- A
Default route: A route used when no other specific route matches the destination.
The default route (0.0.0.0/0) matches any destination IP address and is used when no more specific route exists in the routing table.
- B
Static route: A manually configured route that does not change unless edited.
A static route is manually configured by an administrator, not automatically learned via a routing protocol.
- C
Dynamic route: A route learned through a routing protocol like OSPF or EIGRP.
Dynamic routes are learned through routing protocols such as OSPF or EIGRP, not manually configured.
- D
Host route: A route to a specific IP address with a /32 subnet mask.
A connected route is automatically added when an interface is configured with an IP address and is up/up, not manually configured.
Quick Answer
The answer is that a host route is defined as a route to a specific IP address with a /32 subnet mask, making it the most precise entry in a routing table. This is correct because a /32 mask indicates a single host, not a network, so the router will match only that exact destination IP, overriding any broader network routes. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this concept tests your understanding of route types definitions, often appearing in matching or drag-and-drop questions where you must distinguish between connected, static, dynamic, and default routes. A common trap is confusing a host route with a default route, but remember that a default route uses a /0 mask to catch all traffic, while a host route uses a /32 mask for a single device. For a quick memory tip, think of the host route as a “laser pointer” targeting one specific IP, whereas the default route is a “net” catching everything else.
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 route is installed automatically when a router interface is configured with an active IP address in that network.. 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 type to its 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
Default route: A route used when no other specific route matches the destination.
Connected routes are automatically generated when a router interface is configured and active because the network is directly attached. Static routes are manually configured by an administrator to define specific paths. Dynamic routes are learned through routing protocols like OSPF or EIGRP. Default routes serve as a catch-all entry, used when no more specific route matches the destination.
Key principle: A connected route is installed automatically when a router interface is configured with an active IP address in that network.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Default route: A route used when no other specific route matches the destination.
Why this is correct
The default route (0.0.0.0/0) matches any destination IP address and is used when no more specific route exists in the routing table.
Related concept
A connected route is installed automatically when a router interface is configured with an active IP address in that network.
- ✓
Static route: A manually configured route that does not change unless edited.
Why this is correct
A static route is manually configured by an administrator, not automatically learned via a routing protocol.
Related concept
A connected route is installed automatically when a router interface is configured with an active IP address in that network.
- ✓
Dynamic route: A route learned through a routing protocol like OSPF or EIGRP.
- ✓
Host route: A route to a specific IP address with a /32 subnet mask.
Why this is correct
A connected route is automatically added when an interface is configured with an IP address and is up/up, not manually configured.
Related concept
A connected route is installed automatically when a router interface is configured with an active IP address in that network.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Be careful not to confuse the method of route creation: static routes are manually configured, dynamic routes are learned via protocols, and connected routes are automatically generated. The default route is a special static route but is often considered its own type.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Routing in Cisco networks involves several route types, each with distinct sources and behaviors that influence how routers build and maintain their routing tables. Connected routes are automatically installed when an interface is configured with an IP address and is operational; these routes represent directly attached networks. Static routes are manually configured by network administrators to specify explicit paths to destinations, offering control but requiring manual updates. Dynamic routes are learned through routing protocols like OSPF, EIGRP, or RIP, which enable routers to exchange topology information and automatically adapt to network changes. Default routes serve as a catch-all path used when no specific route matches a destination IP address, typically pointing to a next-hop router or exit interface for unknown networks. The decision process for route selection in Cisco routers relies on route source and administrative distance. Connected routes have the lowest administrative distance (0), making them preferred over static (default 1) and dynamic routes (varying by protocol). Static routes provide predictable routing paths but require manual maintenance. Dynamic routing protocols calculate metrics based on factors like bandwidth, delay, or hop count to select the best path. Default routes are used only when no other more specific route exists, ensuring traffic destined for unknown networks is forwarded appropriately. Understanding these distinctions is critical for troubleshooting and designing resilient networks. A common exam trap is confusing the source and behavior of route types, such as assuming static routes are learned dynamically or that default routes override connected routes. In practice, connected routes always take precedence due to their administrative distance. Misinterpreting route types can lead to incorrect troubleshooting steps, like checking routing protocols when a connected interface is down. Additionally, default routes do not replace specific routes but act as fallbacks. Recognizing these behaviors helps avoid misconfiguration and ensures accurate interpretation of routing tables during the CCNA exam and real-world scenarios.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- A connected route is installed automatically when a router interface is configured with an active IP address in that network.
- Static routes are manually configured by administrators to define explicit paths to specific destination networks.
- Dynamic routes are learned and maintained through routing protocols such as OSPF, EIGRP, or RIP, which exchange routing information between routers.
- Default routes provide a fallback path used when no more specific route exists in the routing table for a destination.
- Cisco routers prefer connected routes over static and dynamic routes due to their lowest administrative distance of zero.
- Static routes have an administrative distance of one, making them preferred over dynamic routes but less preferred than connected routes.
- Dynamic routing protocols assign metrics to routes and select the best path based on those metrics and administrative distance.
- Understanding the source of a route helps pinpoint troubleshooting areas, such as interface issues for missing connected routes or protocol problems for missing dynamic routes.
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 installed automatically when a router interface is configured with an active IP address in that network.
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 installed automatically when a router interface is configured with an active IP address in that network., 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 installed automatically when a router interface is configured with an active IP address in that network..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Default route: A route used when no other specific route matches the destination. — Connected routes are automatically generated when a router interface is configured and active because the network is directly attached. Static routes are manually configured by an administrator to define specific paths. Dynamic routes are learned through routing protocols like OSPF or EIGRP. Default routes serve as a catch-all entry, used when no more specific route matches the destination.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Review a connected route is installed automatically when a router interface is configured with an active IP address in that network., 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 installed automatically when a router interface is configured with an active IP address in that network.
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Last reviewed: Apr 12, 2026
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