- A
Directly connected route: route to a network attached to one of the router's interfaces
A directly connected route is automatically added to the routing table when an interface is configured with an IP address and is up/up. It has an administrative distance of 0.
- B
Static route: route learned via a routing protocol such as OSPF or EIGRP
Why wrong: This is incorrect because a static route is manually configured by an administrator, not learned via a routing protocol. Routes learned via routing protocols are dynamic routes.
- C
Default route: a route with a network address of 0.0.0.0 and a subnet mask of 0.0.0.0, used as a gateway of last resort
Why wrong: This description is actually correct for a default route, but the question asks to match each route type to its source or description. Since the correct answer is A, this option is not the correct match for the given stem. However, the description itself is accurate.
- D
Floating static route: a static route with a higher administrative distance than the primary route, used as a backup
Why wrong: This description is accurate for a floating static route, but it is not the correct match for the given stem. The correct match is option A.
Quick Answer
The answer is that a directly connected route is the route type automatically generated for a network attached to one of the router’s interfaces. This occurs because when an interface is configured with an IP address and enters an up/up state, the router immediately installs that network as a connected route in the routing table, requiring no manual input or routing protocol. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how routes populate the table, often appearing in matching or multiple-choice questions that distinguish between directly connected, static, dynamic, and default routes. A common trap is confusing a directly connected route with a static route, but remember that connected routes are automatic, not manually configured. To keep them straight, use the mnemonic “C for Cable” — if a cable is plugged in and the interface is up, it’s a Connected route.
CCNA IP Routing Practice Question
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 connected IPv4 route is automatically installed in the routing table when an interface is configured with an IP address and is operationally up.. 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.
Match each IPv4 route type to its most accurate source or description.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Directly connected route: route to a network attached to one of the router's interfaces
Each route type is matched to its defining characteristic. A connected route is automatically generated when an interface is configured with an IP address and is in an up/up state, making it present solely because the network is directly attached. A static route is explicitly entered by an administrator, hence manually configured. A dynamic route is learned through a routing protocol such as OSPF or EIGRP, without manual input. A default route (0.0.0.0/0) is primarily defined by its use as the last-resort gateway when no more specific route matches the destination, even though it could be statically or dynamically learned; the key distinguishing factor here is its behavior, not its configuration method.
Key principle: A connected IPv4 route is automatically installed in the routing table when an interface is configured with an IP address and is operationally up.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Directly connected route: route to a network attached to one of the router's interfaces
Why this is correct
A directly connected route is automatically added to the routing table when an interface is configured with an IP address and is up/up. It has an administrative distance of 0.
Related concept
A connected IPv4 route is automatically installed in the routing table when an interface is configured with an IP address and is operationally up.
- ✗
Static route: route learned via a routing protocol such as OSPF or EIGRP
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because a static route is manually configured by an administrator, not learned via a routing protocol. Routes learned via routing protocols are dynamic routes.
- ✗
Default route: a route with a network address of 0.0.0.0 and a subnet mask of 0.0.0.0, used as a gateway of last resort
Why it's wrong here
This description is actually correct for a default route, but the question asks to match each route type to its source or description. Since the correct answer is A, this option is not the correct match for the given stem. However, the description itself is accurate.
- ✗
Floating static route: a static route with a higher administrative distance than the primary route, used as a backup
Why it's wrong here
This description is accurate for a floating static route, but it is not the correct match for the given stem. The correct match is option A.
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.
✓Directly connected route: route to a network attached to one of the router's interfacesCorrect answer▾
Why this is correct
A directly connected route is automatically added to the routing table when an interface is configured with an IP address and is up/up. It has an administrative distance of 0.
✗Static route: route learned via a routing protocol such as OSPF or EIGRPWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error: Static routes are manually configured, not dynamically learned. OSPF and EIGRP are dynamic routing protocols.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may confuse 'static' with 'dynamic' or think that static routes are learned through some automated process.
✗Default route: a route with a network address of 0.0.0.0 and a subnet mask of 0.0.0.0, used as a gateway of last resortWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error: This option is not wrong in content, but it is not the correct answer because the question likely expects a different pairing. In a matching question, only one option is correct per item.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may pick this because the description is accurate and they might think it is the intended match.
✗Floating static route: a static route with a higher administrative distance than the primary route, used as a backupWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error: The description is correct, but it does not match the route type in the question stem. The question likely expects a different pairing.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may pick this because the description is correct and they might think it is the intended match.
