The answer is to configure the static route with an exit interface, using the command `ip route 172.16.20.0 255.255.255.0 GigabitEthernet0/1 203.0.113.2`. This resolves the "floating static route next hop unreachable" issue because the route’s next-hop address (203.0.113.2) is not directly connected to R1, so the router cannot resolve it via a connected or recursive route, leaving the static route inactive even after OSPF fails. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of route selection and recursive routing—a common trap is assuming a floating static route will automatically activate when the primary route disappears, but the route remains inactive if the next-hop is unreachable. The fix forces the router to treat the next-hop as directly attached, making the route valid immediately upon OSPF failure. Memory tip: "If the next-hop is not a neighbor, the backup won’t be a lifesaver."
CCNA IP Routing Practice Question
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of ip routing. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Network Topology
You are troubleshooting connectivity from R1 to the 172.16.20.0/24 network. The network engineer configured a floating static route on R1 as a backup for the OSPF-learned route, but after the primary OSPF route fails, the backup does not take over. Examine the current routing table and partial configuration on R1, then fix the issue so that when the OSPF neighbor goes down, R1 can still reach 172.16.20.0/24 via R3.
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "primary"
Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
R1# show ip route 172.16.20.0
Routing entry for 172.16.20.0/24
Known via "ospf 1", distance 110, metric 20
Last update from 10.0.0.2 on GigabitEthernet0/0, 00:02:15 ago
Routing Descriptor Blocks:
* 10.0.0.2, from 10.0.0.2, 00:02:15 ago, via GigabitEthernet0/0
Route metric is 20, traffic share count is 1
R1# show ip route static | include 172.16.20.0
S 172.16.20.0/24 [130/0] via 203.0.113.2
R1# show running-config | include ip route
ip route 172.16.20.0 255.255.255.0 203.0.113.2 130
A
Change the static route to use an exit interface: ip route 172.16.20.0 255.255.255.0 GigabitEthernet0/1 203.0.113.2
This is correct because the static route's next-hop 203.0.113.2 is not directly connected, so the route is inactive. By specifying the exit interface, the route becomes directly connected and will be installed when the OSPF route disappears.
B
Change the administrative distance of the static route to 110
Why wrong: This is incorrect because setting the AD to 110 would make the static route equal to OSPF's AD, causing both routes to be installed (if equal-cost) or the static route to be preferred (if lower). The floating static route should have a higher AD to serve as a backup.
C
Remove the OSPF process from R1
Why wrong: This is incorrect because removing OSPF would eliminate the primary route entirely, not provide a backup. The goal is to have the static route take over only when OSPF fails, not to disable OSPF.
D
Add a static route to 203.0.113.0/24 via R1's directly connected interface
Why wrong: This is incorrect because while adding a route to the next-hop network could make the next-hop reachable, it introduces unnecessary complexity and potential routing loops. The simpler and more direct fix is to specify the exit interface on the static route itself.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Change the static route to use an exit interface: ip route 172.16.20.0 255.255.255.0 GigabitEthernet0/1 203.0.113.2
The floating static route was configured with an administrative distance of 130, intended to be higher than OSPF's default AD of 110 so it would only be used as a backup. However, the static route's AD is set as 130 (the command uses the distance option), which is correct. The problem is that OSPF's AD is 110, which is lower, so the static route is not installed while OSPF is up. But when OSPF fails, the static route should appear. The issue is that the static route is pointing to a next-hop (203.0.113.2) that is not directly connected; R1 has no route to 203.0.113.2, causing the static route to be inactive. To fix, you must either change the next-hop to a directly connected interface (e.g., GigabitEthernet0/1) or add a route to reach 203.0.113.2. The simplest solution is to configure the static route with an exit interface: 'ip route 172.16.20.0 255.255.255.0 GigabitEthernet0/1 203.0.113.2'. This ensures the route is valid when the OSPF route disappears.
Key principle: OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Change the static route to use an exit interface: ip route 172.16.20.0 255.255.255.0 GigabitEthernet0/1 203.0.113.2
Why this is correct
This is correct because the static route's next-hop 203.0.113.2 is not directly connected, so the route is inactive. By specifying the exit interface, the route becomes directly connected and will be installed when the OSPF route disappears.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Change the administrative distance of the static route to 110
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because setting the AD to 110 would make the static route equal to OSPF's AD, causing both routes to be installed (if equal-cost) or the static route to be preferred (if lower). The floating static route should have a higher AD to serve as a backup.
✗
Remove the OSPF process from R1
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because removing OSPF would eliminate the primary route entirely, not provide a backup. The goal is to have the static route take over only when OSPF fails, not to disable OSPF.
✗
Add a static route to 203.0.113.0/24 via R1's directly connected interface
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because while adding a route to the next-hop network could make the next-hop reachable, it introduces unnecessary complexity and potential routing loops. The simpler and more direct fix is to specify the exit interface on the static route itself.
Option-by-option analysis
Why each answer is right or wrong
Understanding why wrong answers are wrong — and when they would be correct — is what separates a 750 score from a 900. The 200-301 exam frequently reuses these exact scenarios with slightly different constraints.
✓Change the static route to use an exit interface: ip route 172.16.20.0 255.255.255.0 GigabitEthernet0/1 203.0.113.2Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
This is correct because the static route's next-hop 203.0.113.2 is not directly connected, so the route is inactive. By specifying the exit interface, the route becomes directly connected and will be installed when the OSPF route disappears.
