- A
Directly connected route: A route that is automatically added to the routing table when an interface is configured with an IP address and is up/up.
This is correct because directly connected routes are automatically installed when an interface is configured with an IP address and is in the up/up state. They have an administrative distance of 0.
- B
Static route: A route that is learned via a dynamic 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 dynamic routing protocol. Dynamic routing protocols like OSPF and EIGRP learn routes automatically.
- C
Default route: A route that is used when no other specific route matches the destination IP address, typically pointing to a next-hop router.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because although the description of a default route is accurate, the question asks to match each route source or concept to its most accurate description. The correct match for a default route is not listed here; instead, this description is accurate for a default route, but the option is presented as a distractor. The correct answer is option A.
- D
Floating static route: A static route that is used as a backup and has a higher administrative distance than the primary route.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because although the description of a floating static route is accurate, the question asks to match each route source or concept to its most accurate description. The correct match for a floating static route is not listed here; instead, this description is accurate for a floating static route, but the option is presented as a distractor. The correct answer is option A.
CCNA IP Routing Practice Question
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of ip routing. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. A key principle to apply: a connected 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 route source or concept to its most accurate 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: A route that is automatically added to the routing table when an interface is configured with an IP address and is up/up.
These are fundamental routing concepts and sources. Each pairing matches the route source with its accurate description as taught in Cisco certification exams.
Key principle: A connected 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: A route that is automatically added to the routing table when an interface is configured with an IP address and is up/up.
Why this is correct
This is correct because directly connected routes are automatically installed when an interface is configured with an IP address and is in the up/up state. They have an administrative distance of 0.
Related concept
A connected route is automatically installed in the routing table when an interface is configured with an IP address and is operationally up.
- ✗
Static route: A route that is learned via a dynamic 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 dynamic routing protocol. Dynamic routing protocols like OSPF and EIGRP learn routes automatically.
- ✗
Default route: A route that is used when no other specific route matches the destination IP address, typically pointing to a next-hop router.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because although the description of a default route is accurate, the question asks to match each route source or concept to its most accurate description. The correct match for a default route is not listed here; instead, this description is accurate for a default route, but the option is presented as a distractor. The correct answer is option A.
- ✗
Floating static route: A static route that is used as a backup and has a higher administrative distance than the primary route.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because although the description of a floating static route is accurate, the question asks to match each route source or concept to its most accurate description. The correct match for a floating static route is not listed here; instead, this description is accurate for a floating static route, but the option is presented as a distractor. The correct answer 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: A route that is automatically added to the routing table when an interface is configured with an IP address and is up/up.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
This is correct because directly connected routes are automatically installed when an interface is configured with an IP address and is in the up/up state. They have an administrative distance of 0.
✗Static route: A route that is learned via a dynamic routing protocol such as OSPF or EIGRP.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error is confusing static routes with dynamic routes. Static routes are manually entered, while dynamic routes are learned via routing protocols.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might pick this because they know static routes are used in routing, but they incorrectly associate them with dynamic learning.
✗Default route: A route that is used when no other specific route matches the destination IP address, typically pointing to a next-hop router.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error is that this description is actually correct for a default route, but it is not the correct match for the given question stem. The question expects a different pairing.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might pick this because the description is accurate for a default route, but they fail to realize that the question is asking for the match that is most accurate among the options, and option A is the correct match for directly connected routes.
✗Floating static route: A static route that is used as a backup and has a higher administrative distance than the primary route.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error is that this description is actually correct for a floating static route, but it is not the correct match for the given question stem. The question expects a different pairing.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might pick this because the description is accurate for a floating static route, but they fail to realize that the question is asking for the match that is most accurate among the options, and option A is the correct match for directly connected 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 careful not to confuse the descriptions of different route types. The question asks for the most accurate description for each route source or concept. Ensure you know the exact definitions: directly connected routes are automatic, static routes are manual, default routes are catch-all, and floating static routes are backup routes with higher AD.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Routing in Cisco networks involves multiple route sources, each with distinct characteristics and purposes. Connected routes are the simplest, representing networks directly attached to a router's interfaces. These routes are automatically added to the routing table when the interface is up and configured with an IP address. Static routes are manually configured by administrators to define explicit paths to destination networks, useful for predictable routing or when dynamic protocols are not desired. Dynamic routing protocols like OSPF learn routes by exchanging information with other routers, building a comprehensive view of the network topology through link-state advertisements. The router uses administrative distance to decide which route to install when multiple routes to the same destination exist. Connected routes have the lowest administrative distance (0), making them the most preferred. Static routes have a default administrative distance of 1, making them preferred over dynamic routes like OSPF, which has an administrative distance of 110. A floating static route is a static route configured with an artificially high administrative distance, so it only becomes active if the primary route fails. This mechanism provides a backup path without interfering with the preferred dynamic route. A common exam trap is confusing floating static routes with regular static routes or dynamic routes. Candidates may incorrectly assume that floating static routes are primary routes or that OSPF routes always override static routes regardless of administrative distance. In practical networking, understanding these distinctions is critical for designing resilient networks and troubleshooting routing issues. Floating static routes provide a reliable failover mechanism, while OSPF dynamically adapts to topology changes, and connected routes ensure immediate reachability to directly attached networks.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- A connected route is automatically installed in the routing table when an interface is configured with an IP address and is operationally up.
- A static route is manually configured by the network administrator to specify a fixed path to a destination network.
- OSPF dynamically learns routes by exchanging link-state advertisements with other OSPF routers within the same area.
- A floating static route is configured with a higher administrative distance than dynamic routes to act as a backup path.
- Administrative distance determines the trustworthiness of a route source, with lower values preferred over higher ones.
- Routing protocols like OSPF use metrics such as cost to select the best path, while static and connected routes rely on administrative distance.
- Understanding the source of a route helps in troubleshooting routing issues and designing failover mechanisms effectively.
- Dynamic routing protocols automatically adapt to network topology changes, unlike static routes which require manual updates.
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 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 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 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: A route that is automatically added to the routing table when an interface is configured with an IP address and is up/up. — These are fundamental routing concepts and sources. Each pairing matches the route source with its accurate description as taught in Cisco certification exams.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Review a connected 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 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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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.
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