- A
System routes: Default routes automatically created by the system.
System routes are default routes that the system automatically creates to enable basic connectivity. They are always present unless overridden.
- B
UDRs: Routes that are dynamically exchanged with on-premises networks.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because UDRs (User-Defined Routes) are custom routes manually configured by an administrator to override system routes, not dynamically exchanged.
- C
BGP routes: Routes that override system routes when manually configured.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because BGP routes are dynamically learned via the Border Gateway Protocol, not manually configured to override system routes. UDRs are used for overriding.
- D
System routes: Routes that are dynamically exchanged with on-premises networks.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because system routes are default routes created automatically by the system, not dynamically exchanged with on-premises networks. Dynamic exchange is a characteristic of BGP.
Quick Answer
The answer is that system routes are default routes automatically created by the system. This is correct because a default route, often denoted as 0.0.0.0/0, serves as the path of last resort for any destination not found in the routing table, while system-generated routes are those the device installs automatically, such as directly connected or local routes. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how routers handle traffic when no specific match exists, often appearing in scenario-based questions where you must distinguish between static, dynamic, and default routes. A common trap is confusing a default route with a static route—remember that a default route is a specific type of static or dynamic route, but a system route is automatically created by the OS for directly connected interfaces. For memory, think of the default route as the “catch-all” umbrella: if no other route fits, the packet goes under it.
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: administrative distance determines how much a router trusts a routing protocol compared to others, with lower values indicating higher trustworthiness.. 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 routing term 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
System routes: Default routes automatically created by the system.
Administrative distance is the trustworthiness rating of a routing protocol, where a lower number means higher trust. Metric is a value used by a routing protocol to select the best path among multiple routes from that same protocol. A default route is the path of last resort, used when no other specific route matches the destination. Summarization (route aggregation) combines several network prefixes into a smaller set of advertised prefixes, improving efficiency.
Key principle: Administrative distance determines how much a router trusts a routing protocol compared to others, with lower values indicating higher trustworthiness.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
System routes: Default routes automatically created by the system.
Why this is correct
System routes are default routes that the system automatically creates to enable basic connectivity. They are always present unless overridden.
Related concept
Administrative distance determines how much a router trusts a routing protocol compared to others, with lower values indicating higher trustworthiness.
- ✗
UDRs: Routes that are dynamically exchanged with on-premises networks.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because UDRs (User-Defined Routes) are custom routes manually configured by an administrator to override system routes, not dynamically exchanged.
- ✗
BGP routes: Routes that override system routes when manually configured.
- ✗
System routes: Routes that are dynamically exchanged with on-premises networks.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because system routes are default routes created automatically by the system, not dynamically exchanged with on-premises networks. Dynamic exchange is a characteristic of BGP.
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.
✓System routes: Default routes automatically created by the system.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
System routes are default routes that the system automatically creates to enable basic connectivity. They are always present unless overridden.
✗UDRs: Routes that are dynamically exchanged with on-premises networks.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
UDRs are static, not dynamic. Dynamic routing protocols like BGP exchange routes with on-premises networks.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may confuse UDRs with dynamic routes because both can influence routing decisions, but UDRs are explicitly defined by the user.
✗BGP routes: Routes that override system routes when manually configured.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
BGP is a dynamic routing protocol; it does not require manual configuration of each route. Overriding system routes is a function of UDRs.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think BGP routes can override system routes because BGP has administrative distance, but the description specifically refers to manual override, which is UDRs.
✗System routes: Routes that are dynamically exchanged with on-premises networks.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
System routes are static defaults, not learned via dynamic exchange. BGP handles dynamic exchange with on-premises networks.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may confuse system routes with dynamic routes because both are part of the routing table, but system routes are not exchanged.
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 roles of UDRs and BGP routes. UDRs are static overrides, while BGP is a dynamic protocol. System routes are the baseline defaults.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Routing in Cisco networks relies on several key concepts to determine how packets reach their destinations efficiently and reliably. Administrative distance is a value assigned to routing protocols to indicate their trustworthiness; lower values mean higher trust. For example, directly connected routes have an administrative distance of 0, making them most preferred. Metrics, on the other hand, are protocol-specific values used internally to select the best path among multiple available routes within the same routing protocol. For instance, OSPF uses cost based on bandwidth, while EIGRP uses a composite metric including bandwidth and delay. The router uses administrative distance first to choose which routing protocol's route to install in the routing table when multiple protocols provide routes to the same destination. If multiple routes come from the same protocol, the metric determines the best path. A default route is a special routing entry used when no other specific route matches the destination IP address; it acts as a catch-all to forward traffic to a next-hop router or interface. Summarization reduces routing table size and update overhead by combining multiple contiguous routes into a single advertisement, improving scalability and efficiency. The biggest source of confusion in Cisco routing questions is mixing administrative distance and metric, as both influence route selection but at different decision points. Administrative distance compares route sources across protocols, while metric compares paths within a protocol. Misinterpreting default routes as general routes or confusing summarization with default routing can also cause errors. Understanding these distinctions is critical for Cisco CCNA exam success and practical network design, where route trust and path efficiency must be balanced carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Administrative distance determines how much a router trusts a routing protocol compared to others, with lower values indicating higher trustworthiness.
- Metric is a routing protocol-specific value used to select the best path among multiple routes within the same protocol based on criteria like bandwidth or delay.
- A default route acts as a fallback path used when no more specific route to a destination exists in the routing table.
- Summarization aggregates multiple specific routes into a broader route advertisement to reduce routing table size and update traffic.
- Routers first compare administrative distance to choose between routes from different protocols before using metric to select the best path within a single protocol.
- Administrative distance values are fixed per protocol in Cisco devices, influencing route preference regardless of metric values.
- Default routes simplify routing decisions by providing a single path for unknown destinations, improving network efficiency.
- Summarization helps optimize routing performance by minimizing the number of routes advertised and stored in routing tables.
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
Administrative distance determines how much a router trusts a routing protocol compared to others, with lower values indicating higher trustworthiness.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review administrative distance determines how much a router trusts a routing protocol compared to others, with lower values indicating higher trustworthiness., 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 — Administrative distance determines how much a router trusts a routing protocol compared to others, with lower values indicating higher trustworthiness..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: System routes: Default routes automatically created by the system. — Administrative distance is the trustworthiness rating of a routing protocol, where a lower number means higher trust. Metric is a value used by a routing protocol to select the best path among multiple routes from that same protocol. A default route is the path of last resort, used when no other specific route matches the destination. Summarization (route aggregation) combines several network prefixes into a smaller set of advertised prefixes, improving efficiency.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Review administrative distance determines how much a router trusts a routing protocol compared to others, with lower values indicating higher trustworthiness., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Administrative distance determines how much a router trusts a routing protocol compared to others, with lower values indicating higher trustworthiness.
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Last reviewed: Apr 12, 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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