The answer is that the packet is dropped. This occurs because Policy-Based Routing (PBR) enforces a strict requirement by default: the IP address specified in the `set ip next-hop` command must be directly connected to the router. When the next-hop is not directly connected, the router cannot perform an ARP lookup to resolve the Layer 2 address, so it has no valid path to forward the packet and silently discards it. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this tests your understanding of PBR next-hop reachability and the distinction between directly connected and non-directly connected next-hops. A common trap is assuming the router will recursively route to a non-adjacent next-hop; it will not unless you explicitly configure `set ip next-hop verify-availability` or enable recursive lookups with additional commands. Remember the memory tip: "PBR next-hop must be a neighbor; if it’s not, the packet hits the spot."
300-410 Policy-Based Routing (PBR) Practice Question
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of policy-based routing (pbr). This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 PBR when a 'set ip next-hop' is configured with an IP address that is not directly connected?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The packet is dropped.
By default, PBR requires the next-hop to be directly connected. If it is not directly connected, the packet is dropped unless 'set ip next-hop verify-availability' is used or the next-hop is reachable via a recursive lookup (which requires additional configuration).
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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 router performs a recursive lookup to find the next-hop.
Why it's wrong here
By default, recursive lookup is not performed; the next-hop must be directly connected.
✗
The packet is forwarded using the routing table.
Why it's wrong here
If the next-hop is not directly connected, the packet is dropped.
✓
The packet is dropped.
Why this is correct
PBR requires the next-hop to be directly connected by default; otherwise, the packet is dropped.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The router sends an ICMP redirect.
Why it's wrong here
No ICMP redirect is sent; the packet is silently dropped.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 300-410 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 300-410 question in full detail.
Identify which 300-410 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Policy-Based Routing (PBR) — This question tests Policy-Based Routing (PBR) — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The packet is dropped. — By default, PBR requires the next-hop to be directly connected. If it is not directly connected, the packet is dropped unless 'set ip next-hop verify-availability' is used or the next-hop is reachable via a recursive lookup (which requires additional configuration).
What should I do if I get this 300-410 question wrong?
Identify which 300-410 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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