The answer is that the packet matched the route-map but was not forwarded due to a failed next-hop check. The debug ip policy PBR output interpretation shows two key lines: first, "policy match" confirms the packet met the route-map criteria, then "policy rejected" indicates the set clause action failed, typically because the specified next-hop is unreachable or the verify-availability check returned a failure. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish between a policy match and a successful policy apply—a common trap is assuming "rejected" means the route-map didn't match, when in fact it matched but couldn't forward. Remember that PBR rejection is a routing failure, not a classification failure. A useful memory tip: "Match means it fits, reject means it sits" (the packet is dropped or falls through to normal routing).
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 00:05:23.123: IP: s=192.168.1.10 (FastEthernet0/0), d=10.1.1.100, len 100, policy match
*Mar 1 00:05:23.123: IP: s=192.168.1.10 (FastEthernet0/0), d=10.1.1.100, len 100, policy rejected
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The packet matched the route-map but was not forwarded due to a failed next-hop check.
The debug output shows a packet from 192.168.1.10 to 10.1.1.100 that matches the policy but is then rejected. This typically occurs when the set clause specifies a next-hop that is unreachable or when verify-availability fails.
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 packet matched the route-map but was not forwarded due to a failed next-hop check.
Why this is correct
'policy rejected' indicates the packet matched but the set action could not be applied, often due to next-hop unreachability.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
The packet was successfully policy-routed to the next-hop.
Why it's wrong here
'policy rejected' means the packet was not forwarded per PBR.
✗
The route-map does not have a match clause for this packet.
Why it's wrong here
'policy match' indicates it matched the route-map.
✗
The packet was dropped due to an ACL deny.
Why it's wrong here
The debug shows policy match, so ACL allowed; rejection is due to set clause failure.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The debug shows policy match, so ACL allowed; rejection is due to set clause failure.
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 packet matched the route-map but was not forwarded due to a failed next-hop check. — The debug output shows a packet from 192.168.1.10 to 10.1.1.100 that matches the policy but is then rejected. This typically occurs when the set clause specifies a next-hop that is unreachable or when verify-availability fails.
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.
About these practice questions
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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. 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 00:10:45.456: IP: s=172.16.1.5 (FastEthernet0/0), d=8.8.8.8, len 64, policy match
*Mar 1 00:10:45.456: IP: s=172.16.1.5 (FastEthernet0/0), d=8.8.8.8, len 64, policy routed
*Mar 1 00:10:45.456: IP: FastEthernet0/0 to Serial0/0 10.1.1.2
What does this output indicate?
medium
✓ A.The packet was successfully policy-routed to 10.1.1.2 via Serial0/0.
B.The packet was dropped due to no matching route.
C.The next-hop 10.1.1.2 is unreachable.
D.The route-map is misconfigured with wrong ACL.
Why A: The debug shows a packet from 172.16.1.5 to 8.8.8.8 that matched the policy and was routed out of Serial0/0 to next-hop 10.1.1.2. This indicates successful PBR operation.
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Question Discussion
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