 100 ip 192.168.100.1 standby 100 priority 110 standby 100 preempt standby 100 track GigabitEthernet0/1 20
B.interface Vlan100 standby 100 ip 192.168.100.254 standby 100 priority 110 standby 100 preempt standby 100 track GigabitEthernet0/1 20
C.interface Vlan100 standby 100 ip 192.168.100.1 standby 100 priority 100 standby 100 preempt standby 100 track GigabitEthernet0/1 20
D.interface Vlan100 standby 100 ip 192.168.100.1 standby 100 priority 110 standby 100 track GigabitEthernet0/1 20
AnswerA
solution
! R1
interface Vlan100
standby 100 ip 192.168.100.1
standby 100 priority 110
standby 100 preempt
standby 100 track GigabitEthernet0/1 20

Why this answer

The problem had multiple issues: the virtual IP was wrong (192.168.100.254 instead of 192.168.100.1), preempt was not enabled (both routers could claim active), and priority was default (100). Additionally, interface tracking was missing to decrement priority if the upstream link failed. The solution consists of four commands: 'standby 100 ip 192.168.100.1' to set the correct virtual IP, 'standby 100 priority 110' to make R1 the active router, 'standby 100 preempt' to allow R1 to reclaim active role after recovery, and 'standby 100 track GigabitEthernet0/1 20' to reduce priority by 20 if that interface goes down.

Exam trap

Watch out for three common HSRP pitfalls: (1) virtual IP must match the configured gateway, (2) preempt is required for a router to reclaim active role after recovery, and (3) priority must be higher than the peer to be preferred. Also, remember that interface tracking decrements priority, so the tracked interface must be specified correctly.

Why the other options are wrong

B

The virtual IP address is wrong; it should be 192.168.100.1, not 192.168.100.254.

C

Priority must be higher than the default (100) to ensure R1 becomes the active router; 110 is required.

D

Preempt is required to allow R1 to reclaim the active role when its priority becomes higher again after a failure.

218
MCQhard

After configuring a static discard route with the command 'ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 Null0 254' on R1, a network engineer finds that traffic to destinations that are not in the routing table is still being forwarded out to the ISP instead of being dropped. What is the most likely cause?

A.The Null0 interface is administratively shut down.
B.The address 0.0.0.0/0 is an invalid destination for a static route because it is not a real network.
C.The static discard route must include a next-hop IP address instead of specifying Null0 as the interface.
D.The ISP static default route has an administrative distance of 1, which is lower than the administrative distance of 254 set for the Null0 route.
AnswerD

When a router has multiple routes for the same 0.0.0.0/0 prefix, it selects the one with the lowest administrative distance. The ISP route with AD 1 wins, so traffic never matches the AD 254 Null0 discard route.

Why this answer

The static discard route with an administrative distance of 254 is less preferred than the ISP default route with an administrative distance of 1. Since the ISP route has a lower AD, it remains in the routing table and is used for forwarding traffic to unknown destinations, overriding the discard route. The Null0 route only becomes active if the ISP route is removed or fails, as the router always selects the route with the lowest administrative distance.

Exam trap

Cisco often tests the concept that administrative distance determines route preference, and the trap here is that candidates assume a static route to Null0 will always be used for discarding traffic, forgetting that a lower-AD route (like the ISP default) will take precedence.

Why the other options are wrong

A

Candidates often assume that a route pointing to an interface requires that interface to be up, but Null0 is always available.

B

A misconception that the default route is special and cannot be used with Null0, but any valid IP prefix can be directed to Null0 to create a discard route.

C

Confusing Null0 routes with Ethernet interface routes, which require a next hop, leads to the incorrect belief that a next hop is mandatory for all static routes.

219
PBQhard

You are troubleshooting a network connectivity issue on R1. The network 192.168.10.0/24 behind R2 must be reachable from R1 via the primary path through R2 (192.0.2.2). A backup path via R3 (198.51.100.2) should automatically take over if the primary fails. Currently, traffic to 192.168.10.0/24 is incorrectly using the backup path even though the primary path is operational. Analyze the routing table and configuration, then fix the issue so that the primary path is preferred when available.

