The answer is to configure a directly connected static route for the 192.0.2.0/30 network, then add the primary and floating static default routes, followed by the IPv6 host route. This fixes the recursive routing failure because a static default route pointing to 192.0.2.2 requires that next-hop to be reachable via a directly connected or recursive route; without it, the router cannot resolve the next-hop address and the route is not installed in the routing table. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of recursive routing versus directly connected static routes, a common trap where candidates forget that a static route’s next-hop must be reachable before the route becomes active. The floating static route with administrative distance 10 ensures it only activates when the primary route fails, as the higher distance (default 1) is preferred. A helpful memory tip: “Fix the hop before you set the default” — always ensure the next-hop network has a valid path, or your default route will silently fail.
CCNA IP Routing Practice Question
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of ip routing. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. 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.
Network Topology
You are connected to a multilayer switch MLS1. Configure a static default route for IPv4 that points to next-hop 192.0.2.2, but also configure a floating static default route with an administrative distance of 10 that uses next-hop 198.51.100.2. Additionally, configure a static host route for IPv6 host 2001:db8:1::10/128 via next-hop 2001:db8:1::1. The current configuration has a recursive routing failure for the IPv4 default route because the next-hop 192.0.2.2 is not reachable; you must first fix that by adding a directly connected static route. Ensure the floating route becomes active only when the primary route fails.
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Clue: "primary"
Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
MLS1# show running-config | section ip route
ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 192.0.2.2
ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 198.51.100.2 10
ipv6 route 2001:db8:1::10/128 2001:db8:1::1
!
MLS1# show ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0
% Network not in table
MLS1# show ip route 192.0.2.2
% Network not in table
MLS1# show ipv6 route 2001:db8:1::10/128
IPv6 Routing Table - 3 entries
Codes: C - Connected, L - Local, S - Static, R - RIP, B - BGP
I1 - ISIS L1, I2 - ISIS L2, IA - ISIS interarea
O - OSPF intra, OI - OSPF inter, OE1 - OSPF ext 1, OE2 - OSPF ext 2
ON1 - OSPF NSSA ext 1, ON2 - OSPF NSSA ext 2
S 2001:db8:1::10/128 [1/0]
via 2001:db8:1::1
MLS1# show ip interface brief
Interface IP-Address OK? Method Status Protocol
Vlan10 192.0.2.1 YES NVRAM up up
Vlan20 198.51.100.1 YES NVRAM up up
GigabitEthernet0/0 unassigned YES NVRAM up up
GigabitEthernet0/1 unassigned YES NVRAM up up
A
ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 192.0.2.2
ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 198.51.100.2 10
ip route 192.0.2.0 255.255.255.252 GigabitEthernet0/0 192.0.2.2
ipv6 route 2001:db8:1::10/128 2001:db8:1::1
This configuration correctly adds a directly connected static route to the network containing 192.0.2.2 (using a /30 mask and the correct interface), which resolves the recursive routing failure for the primary default route. The floating static default route has AD 10, so it will only be used if the primary route (AD 1) is removed. The IPv6 host route is correctly configured.
B
ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 192.0.2.2
ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 198.51.100.2 10
ip route 192.0.2.0 255.255.255.0 GigabitEthernet0/0
ipv6 route 2001:db8:1::10/128 2001:db8:1::1
Why wrong: This is incorrect because the directly connected static route uses a /24 mask (255.255.255.0) instead of a /30 mask, which is too broad and may not match the exact subnet. Also, it omits the next-hop IP, which is required for a recursive route; without it, the route may not be installed correctly.
C
ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 192.0.2.2
ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 198.51.100.2 10
ip route 192.0.2.2 255.255.255.255 GigabitEthernet0/0
ipv6 route 2001:db8:1::10/128 2001:db8:1::1
Why wrong: This is incorrect because the directly connected static route uses a /32 mask (255.255.255.255) for the next-hop IP, which creates a host route to 192.0.2.2. While this would make 192.0.2.2 reachable, it is not the typical solution; a /30 route to the subnet is more appropriate and avoids potential issues with other hosts on the same link.
D
ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 192.0.2.2
ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 198.51.100.2 10
ip route 192.0.2.0 255.255.255.252 198.51.100.2
ipv6 route 2001:db8:1::10/128 2001:db8:1::1
Why wrong: This is incorrect because the directly connected static route uses the wrong next-hop (198.51.100.2) instead of 192.0.2.2. The route to reach 192.0.2.2 must point to a directly connected interface or a next-hop that is directly connected; using 198.51.100.2 does not help because that address is also not directly connected.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 192.0.2.2
ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 198.51.100.2 10
ip route 192.0.2.0 255.255.255.252 GigabitEthernet0/0 192.0.2.2
ipv6 route 2001:db8:1::10/128 2001:db8:1::1
The IPv4 primary default route fails because next-hop 192.0.2.2 is not directly connected and no recursive route exists to it. The floating static route with next-hop 198.51.100.2 is in the directly connected Vlan20 subnet (198.51.100.1/30), so it installs without issue. To fix the primary default route, add a directly connected static route for the network containing 192.0.2.2, e.g., ip route 192.0.2.0 255.255.255.252 GigabitEthernet0/0 192.0.2.2. The IPv6 host route is correct if next-hop 2001:db8:1::1 is reachable.
