The answer is that the route-map is missing a 'set ip next-hop' command, or the configured next-hop is unreachable. This is because a Policy-Based Routing route-map requires both a match clause and a set clause to override the routing table; without a valid set ip next-hop statement, PBR cannot enforce a forwarding decision, so traffic defaults to the regular routing table even if the ACL match is correct. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of PBR syntax and the critical relationship between match and set actions—a common trap is assuming that a correct ACL alone will redirect traffic, when in fact the missing set clause silently disables the policy. A reliable memory tip is “match to catch, set to send”: if you forget the set, the packet will not bend.
300-410 Route Maps and Route Filtering Practice Question
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of route maps and route filtering. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 is troubleshooting a PBR (Policy-Based Routing) issue on router R5. The engineer configured a route-map to set the next-hop for traffic from a specific source subnet. The route-map is applied to the incoming interface, but traffic from the source subnet is still being forwarded using the regular routing table. The engineer verifies that the ACL matches the traffic correctly. 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 route-map is missing a 'set ip next-hop' command, or the next-hop is not reachable.
PBR route-maps must have at least one 'match' and one 'set' statement. If the route-map has a 'match ip address' but no 'set ip next-hop' (or the next-hop is unreachable), PBR will not apply and traffic will use the routing table. Also, the route-map must be applied to the correct interface and direction.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
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-map is missing a 'set ip next-hop' command, or the next-hop is not reachable.
Why this is correct
Correct because without a valid 'set' command, PBR does not alter forwarding.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
The route-map is applied outbound instead of inbound on the interface.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because PBR is applied inbound on the interface where traffic arrives.
✗
The ACL is using a standard ACL, which cannot match source subnet correctly.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because standard ACLs can match source subnet with proper wildcard mask.
✗
The route-map has a 'set default interface' command that overrides the next-hop.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because 'set default interface' is used for default routes, not for PBR next-hop.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
→Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
→Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
→Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
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 block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related 300-410 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
Route Maps and Route Filtering — This question tests Route Maps and Route Filtering — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The route-map is missing a 'set ip next-hop' command, or the next-hop is not reachable. — PBR route-maps must have at least one 'match' and one 'set' statement. If the route-map has a 'match ip address' but no 'set ip next-hop' (or the next-hop is unreachable), PBR will not apply and traffic will use the routing table. Also, the route-map must be applied to the correct interface and direction.
What should I do if I get this 300-410 question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related 300-410 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
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?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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