The answer is that the route-map has multiple sequences or ACL entries where one source is permitted and routed while the other is denied or fails the next-hop check. This is evident from the debug ip policy output, which shows the first packet from 10.0.0.1 being “policy rejected” and the second from 10.0.0.2 being “policy routed” to 192.168.1.1, indicating that the policy-based routing logic applied differently to each source. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this debug output tests your ability to interpret PBR behavior at the packet level, often appearing in troubleshooting scenarios where a route-map’s match criteria or next-hop availability causes partial forwarding. A common trap is assuming “policy match” guarantees routing, but “rejected” means the packet was not forwarded per PBR and fell back to normal routing. Remember the mnemonic: “Match doesn’t mean dispatch—rejected means the route-map’s a mismatch.”
300-410 Policy-Based Routing (PBR) Practice Question
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of policy-based routing (pbr). 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.
A network engineer runs the following command to troubleshoot a Policy-Based Routing (PBR) issue:
R1# debug ip policy
Policy routing debugging is on
R1#
*Mar 1 00:15:30.789: IP: s=10.0.0.1 (FastEthernet0/0), d=20.0.0.1, len 100, policy match
*Mar 1 00:15:30.789: IP: s=10.0.0.1 (FastEthernet0/0), d=20.0.0.1, len 100, policy rejected
*Mar 1 00:15:30.789: IP: s=10.0.0.2 (FastEthernet0/0), d=20.0.0.2, len 100, policy match
*Mar 1 00:15:30.789: IP: s=10.0.0.2 (FastEthernet0/0), d=20.0.0.2, len 100, policy routed
*Mar 1 00:15:30.789: IP: FastEthernet0/0 to GigabitEthernet0/1 192.168.1.1
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The route-map has multiple sequences or ACL entries; one source is permitted, the other is denied or fails next-hop check.
The debug shows two packets: the first from 10.0.0.1 was rejected, while the second from 10.0.0.2 was successfully routed to 192.168.1.1. This suggests that the route-map may have multiple sequences or the ACL differentiates between the sources.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
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 route-map has multiple sequences or ACL entries; one source is permitted, the other is denied or fails next-hop check.
Why this is correct
The different treatment indicates different match conditions or set clause outcomes.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
Both packets should have been rejected due to a misconfiguration.
Why it's wrong here
One was routed, so not both rejected.
✗
The next-hop 192.168.1.1 is unreachable for the first packet.
Why it's wrong here
If unreachable, both would likely be rejected.
✗
The ACL is blocking all traffic from 10.0.0.1.
Why it's wrong here
The packet matched (policy match), so ACL allowed it; rejection is due to set clause.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
The first matching ACL entry is used.
There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
→Check inbound versus outbound direction.
→Read the ACL from top to bottom.
→Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 300-410 question in full detail.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related 300-410 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Policy-Based Routing (PBR) — This question tests Policy-Based Routing (PBR) — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The route-map has multiple sequences or ACL entries; one source is permitted, the other is denied or fails next-hop check. — The debug shows two packets: the first from 10.0.0.1 was rejected, while the second from 10.0.0.2 was successfully routed to 192.168.1.1. This suggests that the route-map may have multiple sequences or the ACL differentiates between the sources.
What should I do if I get this 300-410 question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related 300-410 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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