Key principle: A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 192.0.2.2
ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 198.51.100.2 10
ip route 192.0.2.0 255.255.255.252 GigabitEthernet0/0 192.0.2.2
ipv6 route 2001:db8:1::10/128 2001:db8:1::1
Why this is correct
This configuration correctly adds a directly connected static route to the network containing 192.0.2.2 (using a /30 mask and the correct interface), which resolves the recursive routing failure for the primary default route. The floating static default route has AD 10, so it will only be used if the primary route (AD 1) is removed. The IPv6 host route is correctly configured.
Clue confirmation
The clue words "first", "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
✗
ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 192.0.2.2
ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 198.51.100.2 10
ip route 192.0.2.0 255.255.255.0 GigabitEthernet0/0
ipv6 route 2001:db8:1::10/128 2001:db8:1::1
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because the directly connected static route uses a /24 mask (255.255.255.0) instead of a /30 mask, which is too broad and may not match the exact subnet. Also, it omits the next-hop IP, which is required for a recursive route; without it, the route may not be installed correctly.
✗
ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 192.0.2.2
ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 198.51.100.2 10
ip route 192.0.2.2 255.255.255.255 GigabitEthernet0/0
ipv6 route 2001:db8:1::10/128 2001:db8:1::1
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because the directly connected static route uses a /32 mask (255.255.255.255) for the next-hop IP, which creates a host route to 192.0.2.2. While this would make 192.0.2.2 reachable, it is not the typical solution; a /30 route to the subnet is more appropriate and avoids potential issues with other hosts on the same link.
✗
ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 192.0.2.2
ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 198.51.100.2 10
ip route 192.0.2.0 255.255.255.252 198.51.100.2
ipv6 route 2001:db8:1::10/128 2001:db8:1::1
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because the directly connected static route uses the wrong next-hop (198.51.100.2) instead of 192.0.2.2. The route to reach 192.0.2.2 must point to a directly connected interface or a next-hop that is directly connected; using 198.51.100.2 does not help because that address is also not directly connected.
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.
This configuration correctly adds a directly connected static route to the network containing 192.0.2.2 (using a /30 mask and the correct interface), which resolves the recursive routing failure for the primary default route. The floating static default route has AD 10, so it will only be used if the primary route (AD 1) is removed. The IPv6 host route is correctly configured.
✗ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 192.0.2.2
ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 198.51.100.2 10
ip route 192.0.2.0 255.255.255.0 GigabitEthernet0/0
ipv6 route 2001:db8:1::10/128 2001:db8:1::1Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error is using an incorrect subnet mask and omitting the next-hop IP in the directly connected static route. The mask should match the point-to-point link (typically /30 or /31), and the next-hop must be specified to ensure the route is directly connected.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think a /24 mask is acceptable because it includes the next-hop IP, but they forget that a static route to a directly connected network should use the exact prefix length of the interface subnet.
✗ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 192.0.2.2
ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 198.51.100.2 10
ip route 192.0.2.2 255.255.255.255 GigabitEthernet0/0
ipv6 route 2001:db8:1::10/128 2001:db8:1::1Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error is using a /32 mask instead of the subnet mask of the link. A /32 route to the next-hop IP is a valid workaround but is not the standard practice; the question expects a directly connected route to the network containing the next-hop, not a host route.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think a host route to the next-hop is sufficient to resolve the recursive routing failure, and it does work, but it is not the intended solution. The question asks for a 'directly connected static route' to the network, implying a subnet route.
✗ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 192.0.2.2
ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 198.51.100.2 10
ip route 192.0.2.0 255.255.255.252 198.51.100.2
ipv6 route 2001:db8:1::10/128 2001:db8:1::1Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error is using the floating route's next-hop as the next-hop for the directly connected route. The directly connected route must be to the network containing 192.0.2.2, not to the backup next-hop.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might confuse the two next-hops and think that pointing the directly connected route to the backup next-hop will somehow make the primary route work, but it does not resolve the recursive routing failure for 192.0.2.2.
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: an active trunk can still block the VLAN you need
A trunk being up does not prove every VLAN is crossing it. Check allowed VLAN lists, native VLAN mismatch, VLAN existence and access-port assignment.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
VLAN questions usually combine access-port and trunking clues. The key is to identify whether the issue is local to one switchport, caused by the trunk, or caused by the VLAN not existing where it needs to exist.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
Trunk ports carry multiple VLANs between switches.
Allowed VLAN lists decide which VLANs can cross a trunk.
Native VLAN mismatch can create confusing symptoms.
TExam Day Tips
→Use show vlan brief to verify access VLANs.
→Use show interfaces trunk to verify trunk state and allowed VLANs.
→Do not treat every same-VLAN issue as a routing problem.
Key takeaway
A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
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 VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related 200-301 questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
IP Routing — This question tests IP Routing — Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 192.0.2.2
ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 198.51.100.2 10
ip route 192.0.2.0 255.255.255.252 GigabitEthernet0/0 192.0.2.2
ipv6 route 2001:db8:1::10/128 2001:db8:1::1 — The IPv4 primary default route fails because next-hop 192.0.2.2 is not directly connected and no recursive route exists to it. The floating static route with next-hop 198.51.100.2 is in the directly connected Vlan20 subnet (198.51.100.1/30), so it installs without issue. To fix the primary default route, add a directly connected static route for the network containing 192.0.2.2, e.g., ip route 192.0.2.0 255.255.255.252 GigabitEthernet0/0 192.0.2.2. The IPv6 host route is correct if next-hop 2001:db8:1::1 is reachable.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Review VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related 200-301 questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first", "primary". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
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