- A
The most specific matching route is preferred over broader matching routes.
This is correct because longest-prefix match is based on route specificity.
- B
A default route is preferred over a matching /24 because it is simpler.
Why wrong: This is wrong because the default route is less specific and is used only when no better match exists.
- C
Longest-prefix match is evaluated before choosing between broader and narrower matching routes.
This is correct because specificity is the first key factor among matching prefixes.
- D
Routers ignore subnet masks and choose only by administrative distance.
Why wrong: This is wrong because prefix length is central to longest-prefix match.
- E
A /16 is always more specific than a /24.
Why wrong: This is wrong because /24 is more specific than /16.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is that the most specific matching route is preferred over broader matching routes, which is the essence of the longest prefix match routing rule. This occurs because a router evaluates all routing table entries against a destination IP and selects the entry with the longest subnet mask, meaning the route that narrows the destination range most precisely. For the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how routers prioritize paths before considering administrative distance or metric—those tiebreakers only apply when multiple routes share the same prefix length. A common trap is assuming a lower metric or higher protocol trust automatically wins, but the router first applies longest prefix match to eliminate less specific entries. Remember the memory tip: "The longer the mask, the stronger the ask"—a /25 always beats a /24 for the same network, because it defines a smaller, more exact destination.
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: longest-prefix match means a router prefers the route with the most specific subnet mask that matches the destination IP address.. 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.
Which two statements accurately describe longest-prefix match in routing?
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
The most specific matching route is preferred over broader matching routes.
Longest-prefix match means a router prefers the most specific route that matches the destination. In plain language, if several entries could apply to a packet, the router chooses the one that narrows the destination range most precisely. This is why a /25 can beat a /24, and a /24 can beat a /16, even if all three technically contain the same destination address. The common mistake is to assume the router always begins with protocol trust or metric. Those factors matter, but only after the router has determined which matching routes share the same prefix length.
Key principle: Longest-prefix match means a router prefers the route with the most specific subnet mask that matches the destination IP address.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
The most specific matching route is preferred over broader matching routes.
Why this is correct
This is correct because longest-prefix match is based on route specificity.
Related concept
Longest-prefix match means a router prefers the route with the most specific subnet mask that matches the destination IP address.
- ✗
A default route is preferred over a matching /24 because it is simpler.
Why it's wrong here
This is wrong because the default route is less specific and is used only when no better match exists.
When this WOULD be correct
In a different question that asks about route selection based solely on simplicity and not specificity, option B could be correct if it states that a default route is chosen for its simplicity in a scenario where multiple routes exist but none match the destination exactly.
- ✓
Longest-prefix match is evaluated before choosing between broader and narrower matching routes.
Why this is correct
This is correct because specificity is the first key factor among matching prefixes.
Related concept
Longest-prefix match means a router prefers the route with the most specific subnet mask that matches the destination IP address.
- ✗
Routers ignore subnet masks and choose only by administrative distance.
Why it's wrong here
This is wrong because prefix length is central to longest-prefix match.
When this WOULD be correct
In a question focused on routing protocols that only consider administrative distance for route selection, such as when comparing static routes to dynamic routes, this option could be correct if the context specifies that subnet masks are not evaluated.
- ✗
A /16 is always more specific than a /24.
Why it's wrong here
This is wrong because /24 is more specific than /16.
When this WOULD be correct
In a different scenario where the question asks about the relationship between subnet masks and routing preferences without specifying the context of longest-prefix matching, a question could state that a /16 is preferred for certain administrative tasks, making this statement correct in that context.
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.
✓The most specific matching route is preferred over broader matching routes.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
This is correct because longest-prefix match is based on route specificity.
✗A default route is preferred over a matching /24 because it is simpler.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
A default route (0.0.0.0/0) is the least specific route and is only used when no other more specific route matches the destination. A /24 route is more specific and will always be preferred over a default route, regardless of simplicity.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
In a different question that asks about route selection based solely on simplicity and not specificity, option B could be correct if it states that a default route is chosen for its simplicity in a scenario where multiple routes exist but none match the destination exactly.
Why candidates choose this
Students may think that a default route is a catch-all and might be preferred for simplicity, but they forget that longest-prefix match prioritizes specificity over simplicity.
✗Routers ignore subnet masks and choose only by administrative distance.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Routers use the subnet mask (prefix length) to determine the most specific match. Administrative distance is only used to choose between routes from different routing sources when the prefix lengths are equal. Ignoring subnet masks would break longest-prefix match.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
In a question focused on routing protocols that only consider administrative distance for route selection, such as when comparing static routes to dynamic routes, this option could be correct if the context specifies that subnet masks are not evaluated.
