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300-410 Practice Question: The default behavior of an IPv4 ACL regarding the…
What is the default behavior of an IPv4 ACL regarding the order of evaluation when multiple entries match a packet?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the misconception that ACLs use longest-prefix matching like routing tables, but ACLs strictly use first-match order, not specificity.
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 first matching entry in the list is applied.
Cisco IOS processes IPv4 ACL entries in sequential order, from top to bottom. When a packet matches an entry, the associated permit or deny action is applied immediately, and no further entries are evaluated. This first-match rule is fundamental to ACL design and troubleshooting.
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 entry is used regardless of order.
Why it's wrong here
ACLs do not use longest match; they use first match.
- ✓
The first matching entry in the list is applied.
Why this is correct
Cisco ACLs process entries in order; the first match wins.
- ✗
All matching entries are evaluated and the most permissive action is taken.
Why it's wrong here
Only the first match is used; no aggregation of actions.
- ✗
The last matching entry in the list overrides earlier ones.
Why it's wrong here
First match wins, not last.
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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.