The answer is that the route is denied by default. A route-map operates with an implicit deny at the end, meaning if a route does not match any match clause in any sequence, it is treated as if it matched a deny statement and is not redistributed. This default behavior mirrors that of an access-list, where unmatched traffic is dropped, and it is a critical concept when troubleshooting OSPF to EIGRP redistribution missing routes. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this principle often appears in redistribution scenarios where a route-map is applied but routes unexpectedly vanish, testing your understanding that every route-map ends with an implicit deny unless a final permit sequence is explicitly added. A common trap is assuming unmatched routes are permitted, so always verify that your route-map includes a permit any statement if you intend to pass all other routes. Remember the memory tip: "No match, no pass—implicit deny is the last class."
300-410 Route Maps and Route Filtering Practice Question
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of route maps and route filtering. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
What is the default behavior of a route-map when a route does not match any match clause in any sequence?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The route is denied by default.
A route-map consists of sequences with permit or deny actions. If a route does not match any match clause in any sequence, it is implicitly denied. This is similar to an access-list: there is an implicit deny at the end of the route-map.
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 is permitted by default.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. There is no implicit permit; unmatched routes are denied.
✓
The route is denied by default.
Why this is correct
Correct. If a route does not match any sequence, it is implicitly denied.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
The route is processed by the last sequence regardless of match.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. The route-map stops at the first match; if no match, no sequence processes the route.
✗
The route is forwarded to the next route-map if one exists.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Route-maps are independent; there is no chaining between different route-maps.
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.
Route Maps and Route Filtering — This question tests Route Maps and Route Filtering — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The route is denied by default. — A route-map consists of sequences with permit or deny actions. If a route does not match any match clause in any sequence, it is implicitly denied. This is similar to an access-list: there is an implicit deny at the end of the route-map.
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 is troubleshooting a redistribution issue between OSPF and EIGRP. Router R3 is redistributing OSPF routes into EIGRP, but some OSPF external routes are not appearing in the EIGRP topology table. The engineer checks the redistribute command under EIGRP and sees a route-map named RM-OSPF that uses a prefix-list to match specific prefixes. The missing routes are permitted by the prefix-list. What is the most likely cause?
hard
✓ A.The route-map is missing a 'set metric' command; EIGRP requires a metric for redistributed routes.
B.The prefix-list is using the wrong sequence number and is being overridden by a later deny statement.
C.The OSPF routes are type-5 LSAs, which cannot be redistributed into EIGRP.
D.The route-map is applied to the OSPF process instead of the EIGRP process.
Why A: The route-map may have a 'set metric' command that is misconfigured, or the route-map may be missing the 'set metric' command entirely, causing EIGRP to reject the route because it requires a metric for redistributed routes. Alternatively, the route-map might have a 'match route-type' that excludes external type-2 routes.
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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