The answer is to 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. This fixes the recursive routing failure because the original next-hop 10.0.0.1 is R1’s own G0/0 interface IP, causing the router to look up that address in its routing table and loop back to itself rather than forwarding traffic to R2. The correct next-hop 10.0.0.2 points to R2’s interface, and the administrative distance of 10 ensures this floating static route is only used when the directly connected route (AD 0) fails. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of recursive routing, next-hop behavior, and administrative distance—a common trap is confusing the local interface IP with the neighbor’s IP. Remember: a static route’s next-hop must always be reachable via a directly connected network; if you point it to your own IP, you create a routing loop. Memory tip: “Never point a static route at yourself—your router can’t shake its own hand.”
CCNA IP Routing Practice Question
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of ip routing. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Network Topology
You are connected to R1 via the console. 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.
R1# show running-config | section ip route
ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 10.0.0.2
ip route 192.0.2.0 255.255.255.0 10.0.0.1
!
R1# show running-config | section ipv6 route
ipv6 route ::/0 2001:db8:1::2
!
R1# show ip route static
Codes: L - local, C - connected, S - static, R - RIP, M - mobile, B - BGP
D - EIGRP, EX - EIGRP external, O - OSPF, IA - OSPF inter area
N1 - OSPF NSSA external type 1, N2 - OSPF NSSA external type 2
E1 - OSPF external type 1, E2 - OSPF external type 2
i - IS-IS, su - IS-IS summary, L1 - IS-IS level-1, L2 - IS-IS level-2
ia - IS-IS inter area, * - candidate default, U - per-user static route
o - ODR, P - periodic downloaded static route
Gateway of last resort is 10.0.0.2 to network 0.0.0.0
S* 0.0.0.0/0 [1/0] via 10.0.0.2
S 192.0.2.0/24 [1/0] via 10.0.0.1 - 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
This is correct because the existing static route uses 10.0.0.1 (R1's own interface IP), causing recursive routing failure. The correct next-hop is 10.0.0.2 (R2's G0/0 IP). Adding the floating static route with AD 10 ensures it is used only if the directly connected route fails.
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
Why wrong: This is incorrect because the administrative distance of 1 is lower than the directly connected route's AD of 0, so the floating static route would be preferred over the directly connected route, defeating its purpose as a backup.
C
Keep the existing static route and add ip route 192.0.2.0 255.255.255.0 10.0.0.2 10
Why wrong: This is incorrect because the existing static route with next-hop 10.0.0.1 (R1's own interface) causes recursive routing failure and must be removed. Simply adding a new route does not fix the existing incorrect route.
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
Why wrong: This is incorrect because using an exit interface (g0/0) instead of a next-hop IP address for a static route to a remote network can cause issues if the interface goes down, but more importantly, the question requires a floating static route with AD 10, which is not provided here. Additionally, the route would be directly connected? Actually, using an exit interface makes the route a directly connected static route, which has AD 0? No, static routes with exit interface have AD 1 by default. But the question specifies a floating static route with AD 10, so this does not meet the requirement.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
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
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.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Remove the 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
Why this is correct
This is correct because the existing static route uses 10.0.0.1 (R1's own interface IP), causing recursive routing failure. The correct next-hop is 10.0.0.2 (R2's G0/0 IP). Adding the floating static route with AD 10 ensures it is used only if the directly connected route fails.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
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
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because the administrative distance of 1 is lower than the directly connected route's AD of 0, so the floating static route would be preferred over the directly connected route, defeating its purpose as a backup.
✗
Keep the existing static route and add ip route 192.0.2.0 255.255.255.0 10.0.0.2 10
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because the existing static route with next-hop 10.0.0.1 (R1's own interface) causes recursive routing failure and must be removed. Simply adding a new route does not fix the existing incorrect route.
✗
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
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because using an exit interface (g0/0) instead of a next-hop IP address for a static route to a remote network can cause issues if the interface goes down, but more importantly, the question requires a floating static route with AD 10, which is not provided here. Additionally, the route would be directly connected? Actually, using an exit interface makes the route a directly connected static route, which has AD 0? No, static routes with exit interface have AD 1 by default. But the question specifies a floating static route with AD 10, so this does not meet the requirement.
Option-by-option analysis
Why each answer is right or wrong
Understanding why wrong answers are wrong — and when they would be correct — is what separates a 750 score from a 900. The 200-301 exam frequently reuses these exact scenarios with slightly different constraints.
✓Remove the 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 10Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
This is correct because the existing static route uses 10.0.0.1 (R1's own interface IP), causing recursive routing failure. The correct next-hop is 10.0.0.2 (R2's G0/0 IP). Adding the floating static route with AD 10 ensures it is used only if the directly connected route fails.
✗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 1Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
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.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think any AD higher than 0 works, but the question specifies AD 10, so using AD 1 is not compliant with the requirement.
