Quick Answer
The correct command is ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 203.0.113.1. This works because the default static route uses the all-zero network address and all-zero subnet mask, which together match any destination IP address; the router then forwards all unmatched traffic to the specified next-hop address, 203.0.113.1. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this command tests your understanding of how a gateway of last resort is configured, and a common trap is forgetting that the mask must be exactly 0.0.0.0—any other mask creates a regular static route, not a default. The exam often presents a scenario where you must choose between specifying a next-hop IP versus an exit interface; remember that using an exit interface alone (e.g., ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 GigabitEthernet0/0) makes the route directly connected, which can cause issues with ARP on multi-access links. A solid memory tip is to think of the four zeros as “quad-zero” representing “any network, any host,” and the next-hop IP as the emergency exit for all unknown destinations.
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of ip routing. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. A key principle to apply: a default static route uses the destination network 0.0.0.0 with subnet mask 0.0.0.0 to match all unknown IP destinations.. 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.
Which Cisco IOS command configures a default static route pointing to next hop 203.0.113.1?
ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 203.0.113.1
Correct. This is the standard Cisco IOS syntax.
ip default-gateway 203.0.113.1
Why wrong: ip default-gateway is not the same thing on a router with routing enabled.
default-information originate 203.0.113.1
Why wrong: That command is used within routing protocols, not to create the static route itself.
route add 0.0.0.0 203.0.113.1
Why wrong: That is not Cisco IOS syntax.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 203.0.113.1
A default static route uses the all-zero network and mask, followed by the next-hop IP address or exit interface.
Key principle: A default static route uses the destination network 0.0.0.0 with subnet mask 0.0.0.0 to match all unknown IP destinations.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 203.0.113.1
Why this is correct
Correct. This is the standard Cisco IOS syntax.
Related concept
A default static route uses the destination network 0.0.0.0 with subnet mask 0.0.0.0 to match all unknown IP destinations.
ip default-gateway 203.0.113.1
Why it's wrong here
ip default-gateway is not the same thing on a router with routing enabled.
When this WOULD be correct
If the exam question asked for the command to configure a default gateway on a Layer 2 switch or a router in a non-routing mode, then 'ip default-gateway 203.0.113.1' would be the correct answer, as it specifies the next hop for traffic leaving the device.
default-information originate 203.0.113.1
Why it's wrong here
That command is used within routing protocols, not to create the static route itself.
When this WOULD be correct
If the exam question asked for a command to advertise a default route to other routers in a routing protocol like OSPF or EIGRP, then 'default-information originate' would be the correct answer, indicating that the router should inform others about the default route.
route add 0.0.0.0 203.0.113.1
Why it's wrong here
That is not Cisco IOS syntax.
When this WOULD be correct
If the question were about configuring static routes on a Linux-based router or system, 'route add 0.0.0.0 203.0.113.1' would be the correct command to set a default route to the next hop 203.0.113.1.
Option-by-option analysis
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.
Why this is correct
Correct. This is the standard Cisco IOS syntax.
Why this is wrong here
The ip default-gateway command is used on Cisco switches in Layer 2 mode or on routers when IP routing is disabled. On a router with IP routing enabled, this command does not create a static route; it only sets the default gateway for the management interface, not for forwarding traffic.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
If the exam question asked for the command to configure a default gateway on a Layer 2 switch or a router in a non-routing mode, then 'ip default-gateway 203.0.113.1' would be the correct answer, as it specifies the next hop for traffic leaving the device.
Why candidates choose this
Students often confuse ip default-gateway with a default static route because both involve a default path. However, ip default-gateway is only effective when routing is disabled, whereas a default static route is used when routing is enabled.
Why this is wrong here
The default-information originate command is used in routing protocols like OSPF or EIGRP to inject a default route into the routing domain. It does not create a static route itself; it only advertises an existing default route (which must already be present in the routing table) to other routers.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
If the exam question asked for a command to advertise a default route to other routers in a routing protocol like OSPF or EIGRP, then 'default-information originate' would be the correct answer, indicating that the router should inform others about the default route.
