300-410 Layer 3 Technologies Practice Question
A network engineer is configuring a static route on a Cisco IOS router to reach the network 10.1.1.0/24 via the next-hop 192.168.1.1. The engineer wants the route to be removed from the routing table if the next-hop becomes unreachable. Which command should be used?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse the permanent keyword with tracking; permanent keeps the route despite failures, while track removes it based on object state.
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 10.1.1.0 255.255.255.0 192.168.1.1 track 1
To remove a static route when the next-hop becomes unreachable, the track keyword must be used. It associates the route with a tracked object that monitors the next-hop. The permanent keyword does the opposite, keeping the route installed. The name keyword only labels the route. A standard static route without tracking remains in the table even if the next-hop fails. Therefore, the track option is correct.
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 10.1.1.0 255.255.255.0 192.168.1.1
Why it's wrong here
This command creates a standard static route but does not track the next-hop reachability. The route remains in the routing table as long as the interface is up, even if the next-hop IP is unreachable. This can lead to black holes. To achieve removal on next-hop failure, additional tracking is required, such as with a tracked object or using a floating static route with an administrative distance.
- ✗
ip route 10.1.1.0 255.255.255.0 192.168.1.1 permanent
Why it's wrong here
The permanent keyword keeps the static route in the routing table even if the interface goes down. This is the opposite of what the engineer wants. With permanent, the route is not removed when the next-hop becomes unreachable, which can cause traffic to be dropped. This option is incorrect because it does not provide removal on failure; it ensures the route stays installed.
- ✓
ip route 10.1.1.0 255.255.255.0 192.168.1.1 track 1
Why this is correct
The track keyword associates the static route with a tracked object (in this case, object 1). If the tracked object goes down, the route is removed from the routing table. This provides next-hop reachability tracking. The engineer must also configure a track object to monitor the next-hop, typically using ICMP echo or a route reachability check. This is the correct way to conditionally install a static route based on next-hop availability.
- ✗
ip route 10.1.1.0 255.255.255.0 192.168.1.1 name TRACK
Why it's wrong here
The name keyword is used to assign a descriptive name to the static route for management purposes. It does not provide any tracking or conditional installation. The route will still be installed as long as the interface is up, regardless of next-hop reachability. This option is incorrect because it does not fulfill the requirement of removing the route when the next-hop is unreachable.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Cisco exam blueprint
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