The correct command is ipv6 route ::/0 2001:db8:1::1, as the IPv6 default route is configured using the prefix ::/0, which matches all destinations, followed by the next-hop address. This works because IPv6 routing uses the same logic as IPv4 but with a different command syntax: ipv6 route replaces ip route, and the all-zeros prefix ::/0 functions identically to 0.0.0.0/0 in IPv4. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between IPv4 and IPv6 routing commands, with common traps including using ip route (which only works for IPv4) or the nonexistent ipv6 default-route command. A frequent memory tip is to remember that IPv6 default routes always start with ipv6 route ::/0, and the only variable is whether you specify a next-hop or an exit interface. Think of the double colon as “everything” and the /0 as “no bits matter,” so the router sends all traffic to the specified next hop.
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: iPv6 default routes use the prefix ::/0 to represent all possible IPv6 addresses not matched by more specific routes.. 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 command correctly configures an IPv6 default route using next-hop address 2001:db8:1::1?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
ipv6 route ::/0 2001:db8:1::1
The correct IPv6 default route uses the prefix ::/0 with the command 'ipv6 route ::/0'. Option B is wrong because 'ip route' is used for IPv4 routes, not IPv6. Option C uses 'ipv6 default-route', which is not a valid Cisco IOS command. Option D sets the management default gateway for IPv4 only and does not insert a route into the IPv6 routing table.
Key principle: IPv6 default routes use the prefix ::/0 to represent all possible IPv6 addresses not matched by more specific routes.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
ipv6 route ::/0 2001:db8:1::1
Why this is correct
Correct. This is the valid IOS syntax for an IPv6 default route.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
IPv6 default routes use the prefix ::/0 to represent all possible IPv6 addresses not matched by more specific routes.
✗
ip route :: 2001:db8:1::1
Why it's wrong here
This mixes IPv4 command structure with IPv6 addressing.
When this WOULD be correct
In a question specifically asking for an IPv4 default route configuration, where the next-hop address is also in IPv4 format, option B would be correct. For example, if the question stated to configure a default route using an IPv4 address like 192.168.1.1, then 'ip route 0.0.0.0 192.168.1.1' would be the right command.
✗
ipv6 default-route 2001:db8:1::1
Why it's wrong here
That is not the standard IOS syntax for configuring an IPv6 default route.
When this WOULD be correct
If the exam question specifically asked for the command to configure a default route in a different context, such as using a specific vendor's proprietary syntax that recognizes 'ipv6 default-route', then this option would be correct.
✗
ip default-gateway 2001:db8:1::1
Why it's wrong here
ip default-gateway is not how an IPv6 routed default is configured on a router.
When this WOULD be correct
If the question were focused on configuring a default gateway for a Layer 2 switch in a small network environment, where no Layer 3 routing is involved, then 'ip default-gateway 2001:db8:1::1' would be the correct command to set the gateway for the switch to reach other networks.
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.
✓ipv6 route ::/0 2001:db8:1::1Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
Correct. This is the valid IOS syntax for an IPv6 default route.
✗ip route :: 2001:db8:1::1Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The command 'ip route :: 2001:db8:1::1' uses the IPv4 command structure 'ip route' instead of the IPv6-specific 'ipv6 route'. Additionally, the prefix '::' is not the correct notation for the default route; IPv6 uses '::/0'.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
In a question specifically asking for an IPv4 default route configuration, where the next-hop address is also in IPv4 format, option B would be correct. For example, if the question stated to configure a default route using an IPv4 address like 192.168.1.1, then 'ip route 0.0.0.0 192.168.1.1' would be the right command.
Why candidates choose this
Students may confuse the IPv4 default route command 'ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0' with IPv6, incorrectly assuming 'ip route ::' is equivalent. The similarity in syntax can lead to this mistake.
✗ipv6 default-route 2001:db8:1::1Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The command 'ipv6 default-route 2001:db8:1::1' is not a valid Cisco IOS command. The correct syntax for an IPv6 default route is 'ipv6 route ::/0 <next-hop>'. There is no 'default-route' keyword in IPv6 routing configuration.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
If the exam question specifically asked for the command to configure a default route in a different context, such as using a specific vendor's proprietary syntax that recognizes 'ipv6 default-route', then this option would be correct.
