Question 674 of 1,389
CCNA IP Routing Practice Question
Which Cisco IOS command configures a default static route pointing to next hop 203.0.113.1?
⚠ Common exam trap
Remember that a default static route uses the all-zero network and mask, not a /32 mask or an exit interface unless specified.
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
✓
ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 203.0.113.1
A default static route uses the all-zero network and mask, followed by the next-hop IP address or exit interface.
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 0.0.0.0 203.0.113.1
Why this is correct
The correct Cisco IOS command for a default static route is "ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 203.0.113.1". The all-zero prefix and all-zero mask act as a wildcard, matching every destination IP address. Traffic with no more specific route matching in the routing table is forwarded to the next hop 203.0.113.1, establishing a default gateway for the router.
- ✗
ip default-gateway 203.0.113.1
Why it's wrong here
The command "ip default-gateway 203.0.113.1" is used on Layer 2 switches or when IP routing is disabled on a router. It configures the management interface's default gateway so that management traffic (e.g., Telnet, SNMP) can leave the device. It does not install a default route in the routing table, so it cannot forward transit traffic when Cisco IOS routing is enabled.
When this WOULD be correct
If the exam question asked for the command to configure a default gateway on a Layer 2 switch or a router in a non-routing mode, then 'ip default-gateway 203.0.113.1' would be the correct answer, as it specifies the next hop for traffic leaving the device.
- ✗
default-information originate 203.0.113.1
Why it's wrong here
"default-information originate 203.0.113.1" is not used to create a static route. This command is issued within a routing protocol (e.g., OSPF) configuration mode to force the router to advertise a default route into the routing domain. It does not accept a next-hop address as an argument, and on its own it cannot insert a default static route into the local routing table.
When this WOULD be correct
If the exam question asked for a command to advertise a default route to other routers in a routing protocol like OSPF or EIGRP, then 'default-information originate' would be the correct answer, indicating that the router should inform others about the default route.
- ✗
route add 0.0.0.0 203.0.113.1
Why it's wrong here
"route add 0.0.0.0 203.0.113.1" is not a valid Cisco IOS command. It resembles the Windows 'route' or Unix 'route add' utility syntax, which is used in operating systems, not on Cisco routers. In Cisco IOS, the mandatory prefix and mask parameters must be explicitly entered; there is no abbreviated form that omits the mask or uses this syntax.
When this WOULD be correct
If the question were about configuring static routes on a Linux-based router or system, 'route add 0.0.0.0 203.0.113.1' would be the correct command to set a default route to the next hop 203.0.113.1.
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.
✓ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 203.0.113.1Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
The correct Cisco IOS command for a default static route is "ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 203.0.113.1". The all-zero prefix and all-zero mask act as a wildcard, matching every destination IP address. Traffic with no more specific route matching in the routing table is forwarded to the next hop 203.0.113.1, establishing a default gateway for the router.
✗ip default-gateway 203.0.113.1Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The ip default-gateway command is used on Cisco switches in Layer 2 mode or on routers when IP routing is disabled. On a router with IP routing enabled, this command does not create a static route; it only sets the default gateway for the management interface, not for forwarding traffic.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
If the exam question asked for the command to configure a default gateway on a Layer 2 switch or a router in a non-routing mode, then 'ip default-gateway 203.0.113.1' would be the correct answer, as it specifies the next hop for traffic leaving the device.
Why candidates choose this
Students often confuse ip default-gateway with a default static route because both involve a default path. However, ip default-gateway is only effective when routing is disabled, whereas a default static route is used when routing is enabled.
✗default-information originate 203.0.113.1Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The default-information originate command is used in routing protocols like OSPF or EIGRP to inject a default route into the routing domain. It does not create a static route itself; it only advertises an existing default route (which must already be present in the routing table) to other routers.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
If the exam question asked for a command to advertise a default route to other routers in a routing protocol like OSPF or EIGRP, then 'default-information originate' would be the correct answer, indicating that the router should inform others about the default route.
Why candidates choose this
The phrase 'default' in the command name leads students to think it creates a default route. However, it is a routing protocol command, not a static route configuration command.
✗route add 0.0.0.0 203.0.113.1Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The route add command is used in Windows or Linux operating systems, not in Cisco IOS. Cisco IOS uses the ip route command to configure static routes. Using route add on a Cisco router would result in an unrecognized command error.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
If the question were about configuring static routes on a Linux-based router or system, 'route add 0.0.0.0 203.0.113.1' would be the correct command to set a default route to the next hop 203.0.113.1.
Why candidates choose this
Students familiar with other operating systems may mistakenly apply the same syntax to Cisco IOS. The similarity in purpose (adding a route) makes it tempting, but the command syntax is platform-specific.
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?”
Visual reference
Quick reference
Routing Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Metric | Max Hops | Algorithm | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RIP v2 | Hop count | 15 | Bellman-Ford | Distance vector |
| OSPF | Cost (bandwidth) | Unlimited | Dijkstra (SPF) | Link state |
| EIGRP | Composite metric | Unlimited | DUAL | Hybrid |
| IS-IS | Cost | Unlimited | Dijkstra | Link state |
| BGP | Policy / attributes | Unlimited | Path vector | Path vector |
RIP's 15-hop limit makes it unsuitable for large networks. OSPF and EIGRP dominate modern enterprise deployments.
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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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