Why candidates choose this
Test-takers may confuse the role of administrative distance with prefix length, thinking that AD is the primary factor in route selection, but it only applies after longest-prefix match.
✗A /16 is always more specific than a /24.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
A /24 prefix (255.255.255.0) is more specific than a /16 prefix (255.255.0.0) because it has a longer subnet mask, meaning it matches a smaller range of addresses. A /16 is broader, not more specific.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
In a different scenario where the question asks about the relationship between subnet masks and routing preferences without specifying the context of longest-prefix matching, a question could state that a /16 is preferred for certain administrative tasks, making this statement correct in that context.
Why candidates choose this
Students might mistakenly think that a larger number (16 vs 24) indicates more specificity, but in prefix length, a larger number means a longer mask and thus more specificity.
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
A common exam trap is assuming that a default route or a route with a simpler prefix is preferred over a more specific route. Some candidates mistakenly believe that administrative distance or metric always takes precedence over prefix length. However, Cisco routers always apply longest-prefix match first, selecting the most specific route before considering administrative distance or metric. This misunderstanding can lead to incorrect answers when default routes or broader prefixes appear in the routing table alongside more specific routes.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Longest-prefix match is a fundamental routing principle where a router selects the route with the most specific subnet mask that matches the destination IP address. This means that among multiple routes that could forward a packet, the one with the longest subnet prefix (highest number of matching bits) is preferred. This concept ensures precise routing decisions, allowing routers to forward packets to the most narrowly defined network segment possible. When a router receives a packet, it compares the destination IP address against all routes in its routing table. The router first filters routes by prefix length, choosing the longest prefix match before considering other factors such as administrative distance or metric. Only after identifying routes with the same prefix length does the router evaluate these secondary criteria to select the best path. This prioritization guarantees that specificity in subnetting takes precedence in routing decisions. A common exam trap is misunderstanding the role of default routes and administrative distance in longest-prefix match. While administrative distance and metrics influence route selection, they only apply after the router identifies the longest prefix matches. Default routes (with prefix /0) are the least specific and are only used if no more specific route exists. Practically, this behavior ensures routers forward packets efficiently by narrowing down the destination as much as possible before falling back to broader routes.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Longest-prefix match means a router prefers the route with the most specific subnet mask that matches the destination IP address.
- Routers compare prefix lengths first and select the route with the longest matching prefix before considering administrative distance or metric.
- A default route is the least specific and is only used when no other more specific route matches the destination address.
- Administrative distance and metric are secondary criteria evaluated only after the router identifies routes with the same prefix length.
- A route with a /24 prefix is more specific than a /16 prefix because it matches more bits of the destination IP address.
- Longest-prefix match ensures precise routing by narrowing the destination range to the smallest possible subnet.
- Routers do not ignore subnet masks; prefix length is central to determining the best route in the routing table.
- Choosing the longest prefix match prevents routing loops and ensures efficient packet forwarding in complex networks.
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
Longest-prefix match means a router prefers the route with the most specific subnet mask that matches the destination IP address.
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
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Review longest-prefix match means a router prefers the route with the most specific subnet mask that matches the destination IP address., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-301 question test?
IP Routing — This question tests IP Routing — Longest-prefix match means a router prefers the route with the most specific subnet mask that matches the destination IP address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The most specific matching route is preferred over broader matching routes. — Longest-prefix match means a router prefers the most specific route that matches the destination. In plain language, if several entries could apply to a packet, the router chooses the one that narrows the destination range most precisely. This is why a /25 can beat a /24, and a /24 can beat a /16, even if all three technically contain the same destination address. The common mistake is to assume the router always begins with protocol trust or metric. Those factors matter, but only after the router has determined which matching routes share the same prefix length.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Review longest-prefix match means a router prefers the route with the most specific subnet mask that matches the destination IP address., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Longest-prefix match means a router prefers the route with the most specific subnet mask that matches the destination IP address.
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Same concept, more angles
1 more ways this is tested on 200-301
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which two statements accurately describe longest-prefix match?
medium- ✓ A.The most specific matching route is preferred over broader matching routes.
- ✓ B.A /24 is more specific than a /16.
- C.The default route is always preferred over a matching specific route.
- D.Administrative distance replaces the need for longest-prefix match.
- E.A /16 is more specific than a /24.
Why A: Longest-prefix match means the router prefers the most specific route that matches the destination. In plain language, if several routes could all work, the router chooses the one that describes the destination range most precisely. That is why a /25 wins over a /24, and a /24 wins over a /16, when all of them match the same destination. This is a foundational routing rule. The wrong answers usually confuse route specificity with route-source trust or assume the default route is considered first. The two correct answers are the ones that keep the focus on specificity.
Last reviewed: May 17, 2026
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