Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
What is the main operational purpose of a floating static route in a network that already uses dynamic routing?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Good practice is not just finding the correct option. The wrong answers often show the exact trap the exam wants you to fall into.
A
Best answer
It provides a standby route that becomes active if the preferred dynamic route disappears.
This is correct because floating statics are designed as backup paths.
B
Distractor review
It always overrides the dynamic route because static routes are preferred by default.
This is wrong because floating statics are intentionally given higher administrative distance.
C
Distractor review
It removes the need for administrative distance in route selection.
This is wrong because floating static behavior depends directly on administrative-distance tuning.
D
Distractor review
It turns all learned routes into connected routes.
This is wrong because floating statics do not change the type of other routes.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A common exam trap is assuming that static routes always override dynamic routes because static routes have a default administrative distance of 1. This leads to the incorrect belief that floating static routes will always be preferred, which is false. Floating static routes are intentionally configured with a higher administrative distance to prevent them from overriding dynamic routes. Misunderstanding this can cause candidates to select options claiming static routes always take precedence, missing the key concept of administrative distance tuning for failover purposes.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
A floating static route is a static route configured with an administrative distance higher than that of the dynamic routing protocol in use. This ensures the static route remains inactive and does not interfere with the preferred dynamic route under normal network conditions. The primary purpose is to provide a backup path that automatically activates only if the dynamic route fails, enhancing network resilience without disrupting the routing table during normal operation. In Cisco routing, the administrative distance (AD) determines route preference, with lower AD values preferred over higher ones. Dynamic routing protocols like OSPF (AD 110) or EIGRP (AD 90) typically have lower ADs than static routes (default AD 1). By increasing the AD of a static route above the dynamic protocol's AD, the static route floats, meaning it is installed in the routing table only when the dynamic route is unavailable. This mechanism allows seamless failover without manual intervention. A common exam trap is misunderstanding that static routes always override dynamic routes due to their default AD of 1. However, floating static routes deliberately use a higher AD to avoid this. Practically, floating static routes provide a reliable failover method in Cisco networks, ensuring backup connectivity without disrupting primary dynamic routing operations. This technique is essential for maintaining uptime and predictable routing behavior in complex network environments.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- A floating static route uses a higher administrative distance than dynamic routes to remain inactive until needed as a backup.
- Administrative distance determines route preference, with the lowest value route installed in the routing table.
- Dynamic routing protocols like OSPF and EIGRP have default administrative distances lower than standard static routes.
- Floating static routes provide automatic failover by activating only when the preferred dynamic route is lost.
- Static routes with default administrative distance of 1 always override dynamic routes unless their distance is increased.
- Floating static routes do not replace dynamic routing but complement it by providing standby paths.
- The administrative distance value must be carefully set to ensure floating static routes do not interfere with normal routing.
- Floating static routes enhance network resilience by enabling backup paths without manual route changes.
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.
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More questions from this exam
Keep practising from the same exam bank, or move into a focused topic page if this question exposed a weak area.
Question 1
A router learns the same prefix from both OSPF and EIGRP. Which route is installed by default?
Question 2
A router shows this output: R1#show ip ospf neighbor Neighbor ID Pri State Dead Time Address Interface 10.1.1.2 1 FULL/DR 00:00:34 192.168.12.2 GigabitEthernet0/0 10.1.1.3 1 2WAY/DROTHER 00:00:39 192.168.12.3 GigabitEthernet0/0 Which statement is correct?
Question 3
What is the OSPF metric called?
Question 4
A non-root switch has two uplinks toward the root bridge. One path has a lower total STP cost than the other. What role will the lower-cost uplink have?
Question 5
A router interface applies this ACL inbound: 10 deny tcp any any eq 80 20 permit ip any any A user reports that web browsing to a server by IP address fails, but ping works. Which statement best explains the behavior?
Question 6
A router learns route 198.51.100.0/24 from OSPF with AD 110 and also has a static route to the same prefix configured with AD 150. Which route is installed?
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-301 question test?
A floating static route uses a higher administrative distance than dynamic routes to remain inactive until needed as a backup.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: It provides a standby route that becomes active if the preferred dynamic route disappears. — A floating static route provides a backup path that stays inactive until the preferred dynamic route is lost. In practical terms, the administrator assigns it a higher administrative distance so it remains in reserve during normal operation. If the dynamic source fails, the static route can take over automatically. This is a practical failover technique because it adds resilience without replacing the primary routing design.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Then try more questions from the same exam bank and focus on understanding why the wrong options are tempting.
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