✗Keep the existing static route and add ip route 192.0.2.0 255.255.255.0 10.0.0.2 10Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
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.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think that adding a more specific route (with AD 10) will override the existing route, but since both routes have the same prefix and mask, the one with lower AD is preferred. The existing route has AD 1 (default) and the new route has AD 10, so the existing route remains active and causes failure.
✗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 g0/0Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
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.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think that using an exit interface avoids recursive lookup, but the question explicitly requires a floating static route with AD 10, and the next-hop IP is specified as 10.0.0.2.
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: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 200-301 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 200-301 question in full detail.
Identify which 200-301 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
IP Routing — This question tests IP Routing — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: 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 — 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.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Identify which 200-301 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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. You are connected to R1. The network consists of three routers: R1, R2, and R3. R1 must reach the loopback network 203.0.113.0/24 on R3 via two paths: a primary static route through R2's G0/0 (192.0.2.2) and a floating static route through R2's G0/1 (198.51.100.2) with an administrative distance of 150. Additionally, R1 already has a default route pointing to 192.0.2.2. Configure the two static routes to 203.0.113.0/24 on R1 as described. The default route does not need to be changed. Verify that the primary route is active and the floating route is used only if the primary fails.
hard
✓ A.Configure ip route 203.0.113.0 255.255.255.0 192.0.2.2 and ip route 203.0.113.0 255.255.255.0 198.51.100.2 150. The default route is already configured. No further changes needed.
B.Configure ip route 203.0.113.0 255.255.255.0 192.0.2.2 and ip route 203.0.113.0 255.255.255.0 198.51.100.2 150. Also, remove the existing default route and re-add it with a higher administrative distance.
C.Configure ip route 203.0.113.0 255.255.255.0 192.0.2.2 150 and ip route 203.0.113.0 255.255.255.0 198.51.100.2. The default route is already configured.
D.Configure ip route 203.0.113.0 255.255.255.0 192.0.2.2 and ip route 203.0.113.0 255.255.255.0 198.51.100.2. The default route is already configured. No administrative distance is needed because the router will automatically prefer the route with the lower metric.
Why A: The correct answer is option A because it correctly configures the primary static route to 203.0.113.0/24 via 192.0.2.2 (default AD 1) and the floating static route via 198.51.100.2 with AD 150, ensuring the primary route is preferred. The default route to 192.0.2.2 is already configured and does not need modification. Options B, C, and D are incorrect: B wrongly adds a higher AD to the default route, C inverts the ADs on the two routes, and D omits the required AD on the floating route, causing both routes to have equal AD and potential load balancing or conflict.
Variation 2. You are connected to R1 via console. R1 is a router that has two paths to the Internet: one via ISP1 with next-hop 203.0.113.1, and a backup via ISP2 with next-hop 203.0.113.2. The primary path should be via ISP1, but if it fails, traffic should automatically use ISP2. Currently, R1 has a static default route to ISP1 only. You need to configure a floating static route to ISP2 with an administrative distance of 150 to provide backup connectivity. Additionally, you must ensure that the backup route is only used when the primary route is not available.
medium
✓ A.ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 203.0.113.2 150
B.ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 203.0.113.2 1
C.ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 203.0.113.2 250
D.ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 203.0.113.2
Why A: By setting the administrative distance to 150, the backup static route is less preferred than the primary static route (distance 1). If the primary route is removed due to a failure, the floating route is installed, providing backup connectivity.
Variation 3. You are connected to R1. The network currently uses a static default route pointing to ISP1 (198.51.100.1) via GigabitEthernet0/0. However, the backup link to ISP2 (203.0.113.1) via Serial0/0/0 has a floating static default route with an administrative distance of 130. The backup route is not taking over when the primary link fails. Configure the floating static route correctly so that it becomes active when the primary route is lost, and verify that the routing table shows the backup default route with the appropriate next-hop.
hard
✓ A.Remove the primary static route and reconfigure it without the 'permanent' keyword, then verify the backup route appears in the routing table.
B.Change the administrative distance of the floating static route to 1 so it is preferred over the primary route.
C.Add the 'permanent' keyword to the floating static route to ensure it remains in the routing table.
D.Configure a static route with a next-hop of 203.0.113.1 and an administrative distance of 130, but also add the 'track' command to monitor the primary link.
Why A: The primary static default route was configured with the 'permanent' keyword, which keeps the route in the routing table even when the GigabitEthernet0/0 interface goes down. This prevents the floating static route (AD 130) from becoming active. The solution is to remove the primary route (no ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 198.51.100.1 permanent) and reconfigure it without the 'permanent' keyword. After that, when the primary link fails, the route is removed, and the backup route (AD 130) enters the routing table. Option A is correct. Option B would make the backup preferred over the primary, which is not the intended behavior. Option C (adding permanent to the backup) would not help and could cause issues. Option D (track) is an alternative but not the required configuration here.
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