hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
IP SLA Route Map: Why It's Not Affecting Your Static Route
A network engineer configures IP SLA with an ICMP echo operation to monitor a remote host. The engineer also configures a route map to set the next hop based on the IP SLA track object. The engineer notices that the route map is not applied to the routing table as expected. The show ip route shows the static route with the correct next hop, but the route map does not seem to affect the routing decision. Which is the most likely explanation?
Quick Answer
The answer is that the route map is not applied to the static route using the ‘route-map’ keyword under the ‘ip route’ command. This is the most likely explanation because a route map configured for IP SLA tracking does not automatically influence a static route; it must be explicitly tied to that route via the `ip route <prefix> <mask> <next-hop> route-map <name>` syntax. Without this keyword, the static route uses its configured next hop directly, and the route map’s logic—such as setting a conditional next hop based on the track object—is never evaluated. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how IP SLA interacts with policy-based routing and static route manipulation, often appearing as a trap where candidates assume a route map alone will affect the routing table. A common memory tip is “no map, no match”—if you don’t attach the route-map keyword to the static route, the IP SLA tracking has no effect on the forwarding decision.
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 route map is not applied to the static route using the 'route-map' keyword under the 'ip route' command.
Route maps can be used with IP SLA tracking to modify route attributes, but the route map must be applied to the routing process or to the static route itself. If the route map is configured but not applied correctly, it will not affect the routing table. Additionally, route maps used with IP SLA tracking are typically applied to redistribution, not to static routes directly. The most common edge case is that the route map is not applied to the static route using the 'route-map' keyword under the 'ip route' command.
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 is not applied to the static route using the 'route-map' keyword under the 'ip route' command.
Why this is correct
To use a route map with a static route, the route map must be referenced in the static route configuration; otherwise, it has no effect.
- ✗
The IP SLA track object is not referenced in the route map.
Why it's wrong here
The track object can be used in the route map, but the route map must be applied to the route.
- ✗
The route map is configured with a match clause that does not match the static route.
Why it's wrong here
The match clause may not be the issue; the application of the route map is.
- ✗
The IP SLA operation is not reachable, so the route map is not triggered.
Why it's wrong here
The operation is successful, so reachability is not the issue.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Introduction to ENARSI Exam and Network Fundamentals
Key term
Policy Based Routing
Policy Based Routing (PBR) is a technology that allows network traffic to be forwarded based on user-defined policies rather than just the destination IP address in the routing table.
Key term
IP SLA for Path Control
IP SLA for Path Control is a Cisco technology that uses active network measurements to dynamically influence routing decisions and redirect traffic along a preferred path when network conditions change.
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on 300-410
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 configured IP SLA 50 to monitor a remote router's loopback (5.5.5.5) using ICMP echo. The IP SLA is linked to a track object that is used in a PBR (policy-based routing) route-map. The engineer notices that the PBR is not applying the alternate path when the IP SLA goes down. The track object shows 'Down'. What is the most likely misconfiguration?
hard- ✓ A.The route-map is missing the 'set ip next-hop verify-availability' command with the track object.
- B.The IP SLA probe is using the wrong source interface.
- C.The track object is configured with a delay that prevents immediate reaction.
- D.The PBR is applied to the wrong interface.
Why A: PBR with set ip next-hop verify-availability requires the track object to be referenced correctly in the route-map. If the route-map uses 'set ip next-hop verify-availability' but does not include the track keyword, PBR will not react to the IP SLA state.
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 300-410 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 300-410 exam.