The answer is that the VLAN interface is a Layer 2 switch virtual interface (SVI) which, by default on IOS-XE, does not support Policy-Based Routing (PBR) without specific hardware configuration. This is because PBR on SVIs in IOS-XE requires the platform to operate in a mode that allows policy routing on switched virtual interfaces, often enabled via the 'platform hardware throughput mode' command; otherwise, the router treats the SVI as a Layer 2 interface and ignores the 'ip policy route-map' directive, forwarding traffic normally instead. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this limitation is a common trap—candidates often assume PBR works on any interface, but the exam tests the distinction between routed interfaces and SVIs, especially on IOS-XE platforms where hardware forwarding constraints apply. A reliable memory tip is "SVIs are switch-like, not router-like for PBR," meaning if you see a VLAN interface and PBR isn't working, check for hardware mode or use a routed physical interface instead.
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.
An engineer configures PBR on a router to route traffic from VLAN 10 to next-hop 192.168.1.2 using a route-map. The route-map is applied inbound on the VLAN interface. The engineer also configures 'ip policy route-map' on the same interface. However, traffic from VLAN 10 is not being policy-routed; instead, it is forwarded normally. The router is running IOS-XE. What is the most likely cause?
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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The VLAN interface is a Layer 2 switch virtual interface (SVI) and does not support PBR without additional hardware configuration.
On IOS-XE, PBR is not supported on switched virtual interfaces (SVIs) by default; it requires the 'platform hardware throughput mode' or specific hardware support. Alternatively, the interface may be a Layer 2 switch port, not a routed interface. PBR only works on routed interfaces.
Key principle: A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
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 VLAN interface is a Layer 2 switch virtual interface (SVI) and does not support PBR without additional hardware configuration.
Why this is correct
PBR on SVIs in IOS-XE may require specific platform support or configuration; otherwise, it is ignored.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
✗
The route-map is missing a 'match ip address' clause.
Why it's wrong here
The engineer configured match ip address; the issue is platform-specific.
✗
The next-hop 192.168.1.2 is not reachable via any route.
Why it's wrong here
Unreachable next-hop would cause fallback, not complete ignore of PBR.
✗
The 'ip policy route-map' command is applied outbound instead of inbound.
Why it's wrong here
PBR is applied inbound; outbound application would not affect incoming traffic.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: an active trunk can still block the VLAN you need
A trunk being up does not prove every VLAN is crossing it. Check allowed VLAN lists, native VLAN mismatch, VLAN existence and access-port assignment.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
VLAN questions usually combine access-port and trunking clues. The key is to identify whether the issue is local to one switchport, caused by the trunk, or caused by the VLAN not existing where it needs to exist.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
Trunk ports carry multiple VLANs between switches.
Allowed VLAN lists decide which VLANs can cross a trunk.
Native VLAN mismatch can create confusing symptoms.
TExam Day Tips
→Use show vlan brief to verify access VLANs.
→Use show interfaces trunk to verify trunk state and allowed VLANs.
→Do not treat every same-VLAN issue as a routing problem.
Key takeaway
A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
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 VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related 300-410 questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
Policy-Based Routing (PBR) — This question tests Policy-Based Routing (PBR) — Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The VLAN interface is a Layer 2 switch virtual interface (SVI) and does not support PBR without additional hardware configuration. — On IOS-XE, PBR is not supported on switched virtual interfaces (SVIs) by default; it requires the 'platform hardware throughput mode' or specific hardware support. Alternatively, the interface may be a Layer 2 switch port, not a routed interface. PBR only works on routed interfaces.
What should I do if I get this 300-410 question wrong?
Review VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related 300-410 questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
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?
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
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