Question 576 of 2,152

Policy-Based Routing (PBR) →hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

Quick Answer

The answer is that packets matching ACL 140 are forwarded to 10.0.0.2. This is because when a route-map specifies multiple next-hops in a single set clause, Policy-Based Routing (PBR) evaluates them sequentially and selects the first reachable next-hop from the list. In the output, 10.0.0.2 is present in the routing table via EIGRP, making it reachable, while 10.0.0.3 is not in the routing table at all, so PBR simply skips it and uses the first valid option. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this “PBR multiple next-hops” behavior tests your understanding that PBR does not load-balance across the listed next-hops; it performs a first-reachable selection, which is a common trap for those who assume all next-hops must be reachable or that the router will fall back to the default route. A key memory tip is “first reachable wins”—PBR stops at the first viable next-hop and ignores the rest, even if later entries are unreachable.

300-410 Policy-Based Routing (PBR) Practice Question

This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of policy-based routing (pbr). Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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 on Router R1:

R1# show ip policy
Interface     Route-map

GigabitEthernet0/0 PBR-MULTI

R1# show route-map PBR-MULTI

route-map PBR-MULTI, permit, sequence 10 Match clauses:

ip address (access-lists): 140

Set clauses:

ip next-hop 10.0.0.2 10.0.0.3

Policy routing matches: 200 packets, 18000 bytes

R1# show ip route 10.0.0.2

Routing entry for 10.0.0.2/32 Known via "eigrp 1", distance 90, metric 28160 Last update from 192.168.1.2 on GigabitEthernet0/1

R1# show ip route 10.0.0.3

% Network not in routing table

Based on this output, what is the most likely behavior for packets matching ACL 140?

Clue words in this question

Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.

Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.

Question 1hardmultiple choice

Study the full EIGRP explanation →

A
Packets are load-balanced between 10.0.0.2 and 10.0.0.3.
Why wrong: PBR does not load-balance across multiple next-hops; it uses the first reachable one.
B
Packets are forwarded to 10.0.0.2.
Since 10.0.0.2 is reachable, PBR uses it. The unreachable 10.0.0.3 is ignored.
C
Packets are dropped because one next-hop is unreachable.
Why wrong: PBR uses the first reachable next-hop; unreachable ones are skipped.
D
Packets are forwarded to 10.0.0.3 via a recursive lookup.
Why wrong: 10.0.0.3 is not in the routing table, so it cannot be used.

Full breakdown with real-world context →

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

✓

Packets are forwarded to 10.0.0.2.

When multiple next-hops are specified in a set clause, PBR tries them in order. The first reachable next-hop is used. Here, 10.0.0.2 is reachable, so packets are forwarded to 10.0.0.2. The second next-hop is not reachable, but that does not affect the first.

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.

✗
Packets are load-balanced between 10.0.0.2 and 10.0.0.3.
Why it's wrong here
PBR does not load-balance across multiple next-hops; it uses the first reachable one.
✓
Packets are forwarded to 10.0.0.2.
Why this is correct
Since 10.0.0.2 is reachable, PBR uses it. The unreachable 10.0.0.3 is ignored.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
Packets are dropped because one next-hop is unreachable.
Why it's wrong here
PBR uses the first reachable next-hop; unreachable ones are skipped.
✗
Packets are forwarded to 10.0.0.3 via a recursive lookup.
Why it's wrong here
10.0.0.3 is not in the routing table, so it cannot be used.

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.

What to study next

Got this wrong? Here's your next step.

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.

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FAQ

Questions learners often ask

What does this 300-410 question test?

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: Packets are forwarded to 10.0.0.2. — When multiple next-hops are specified in a set clause, PBR tries them in order. The first reachable next-hop is used. Here, 10.0.0.2 is reachable, so packets are forwarded to 10.0.0.2. The second next-hop is not reachable, but that does not affect the first.

What should I do if I get this 300-410 question wrong?

Are there clue words in this question I should notice?

Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.

What is the key concept behind this question?

Standard ACLs match source addresses.

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