- A
If a packet matches a route-map sequence with a 'permit' keyword, the set actions are applied, and no further sequences are evaluated.
Correct. Once a packet matches a permit sequence, the set actions are applied and evaluation stops; subsequent sequences are ignored.
- B
If a packet matches a route-map sequence with a 'deny' keyword, the packet is dropped immediately.
Why wrong: Incorrect. A 'deny' sequence in PBR means the packet is not policy-routed; it is forwarded using the normal routing table, not dropped.
- C
The 'match ip address' command in a PBR route map can reference a named or numbered ACL, but not a prefix list.
Why wrong: Incorrect. 'match ip address' can reference an ACL; prefix lists are not supported in PBR route maps. However, 'match ip address' can use an ACL, not a prefix list.
- D
If no sequence in a PBR route map matches a packet, the packet is forwarded using the routing table (normal routing).
Correct. The implicit deny at the end of a route map means unmatched packets are not policy-routed and are forwarded normally.
- E
The 'set ip next-hop' command can be used in a route-map sequence with a 'deny' keyword to override the default behavior.
Why wrong: Incorrect. 'set' commands are only effective in permit sequences; in deny sequences, the packet is not policy-routed, so set commands are ignored.
Quick Answer
The answer is that if no sequence in a PBR route map matches a packet, the packet is forwarded using the routing table via normal routing. This is correct because route maps used for Policy-Based Routing are evaluated in ascending sequence number order, and each sequence contains match and set statements; when a packet fails to match any permit sequence, the implicit deny at the end of the route map is triggered, meaning the packet is not policy-routed but instead follows the standard destination-based routing table. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how PBR route-map sequence numbers control traffic flow, and a common trap is assuming that an unmatched packet is dropped—it is not, it simply reverts to normal routing. Remember that the 'match ip address' command can reference an ACL or prefix list, and the 'set' commands in a permit sequence execute only when match conditions are met. Memory tip: "No match, no PBR—back to the routing table."
300-410 Policy-Based Routing (PBR) Practice Question
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of policy-based routing (pbr). Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 PBR and route-map sequence numbers 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
If a packet matches a route-map sequence with a 'permit' keyword, the set actions are applied, and no further sequences are evaluated.
Route maps used for PBR are evaluated in sequence number order. Each sequence can have match and set statements. If a packet does not match any permit sequence, it is subject to normal routing (implicit deny). The 'match ip address' command can reference an ACL or prefix list. The 'set' commands in a permit sequence are executed only when the match conditions are met.
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.
- ✓
If a packet matches a route-map sequence with a 'permit' keyword, the set actions are applied, and no further sequences are evaluated.
Why this is correct
Correct. Once a packet matches a permit sequence, the set actions are applied and evaluation stops; subsequent sequences are ignored.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- ✗
If a packet matches a route-map sequence with a 'deny' keyword, the packet is dropped immediately.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. A 'deny' sequence in PBR means the packet is not policy-routed; it is forwarded using the normal routing table, not dropped.
- ✗
The 'match ip address' command in a PBR route map can reference a named or numbered ACL, but not a prefix list.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. 'match ip address' can reference an ACL; prefix lists are not supported in PBR route maps. However, 'match ip address' can use an ACL, not a prefix list.
- ✓
If no sequence in a PBR route map matches a packet, the packet is forwarded using the routing table (normal routing).
Why this is correct
Correct. The implicit deny at the end of a route map means unmatched packets are not policy-routed and are forwarded normally.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- ✗
The 'set ip next-hop' command can be used in a route-map sequence with a 'deny' keyword to override the default behavior.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. 'set' commands are only effective in permit sequences; in deny sequences, the packet is not policy-routed, so set commands are ignored.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Incorrect. 'set' commands are only effective in permit sequences; in deny sequences, the packet is not policy-routed, so set commands are ignored.
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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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) — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: If a packet matches a route-map sequence with a 'permit' keyword, the set actions are applied, and no further sequences are evaluated. — Route maps used for PBR are evaluated in sequence number order. Each sequence can have match and set statements. If a packet does not match any permit sequence, it is subject to normal routing (implicit deny). The 'match ip address' command can reference an ACL or prefix list. The 'set' commands in a permit sequence are executed only when the match conditions are met.
What should I do if I get this 300-410 question wrong?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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