Network Topology
G0/0192.0.2.1/30G0/0192.0.2.2/30linkG0/1198.51.100.1/30G0/0198.51.100.2/30linkR1R2R3

Hints

  • Compare the Administrative Distance values in the routing table for the two paths.
  • The default AD for a static route is 1; a floating static uses a higher AD.
  • You need to swap the AD values between the primary and backup routes.
A.Remove the static route to 192.168.10.0/24 via 198.51.100.2 and add a floating static route via 198.51.100.2 with AD 200. Ensure the primary route via 192.0.2.2 uses default AD 1.
B.Change the AD of the static route via 192.0.2.2 to 200 and the AD of the route via 198.51.100.2 to 1.
C.Add a static route to 192.168.10.0/24 via 192.0.2.2 with AD 1 and remove the existing route via 198.51.100.2.
D.Configure a policy-based route to prefer the next-hop 192.0.2.2 for traffic to 192.168.10.0/24.
AnswerA
solution
! R1
no ip route 192.168.10.0 255.255.255.0 198.51.100.2
no ip route 192.168.10.0 255.255.255.0 192.0.2.2 200
ip route 192.168.10.0 255.255.255.0 192.0.2.2
ip route 192.168.10.0 255.255.255.0 198.51.100.2 200

Why this answer

The routing table shows a static route to 192.168.10.0/24 via 198.51.100.2 with Administrative Distance (AD) 1, which is the default for static routes. The intended primary path via 192.0.2.2 was configured with AD 200 (floating static), but because the default AD (1) is lower than 200, the backup route is preferred. The fix is to reconfigure the primary path with the default AD (1) and the backup path with a higher AD (e.g., 200).

This ensures the primary path is used when available and the backup takes over only if the primary fails.

Exam trap

The trap is confusing which route is primary and which is backup. The route with lower AD is preferred, so the backup must have a higher AD. Candidates often misconfigure the AD values, setting the primary with a higher AD.

Why the other options are wrong

B

Swapping the ADs would keep the backup route preferred, failing to make the primary path active when available.

220
Multi-Selectmedium

Which two statements accurately describe why BGP is often relevant at an Internet or multi-provider edge?

Select 2 answers
A.It is associated with routing between autonomous systems.
B.It is used for routing between organizations and providers at the network edge.
C.It is mainly used to replace STP on access switches.
D.It is required before DHCP relay can function.
E.It is the protocol used by CAPWAP for AP discovery.
AnswersA, B

BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) is a path-vector protocol designed specifically to exchange network reachability information between autonomous systems (ASes). Its primary role is inter-domain routing, enabling ISPs and large enterprises to make routing decisions based on policies and paths, not just metrics. This distinguishes it from interior gateway protocols (IGPs) like OSPF or EIGRP, which operate within a single AS.

Why this answer

BGP is often relevant at the edge because it is associated with route exchange between autonomous systems and large external routing domains. In practical terms, this makes it a natural protocol to discuss where organizations connect to providers or exchange external reachability. It is not just another interior campus protocol.

The question is about conceptual fit, not deep BGP attribute tuning.

Exam trap

A frequent exam trap is mistaking BGP for an internal protocol or confusing it with unrelated network functions. For example, some might incorrectly believe BGP replaces STP on access switches or is necessary for DHCP relay to work. These are incorrect because BGP operates between autonomous systems for external routing, while STP manages Layer 2 loops and DHCP relay forwards broadcast requests.

Misunderstanding BGP’s scope leads to selecting wrong answers that describe internal or unrelated protocols, so it’s important to focus on BGP’s role in inter-AS routing and external route exchange at the Internet or multi-provider edge.

Why the other options are wrong

C

Option C is incorrect because BGP does not replace Spanning Tree Protocol (STP). STP is a Layer 2 protocol used to prevent loops in Ethernet networks, whereas BGP is a Layer 3 routing protocol used for inter-AS routing.

D

Option D is incorrect since DHCP relay functions independently of BGP. DHCP relay forwards DHCP requests across subnet boundaries and does not rely on BGP routing information or sessions to operate.

E

Option E is incorrect because CAPWAP is a wireless control protocol used for managing access points and is unrelated to BGP or routing protocols used at the Internet edge.

221
MCQhard

A router has routes to 172.20.0.0/16, 172.20.10.0/24, and 172.20.10.64/26. Which route is used for traffic to 172.20.10.70?

A.172.20.0.0/16
B.172.20.10.0/24
C.172.20.10.64/26
D.The default route
AnswerC

This is correct because .70 falls within the 172.20.10.64/26 range.

Why this answer

The /26 route is used because it is the most specific matching prefix. In practical terms, 172.20.10.70 falls inside the 172.20.10.64/26 range, so that route narrows the destination more precisely than the broader /24 and /16 routes. Longest-prefix match therefore selects the /26 entry.