Why candidates choose this
The phrase 'default-route' sounds intuitive and similar to 'default-gateway' or 'default route', making it tempting for those who guess the command syntax without knowing the exact IOS command.
✗ip default-gateway 2001:db8:1::1Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The 'ip default-gateway' command is used for IPv4 default gateway configuration on hosts or switches in Layer 2 mode, not for configuring a routed default route on a router. For IPv6, the equivalent is 'ipv6 route ::/0'.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
If the question were focused on configuring a default gateway for a Layer 2 switch in a small network environment, where no Layer 3 routing is involved, then 'ip default-gateway 2001:db8:1::1' would be the correct command to set the gateway for the switch to reach other networks.
Why candidates choose this
Students may recall that 'ip default-gateway' sets a default route on a switch and incorrectly assume it works for IPv6 on a router. The term 'default-gateway' is commonly associated with default routes.
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 cautious about the syntax order and the correct representation of the IPv6 default route prefix.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This mixes IPv4 command structure with IPv6 addressing.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
IPv6 routing relies on static and dynamic routes to forward packets to their destinations. A default route in IPv6 is represented by the prefix ::/0, which matches any IPv6 address not explicitly listed in the routing table. This default route acts as a catch-all path, directing packets to a next-hop router when no more specific route exists. Configuring this route is essential for enabling IPv6 connectivity beyond the local network segment.
Cisco IOS uses the 'ipv6 route' command to configure static IPv6 routes. The syntax requires specifying the destination prefix, such as ::/0 for the default route, followed by the next-hop IPv6 address or an exit interface. This command differs from IPv4 routing commands, which use 'ip route' and IPv4 addresses. Mixing these commands or using incorrect prefixes results in invalid configurations. The router uses the next-hop address to forward packets toward the destination network efficiently.
A frequent source of confusion is the misuse of IPv4 commands or incorrect prefixes when configuring IPv6 routes. For example, 'ip route :: 2001:db8:1::1' is invalid because 'ip route' expects IPv4 addresses. Similarly, 'ip default-gateway' only sets the IPv4 default gateway for management traffic and does not affect IPv6 routing. Understanding these distinctions and using the correct 'ipv6 route ::/0' syntax ensures proper routing behavior and prevents connectivity issues in IPv6 networks.
KKey Concepts to Remember
IPv6 default routes use the prefix ::/0 to represent all possible IPv6 addresses not matched by more specific routes.
The Cisco IOS command to configure an IPv6 static route requires the syntax 'ipv6 route' followed by the destination prefix and the next-hop IPv6 address or exit interface.
IPv6 routing commands differ from IPv4 commands; mixing IPv4 syntax with IPv6 addresses results in invalid configurations.
The 'ip default-gateway' command configures a default gateway for IPv4 management traffic and does not affect IPv6 routing.
Cisco routers use the next-hop address in static routes to forward packets toward the destination network efficiently.
Configuring an IPv6 default route ensures packets with unknown destinations are forwarded to a specified next-hop router.
Incorrect command syntax or mixing IPv4 and IPv6 commands can cause routing failures and prevent proper packet forwarding.
Understanding the correct IOS syntax for IPv6 static routes is essential for effective network connectivity and routing in IPv6 environments.
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
IPv6 default routes use the prefix ::/0 to represent all possible IPv6 addresses not matched by more specific routes.
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. IPv6 default routes use the prefix ::/0 to represent all possible IPv6 addresses not matched by more specific routes. 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.
Review iPv6 default routes use the prefix ::/0 to represent all possible IPv6 addresses not matched by more specific routes., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
IP Routing — This question tests IP Routing — IPv6 default routes use the prefix ::/0 to represent all possible IPv6 addresses not matched by more specific routes..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: ipv6 route ::/0 2001:db8:1::1 — The correct IPv6 default route uses the prefix ::/0 with the command 'ipv6 route ::/0'. Option B is wrong because 'ip route' is used for IPv4 routes, not IPv6. Option C uses 'ipv6 default-route', which is not a valid Cisco IOS command. Option D sets the management default gateway for IPv4 only and does not insert a route into the IPv6 routing table.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Review iPv6 default routes use the prefix ::/0 to represent all possible IPv6 addresses not matched by more specific routes., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
What is the key concept behind this question?
IPv6 default routes use the prefix ::/0 to represent all possible IPv6 addresses not matched by more specific routes.
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