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
Be careful to match the route type to its specific source or description. Do not assume that any accurate description is the correct match; read the stem carefully. Directly connected routes are unique because they are automatically generated from interface configurations.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
IPv4 routing tables contain entries from various sources, each representing a different route type. Connected routes are directly linked to router interfaces with assigned IP addresses and are immediately installed in the routing table when the interface is up. Static routes are manually configured by network administrators to define explicit paths for traffic, often used for simple or stub networks. Dynamic routes are learned through routing protocols like OSPF or EIGRP, which dynamically exchange routing information to adapt to network topology changes. Default routes act as a fallback path when no specific route matches a destination, directing traffic to a designated next-hop or exit interface. Cisco routers use administrative distance to prioritize routes from different sources. Connected routes have the lowest administrative distance of 0, making them the most trusted. Static routes have an administrative distance of 1, preferred over dynamic routes but less than connected routes. Dynamic routes have higher administrative distances depending on the protocol (e.g., OSPF is 110, EIGRP is 90). When multiple routes to the same destination exist, the router selects the route with the lowest administrative distance. Default routes simplify routing by providing a catch-all route, reducing the need for exhaustive routing entries. A common exam trap is confusing static routes with default routes or assuming dynamic routes always override static routes. In practice, static routes have a lower administrative distance than dynamic routes, so they are preferred unless configured otherwise. Another pitfall is misunderstanding connected routes as static; connected routes are automatically installed and have the highest priority. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for troubleshooting routing issues and interpreting routing tables accurately in Cisco environments.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- A connected IPv4 route is automatically installed in the routing table when an interface is configured with an IP address and is operationally up.
- A static IPv4 route is manually configured by a network administrator to define a specific path for traffic to reach a destination network.
- A dynamic IPv4 route is learned and maintained by routing protocols such as OSPF, EIGRP, or RIP, which exchange routing information between routers.
- A default IPv4 route is used by a router when no specific match exists in the routing table for a destination IP address, typically pointing to a next-hop or exit interface.
- Routing protocols assign administrative distance and metrics to routes, which influence route selection when multiple routes to the same destination exist.
- Connected routes have the lowest administrative distance (0) and are preferred over static and dynamic routes in Cisco routers.
- Static routes have a default administrative distance of 1, making them preferred over dynamic routes but less preferred than connected routes.
- Default routes simplify routing tables by providing a catch-all path, preventing the need for exhaustive route entries for all possible destinations.
TExam Day Tips
- 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
A connected IPv4 route is automatically installed in the routing table when an interface is configured with an IP address and is operationally up.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A network engineer at a university connects two campus buildings via a fibre link. Both routers run OSPF, but no adjacency forms — even though both routers can ping each other. The engineer finds one router is in area 0 and the other in area 1. OSPF adjacency requires matching area numbers, hello/dead timers, and network type. IP reachability alone is not enough.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review a connected IPv4 route is automatically installed in the routing table when an interface is configured with an IP address and is operationally up., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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IP Routing — study guide chapter
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IP Routing practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-301 question test?
IP Routing — This question tests IP Routing — A connected IPv4 route is automatically installed in the routing table when an interface is configured with an IP address and is operationally up..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Directly connected route: route to a network attached to one of the router's interfaces — Each route type is matched to its defining characteristic. A connected route is automatically generated when an interface is configured with an IP address and is in an up/up state, making it present solely because the network is directly attached. A static route is explicitly entered by an administrator, hence manually configured. A dynamic route is learned through a routing protocol such as OSPF or EIGRP, without manual input. A default route (0.0.0.0/0) is primarily defined by its use as the last-resort gateway when no more specific route matches the destination, even though it could be statically or dynamically learned; the key distinguishing factor here is its behavior, not its configuration method.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Review a connected IPv4 route is automatically installed in the routing table when an interface is configured with an IP address and is operationally up., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
A connected IPv4 route is automatically installed in the routing table when an interface is configured with an IP address and is operationally up.
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Same concept, more angles
1 more ways this is tested on 200-301
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. Match each route source or route type to its most accurate description.
medium- ✓ A.Connected route: A route automatically added when an interface is configured with an IP address and is up.
- ✓ B.Static route: A manually configured route that specifies a fixed path to a destination network.
- ✓ C.OSPF: A link-state routing protocol that uses cost as its metric and maintains a full topology database.
- ✓ D.EIGRP: A hybrid routing protocol that uses bandwidth and delay as metrics and supports unequal-cost load balancing.
Why A: Connected routes are automatically added when an interface is active and has an IP address configured; static routes are manually entered by an administrator; OSPF routes are dynamically learned through the OSPF link-state routing protocol; floating static routes are static routes configured with a higher administrative distance than the primary route, serving as a backup.
Last reviewed: May 17, 2026
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