- A
PBR is applied on the inbound interface of the router.
PBR is configured with 'ip policy route-map' under the interface, which processes incoming packets.
- B
If a 'set interface' command specifies a down interface, the packet is automatically routed using the routing table.
Why wrong: If the specified interface is down, the packet is dropped unless a fallback 'set ip next-hop' is configured.
- C
PBR can be used to override the routing table for locally generated packets.
Why wrong: By default, PBR does not apply to locally generated packets; 'ip local policy route-map' is needed for that.
- D
The 'set ip default next-hop' command overrides the routing table even when a route exists.
Why wrong: The 'set ip default next-hop' is only used when there is no explicit route in the routing table.
- E
PBR uses a route-map to define match criteria and set actions for traffic.
The route-map contains match statements (e.g., match ip address) and set statements (e.g., set ip next-hop) to control traffic forwarding.
Quick Answer
The answer is that PBR uses a route-map to define match criteria and set actions for traffic. This is correct because Policy-Based Routing operates by applying a route-map on an inbound interface, where the `match` command selects specific traffic (like source IP or protocol) and the `set` command dictates the forwarding behavior—such as `set ip next-hop` or `set interface`—thereby overriding the normal routing table for that traffic. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this topic tests your ability to distinguish PBR from policy-based forwarding and to recognize that PBR does not affect locally generated traffic by default. A common trap is confusing `set ip default next-hop` (used only when no route exists) with `set ip next-hop` (which overrides an existing route). Remember the memory tip: "PBR is inbound, local is outbound"—PBR only applies to packets arriving on the interface, not to packets the router itself creates.
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.
Which TWO statements about Policy-Based Routing (PBR) are true? (Choose TWO.)
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
PBR is applied on the inbound interface of the router.
PBR uses a route-map with match and set commands to override the routing table for selected traffic. The 'set interface' command can specify an outgoing interface, and if that interface is down, the packet is dropped unless a 'set ip next-hop' is also configured as a backup. PBR does not affect the router's own originated traffic by default. The 'set ip default next-hop' is used only when there is no explicit route in the routing table, not for overriding an existing route. PBR is applied on the inbound interface.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
PBR is applied on the inbound interface of the router.
Why this is correct
PBR is configured with 'ip policy route-map' under the interface, which processes incoming packets.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- ✗
If a 'set interface' command specifies a down interface, the packet is automatically routed using the routing table.
Why it's wrong here
If the specified interface is down, the packet is dropped unless a fallback 'set ip next-hop' is configured.
- ✗
PBR can be used to override the routing table for locally generated packets.
Why it's wrong here
By default, PBR does not apply to locally generated packets; 'ip local policy route-map' is needed for that.
- ✗
The 'set ip default next-hop' command overrides the routing table even when a route exists.
Why it's wrong here
The 'set ip default next-hop' is only used when there is no explicit route in the routing table.
- ✓
PBR uses a route-map to define match criteria and set actions for traffic.
Why this is correct
The route-map contains match statements (e.g., match ip address) and set statements (e.g., set ip next-hop) to control traffic forwarding.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
- Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
- NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
- Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
- Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
- Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 300-410 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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Policy-Based Routing (PBR) — study guide chapter
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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) — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: PBR is applied on the inbound interface of the router. — PBR uses a route-map with match and set commands to override the routing table for selected traffic. The 'set interface' command can specify an outgoing interface, and if that interface is down, the packet is dropped unless a 'set ip next-hop' is also configured as a backup. PBR does not affect the router's own originated traffic by default. The 'set ip default next-hop' is used only when there is no explicit route in the routing table, not for overriding an existing route. PBR is applied on the inbound interface.
What should I do if I get this 300-410 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 300-410 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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