Quick Answer
The answer is a connected network. In Cisco routing table output, the code C indicates a directly connected network, meaning the router has an active interface configured with an IP address in that subnet. When that interface is up and has a valid Layer 3 address, the router automatically installs a route for that network, with a default administrative distance of 0, making it the most trustworthy route possible. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this concept tests your ability to interpret the routing table and distinguish between connected, static, and dynamic routes. A common trap is confusing C with L, which stands for local—the specific IP address on the interface itself, not the entire subnet. Remember: C for the whole Connected subnet, L for the Local host address. A simple memory tip is to think “C is for Cable—if the cable is plugged in and the interface is up, you get a connected route.”
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of ip routing. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. A key principle to apply: the code 'C' in a Cisco routing table indicates a network that is directly connected to one of the router's interfaces.. 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.
A routing table entry begins with the code C. What does that code indicate?
A route learned through EIGRP
Why wrong: EIGRP routes use D for internal EIGRP in classic Cisco IOS routing table output.
A connected network
Correct. C means connected.
A candidate default route
Why wrong: Candidate default is not what the C code represents.
A static route to a classful network
Why wrong: Static routes use S.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
A connected network
In Cisco routing table output, C indicates a directly connected network. These routes are installed when an interface is up and has an address in that subnet.
Key principle: The code 'C' in a Cisco routing table indicates a network that is directly connected to one of the router's interfaces.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
A route learned through EIGRP
Why it's wrong here
EIGRP routes use D for internal EIGRP in classic Cisco IOS routing table output.
When this WOULD be correct
If the question asked what code represents a route learned through EIGRP, then option A would be correct. For example, a question could state, 'What code indicates a route learned via EIGRP in a routing table?'
A connected network
Why this is correct
Correct. C means connected.
Related concept
The code 'C' in a Cisco routing table indicates a network that is directly connected to one of the router's interfaces.
A candidate default route
Why it's wrong here
Candidate default is not what the C code represents.
When this WOULD be correct
In a different question, if asked what code represents a route that is a candidate for becoming the default route, option C would be correct. This would require a context where the question specifies default routes and their candidates.
A static route to a classful network
Why it's wrong here
Static routes use S.
When this WOULD be correct
If the question were to ask about a routing table entry that begins with the code S, then option D would be correct, as it would indicate a static route to a classful network. This would clarify the context of static routes in relation to classful addressing.
Option-by-option analysis
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.
Why this is correct
Correct. C means connected.
Why this is wrong here
EIGRP routes are identified by the code 'D' (for internal EIGRP) or 'EX' (for external EIGRP) in the routing table, not 'C'. The 'C' code is reserved for directly connected networks. EIGRP is a dynamic routing protocol that exchanges routes between routers, whereas connected routes are automatically generated.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
If the question asked what code represents a route learned through EIGRP, then option A would be correct. For example, a question could state, 'What code indicates a route learned via EIGRP in a routing table?'
Why candidates choose this
Some students may associate 'C' with 'Cisco' or think it stands for 'Cisco protocol', but EIGRP is a Cisco proprietary protocol. However, the routing table codes are standardized: 'C' for connected, 'D' for EIGRP, 'O' for OSPF, etc.
Why this is wrong here
A candidate default route is typically indicated by a '*' in the routing table, not 'C'. The 'C' code always means a directly connected network. Candidate default routes are usually static routes (with code 'S') or dynamic routes that are flagged as default routes, but they are not represented by the 'C' code.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
In a different question, if asked what code represents a route that is a candidate for becoming the default route, option C would be correct. This would require a context where the question specifies default routes and their candidates.
Why candidates choose this
The word 'candidate' starts with 'C', so students might mistakenly think 'C' stands for 'candidate'. However, in Cisco IOS, 'C' is exclusively for connected networks, and default routes are shown with a '*' or as a static route with 'S*'.
Why this is wrong here
Static routes are indicated by the code 'S' in the routing table, not 'C'. The 'C' code specifically denotes a directly connected network, which is learned automatically when an interface is configured with an IP address and is up/up. A static route is manually configured by an administrator using the 'ip route' command.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
If the question were to ask about a routing table entry that begins with the code S, then option D would be correct, as it would indicate a static route to a classful network. This would clarify the context of static routes in relation to classful addressing.
Why candidates choose this
Students might confuse 'C' with 'classful' or think that static routes are also 'connected' in a sense, but the routing table codes are distinct. The 'C' code is only for networks directly attached to the router's interfaces.
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
A frequent exam trap is mistaking the 'C' code for a static route or a route learned via a routing protocol like EIGRP. Some candidates incorrectly assume 'C' means candidate default or static, but Cisco IOS uses 'S' for static routes and 'D' for EIGRP-learned routes. Misreading these codes can lead to incorrect conclusions about how a route was learned or its trustworthiness. Remember, 'C' always means the route is directly connected to the router, which is fundamental for understanding routing behavior and troubleshooting.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
EIGRP routes use D for internal EIGRP in classic Cisco IOS routing table output.
Detailed technical explanation
In Cisco routing tables, each route entry is prefixed with a code that identifies the source or type of the route. The code 'C' specifically indicates a directly connected network, meaning the router has an interface configured with an IP address in that subnet and the interface is operational. These connected routes are fundamental because they represent networks that the router can reach without needing to forward packets to another router. The routing table decision process prioritizes connected routes because they have the lowest administrative distance of 0, making them the most trusted source of routing information. When a router boots up and interfaces come online, it automatically installs connected routes into the routing table. This contrasts with routes learned via dynamic routing protocols like EIGRP or OSPF, which have higher administrative distances and are marked with different codes (e.g., 'D' for EIGRP). A common exam trap is confusing the 'C' code with other route types such as static routes ('S') or routes learned through routing protocols like EIGRP ('D'). Candidates might mistakenly think 'C' stands for candidate default or static routes, but in Cisco IOS, 'C' always means a directly connected network. Practically, understanding this helps in troubleshooting because if a connected route is missing, it often indicates an interface is down or misconfigured, which is a critical first step in network connectivity issues.
Key takeaway
The code 'C' in a Cisco routing table indicates a network that is directly connected to one of the router's interfaces.
Real-world example
A network engineer segments a warehouse floor into three subnets: 20 scanners, 5 printers, and 2 management hosts. Picking the wrong mask wastes addresses or leaves too few usable hosts. Exam questions test whether you can apply CIDR notation, calculate block size, and identify the correct usable-host range for a given prefix.
What to study next
Review the code 'C' in a Cisco routing table indicates a network that is directly connected to one of the router's interfaces., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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FAQ
IP Routing — This question tests IP Routing — The code 'C' in a Cisco routing table indicates a network that is directly connected to one of the router's interfaces..
The correct answer is: A connected network — In Cisco routing table output, C indicates a directly connected network. These routes are installed when an interface is up and has an address in that subnet.
Review the code 'C' in a Cisco routing table indicates a network that is directly connected to one of the router's interfaces., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
The code 'C' in a Cisco routing table indicates a network that is directly connected to one of the router's interfaces.
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Last reviewed: May 17, 2026
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