Why candidates choose this
The phrase 'default' in the command name leads students to think it creates a default route. However, it is a routing protocol command, not a static route configuration command.
Why this is wrong here
The route add command is used in Windows or Linux operating systems, not in Cisco IOS. Cisco IOS uses the ip route command to configure static routes. Using route add on a Cisco router would result in an unrecognized command error.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
If the question were about configuring static routes on a Linux-based router or system, 'route add 0.0.0.0 203.0.113.1' would be the correct command to set a default route to the next hop 203.0.113.1.
Why candidates choose this
Students familiar with other operating systems may mistakenly apply the same syntax to Cisco IOS. The similarity in purpose (adding a route) makes it tempting, but the command syntax is platform-specific.
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
Remember that a default static route uses the all-zero network and mask, not a /32 mask or an exit interface unless specified.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
That command is used within routing protocols, not to create the static route itself.
Detailed technical explanation
A default static route in Cisco IOS is a routing entry that directs packets destined for any network not explicitly listed in the routing table to a specified next-hop IP address or exit interface. This route uses the destination network 0.0.0.0 with a subnet mask of 0.0.0.0, which matches all possible IP addresses. It is essential in routing because it provides a gateway of last resort, allowing routers to forward traffic when no specific route exists for a destination. The command syntax for configuring a default static route in Cisco IOS is 'ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 [next-hop IP address]'. This tells the router to send all unknown traffic to the specified next-hop IP, in this case, 203.0.113.1. This static route has an administrative distance of 1, making it preferred over dynamic routes with higher distances unless a more specific route exists. The router uses this route only when no other matching route is found in the routing table. A common exam trap is confusing the 'ip default-gateway' command with the default static route. 'ip default-gateway' is used on Layer 2 devices or routers without routing enabled and does not create a route in the routing table. Additionally, commands like 'default-information originate' are related to routing protocol advertisements, not static route configuration. Understanding these distinctions is critical for correct Cisco IOS routing configuration and exam success.
Key takeaway
A default static route uses the destination network 0.0.0.0 with subnet mask 0.0.0.0 to match all unknown IP destinations.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Review a default static route uses the destination network 0.0.0.0 with subnet mask 0.0.0.0 to match all unknown IP destinations., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
IP Routing — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
IP Routing practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All 200-301 questions
1,819 questions across all exam domains
CCNA 200-301 v2 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
200-301 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise 200-301 questions linked to Network Infrastructure and Connectivity.
Practise 200-301 questions linked to Switching and Network Access.
Practise 200-301 questions linked to IP Routing.
Practise 200-301 questions linked to Network Services and Security.
Practise 200-301 questions linked to AI and Network Operations.
Practise IPv4 subnetting, CIDR, masks, host ranges and subnet selection.
Practise OSPF neighbours, router IDs, metrics, areas and routing-table interpretation.
Practise VLANs, access ports, trunks, allowed VLANs and switching scenarios.
Practise spanning tree, root bridge election, port roles and STP troubleshooting.
Practise LACP, PAgP, port-channel behaviour and bundle requirements.
Practise standard and extended ACLs, permit/deny logic and traffic filtering.
Practise static NAT, dynamic NAT, PAT and inside/outside address translation.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
IP Routing — This question tests IP Routing — A default static route uses the destination network 0.0.0.0 with subnet mask 0.0.0.0 to match all unknown IP destinations..
The correct answer is: ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 203.0.113.1 — A default static route uses the all-zero network and mask, followed by the next-hop IP address or exit interface.
Review a default static route uses the destination network 0.0.0.0 with subnet mask 0.0.0.0 to match all unknown IP destinations., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
A default static route uses the destination network 0.0.0.0 with subnet mask 0.0.0.0 to match all unknown IP destinations.
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 →
Keep practising
Last reviewed: May 17, 2026
This 200-301 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 200-301 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.