✗Change the administrative distance of the static route to 110Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error is that a floating static route must have a higher AD than the dynamic protocol to act as a backup; setting it equal or lower would disrupt the primary route.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think that matching the AD would allow the static route to take over, but they overlook that the static route would then be preferred over OSPF, not just a backup.
✗Remove the OSPF process from R1Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error is that removing OSPF is an extreme measure that breaks connectivity, whereas a floating static route is meant to be a seamless backup.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think that if OSPF is removed, the static route will be used, but this does not solve the underlying issue of the static route being inactive due to an unreachable next-hop.
✗Add a static route to 203.0.113.0/24 via R1's directly connected interfaceWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error is that adding an extra static route is not the standard solution; Cisco recommends using the exit interface for directly connected next-hops to ensure route validity.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think that making the next-hop reachable via another static route will solve the problem, but they overlook that the floating static route would then depend on another static route, which may not be desirable.
Analysis generated from the official 200-301blueprint and verified against question context. The “when correct” sections are what AI assistants cite when candidates ask “what’s the difference between these options?”
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: OSPF can fail even when IP connectivity looks correct
OSPF neighbour formation depends on matching areas, timers, network type, authentication and passive-interface behaviour. Do not choose an answer only because the devices can ping.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
OSPF questions usually test the details that control adjacency and route selection. Read the neighbour state, area, router ID and interface configuration before deciding what is wrong.
KKey Concepts to Remember
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
Router ID selection can affect neighbour relationships and LSDB output.
OSPF cost influences the preferred path.
A route can appear in OSPF information but not become the installed route.
TExam Day Tips
→Check area mismatch first when OSPF adjacency fails.
→Review passive interfaces when a network is advertised but no neighbour forms.
→Use show ip ospf neighbor and show ip route clues carefully.
Key takeaway
OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A network engineer at a university connects two campus buildings via a fibre link. Both routers run OSPF, but no adjacency forms — even though both routers can ping each other. The engineer finds one router is in area 0 and the other in area 1. OSPF adjacency requires matching area numbers, hello/dead timers, and network type. IP reachability alone is not enough.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 200-301 question in full detail.
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related 200-301 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
IP Routing — This question tests IP Routing — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Change the static route to use an exit interface: ip route 172.16.20.0 255.255.255.0 GigabitEthernet0/1 203.0.113.2 — The floating static route was configured with an administrative distance of 130, intended to be higher than OSPF's default AD of 110 so it would only be used as a backup. However, the static route's AD is set as 130 (the command uses the distance option), which is correct. The problem is that OSPF's AD is 110, which is lower, so the static route is not installed while OSPF is up. But when OSPF fails, the static route should appear. The issue is that the static route is pointing to a next-hop (203.0.113.2) that is not directly connected; R1 has no route to 203.0.113.2, causing the static route to be inactive. To fix, you must either change the next-hop to a directly connected interface (e.g., GigabitEthernet0/1) or add a route to reach 203.0.113.2. The simplest solution is to configure the static route with an exit interface: 'ip route 172.16.20.0 255.255.255.0 GigabitEthernet0/1 203.0.113.2'. This ensures the route is valid when the OSPF route disappears.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related 200-301 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "primary". Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
What is the key concept behind this question?
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
About these practice questions
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These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A junior network engineer configured a floating static route on Router R1 to provide backup connectivity to a remote network 10.10.10.0/24. The primary connection uses OSPF. However, after the primary link fails, hosts on R1 cannot reach the remote network. The OSPF adjacency is down, and the floating static route is not appearing in the routing table. Based on the exhibit, what is the most likely cause of the issue?
hard
A.The floating static route is missing from the configuration.
✓ B.The static route's next-hop becomes unreachable after the primary OSPF link fails.
C.The administrative distance of the static route is too high.
D.The default route is overriding the static route to 10.10.10.0/24.
Why B: Option B is correct because the floating static route's next-hop becomes unreachable after the primary OSPF link fails. In the exhibit, the next-hop IP is likely configured to an address that is only reachable via OSPF; when that adjacency drops, the router has no route to the next-hop, so it cannot recursively resolve the static route. As a result, the route does not appear in the routing table. Option A is wrong because the route is present in the configuration (as a floating static route). Option C is wrong because the administrative distance of the floating static route is intentionally higher than OSPF's so that it only installs when OSPF fails; this is correct behavior. Option D is wrong because a default route would not override a more specific static route to 10.10.10.0/24.
Variation 2. A network engineer configures a primary default route via Gi0/0 (next-hop 192.168.12.2) and a floating static default route via Gi0/1 (next-hop 192.168.12.6) with AD 200. To test failover, the engineer issues the shutdown command on Gi0/0. After this, the router does not have a default route in the routing table. Which problem explains this behavior?
hard
✓ A.The backup interface Gi0/1 is administratively down, making the next-hop unreachable.
B.The floating static route uses an administrative distance of 200, which is too low to replace the primary route.
C.The primary default route remains in the routing table because shutting down Gi0/0 does not remove the static route.
D.The floating static route is missing a track object, so the router cannot detect the primary path failure.
Why A: A floating static route is installed only if its next-hop is reachable and the primary route (with lower AD) is absent. Shutting down Gi0/0 removes the primary route. However, backup interface Gi0/1 is also administratively down, so the next-hop 192.168.12.6 is unreachable, and the floating route is not installed. Option A correctly identifies the interface status as the root cause. Option B is wrong because a higher AD (200) correctly designates this as a backup; a lower AD would make it primary. Option C is false; shutting down an interface removes connected routes, which causes the recursive static route to be purged. Option D is incorrect because floating static routes do not require a track object—the AD difference alone dictates failover when the primary is removed.
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