This question is designed to reinforce that specificity comes first in route lookup. Broader routes remain useful, but they lose when a more exact route matches.

Exam trap

A common exam trap is to select a less specific route such as 172.20.0.0/16 or 172.20.10.0/24 because they appear to cover the destination IP 172.20.10.70. Candidates may overlook that the router always prefers the most specific route, which in this case is the /26 subnet. Choosing a broader subnet ignores the longest prefix match principle and leads to incorrect routing decisions.

This trap tests your understanding of how subnet masks influence route selection and the importance of prefix length in Cisco routing tables.

Why the other options are wrong

A

172.20.0.0/16 is the least specific route covering a large address range. Although it includes 172.20.10.70, it is overridden by more specific subnets like /24 and /26, so it is not used for this destination.

B

172.20.10.0/24 is more specific than /16 but less specific than /26. Since 172.20.10.70 falls within the /26 subnet, the router prefers the /26 route over this /24 route.

D

The default route is only used when no other routes match the destination IP. Since multiple specific routes match 172.20.10.70, the default route is not selected.

222
PBQhard

You are connected to R1. R1 has OSPF configured on GigabitEthernet0/0 with network 10.0.0.0 0.0.0.3 area 1, ip ospf hello-interval 10, and ip ospf dead-interval 40. R2 has OSPF configured on its GigabitEthernet0/0 with network 10.0.0.0 0.0.0.3 area 0, ip ospf hello-interval 5, and ip ospf dead-interval 20. Correct these mismatches so that R1 and R2 become OSPF neighbors.

Network Topology
G0/010.0.0.1/30G0/010.0.0.2/30linkR1R2

Hints

  • Check the OSPF area configuration on both routers.
  • Use 'show ip ospf interface' to compare hello and dead timers.
  • The timers must match exactly on both sides of the link.
A.On R1, change the network statement to area 0 and set ip ospf hello-interval 5 and ip ospf dead-interval 20 under the interface.
B.On R2, change the network statement to area 1 and set ip ospf hello-interval 10 and ip ospf dead-interval 40 under the interface.
C.On R1, change the network statement to area 0 and set ip ospf hello-interval 10 and ip ospf dead-interval 40 under the interface.
D.On R2, change the network statement to area 0 and set ip ospf hello-interval 10 and ip ospf dead-interval 40 under the interface.
AnswerA
solution
! R1
configure terminal
router ospf 1
no network 10.0.0.0 0.0.0.3 area 1
network 10.0.0.0 0.0.0.3 area 0
interface gigabitethernet 0/0
ip ospf hello-interval 5
ip ospf dead-interval 20
end

Why this answer

The OSPF adjacency fails due to two mismatches. First, the area is mismatched: R1 uses area 1, R2 uses area 0 (both must be the same area, typically area 0). Second, the hello and dead timers are mismatched: R1 uses Hello 10/Dead 40, R2 uses Hello 5/Dead 20.

To fix, on R1 change the network statement to area 0 and adjust timers to match R2 (or vice versa). The solution below changes R1's area to 0 and sets hello to 5 and dead to 20 to match R2.

Exam trap

The exam trap is that candidates may focus on only one mismatch (area or timers) and forget that both must match. Additionally, they might assume that the router they are connected to should not be changed, or that default timers are always correct. Always verify all OSPF parameters that must match: area ID, hello/dead intervals, network type, and authentication.

Why the other options are wrong

B

The specific factual error is that the question implies you are connected to R1, so configuring R1 is the expected action. Additionally, using area 1 instead of area 0 is not recommended for a single-area design.

C

The specific factual error is that the timers are not changed to match R2; they remain at the original values.

D

The specific factual error is that R2's area is already 0, so changing it to area 0 is redundant. Changing R2's timers to match R1's original timers would still leave a mismatch because R1's timers are not changed.

223
MCQmedium

What problem do first-hop redundancy protocols such as HSRP solve?

A.They prevent duplicate MAC addresses on a LAN
B.They provide a backup default gateway for end hosts
C.They replace spanning tree on switched networks
D.They encrypt traffic between users and the default gateway
AnswerB

FHRPs such as HSRP create a virtual IP and virtual MAC address that a group of routers share. One router is elected active and forwards traffic, while the standby router takes over seamlessly if the active fails. End hosts are configured with the virtual IP as their default gateway, so they always have a reachable next hop without needing to change their configuration.

Why this answer

First-hop redundancy protocols allow hosts to use a virtual default gateway that can remain available even if one physical router fails.

Exam trap

A frequent exam trap is mistaking HSRP for a protocol that prevents duplicate MAC addresses or replaces Spanning Tree Protocol (STP). While STP prevents Layer 2 loops by blocking redundant paths, HSRP operates at Layer 3 to provide gateway redundancy. Another trap is assuming HSRP encrypts traffic between hosts and routers, which it does not.

Candidates might also confuse HSRP with routing protocols like OSPF or EIGRP, but HSRP only manages default gateway availability, not routing decisions. Understanding these distinctions is crucial to avoid selecting incorrect options that describe unrelated network functions.

Why the other options are wrong

A

Option A incorrectly states that HSRP prevents duplicate MAC addresses on a LAN. Duplicate MAC address prevention is a function of Layer 2 protocols and network design, not HSRP, which operates at Layer 3 to provide gateway redundancy.

C

Option C incorrectly claims that HSRP replaces Spanning Tree Protocol (STP). STP prevents Layer 2 switching loops, while HSRP provides Layer 3 gateway redundancy; they serve distinct purposes and coexist in networks.

D

Option D incorrectly suggests that HSRP encrypts traffic between users and the default gateway. HSRP does not provide encryption; it only manages gateway availability and failover.

224
MCQmedium

A router has routes for 10.10.0.0/16, 10.10.20.0/24, and a default route. Which route is used for destination 10.10.20.55?

A.The 10.10.0.0/16 route
B.The default route
C.The 10.10.20.0/24 route
D.The router load-balances across all matching routes
AnswerC

The 10.10.20.0/24 route is selected because the router's forwarding decision uses the longest prefix match algorithm. For a destination of 10.10.20.55, this /24 route is the most specific match, covering the exact subnet that contains the address. Even though the default route and the /16 route also match, they have shorter prefixes and are therefore less specific, making the /24 the only candidate used.

Why this answer

The destination matches multiple routes, but the /24 is the most specific match and wins by longest prefix match.

Exam trap

Remember that routers use the longest prefix match rule, not the most general or default route, when multiple routes are available.

Why the other options are wrong

A

The 10.10.0.0/16 route is broader and encompasses the 10.10.20.0/24 subnet, but it is not the most specific match for the destination 10.10.20.55, which falls under the more specific 10.10.20.0/24 route.

B

The default route is used only when no more specific routes match the destination address. Since 10.10.20.55 falls within the 10.10.20.0/24 subnet, the default route is not applicable in this case.

D

This option is wrong because routers do not load-balance across routes unless configured to do so with specific routing protocols or settings. In this case, the most specific route, 10.10.20.0/24, is the only applicable choice for the destination 10.10.20.55.

225
MCQhard

A router has a static route to 10.30.5.128/25, an OSPF route to 10.30.5.0/24, and a default route 0.0.0.0/0 in its routing table. Which route will the router use for destination 10.30.5.130?

A.The static route to 10.30.5.128/25
B.The OSPF route to 10.30.5.0/24
C.The default route
D.No route, because the destination is outside all prefixes shown.
AnswerA

The router will utilise the static route to 10.30.5.128/25 because it adheres to the longest prefix match principle. This rule dictates that when multiple routes match a destination IP address, the router selects the route with the longest subnet mask, representing the most specific network. For 10.30.5.130, the /25 mask is more specific than the OSPF route's /24 mask or the default route's /0 mask, ensuring it is prioritised for forwarding.

Why this answer

The router selects the route with the longest prefix match between the destination IP and the prefixes in the routing table. 10.30.5.130 matches both 10.30.5.0/24 (prefix length 24) and 10.30.5.128/25 (prefix length 25); the /25 is more specific and wins. Option D is wrong because 10.30.5.130 falls within the subnet range of 10.30.5.128/25 (hosts .129–.254), so a valid route does exist.

Exam trap

Always prioritize the longest prefix match over broader subnets or default routes.

Why the other options are wrong

B

The OSPF route to 10.30.5.0/24 is less specific than the /25 static route, so the router prefers the longest mask.

C

The default route (0.0.0.0/0) has the shortest prefix length and would be used only if no other route matches.

D

10.30.5.130 is inside the 10.30.5.128/25 subnet range, meaning a route exists for this destination.

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