The answer is that all packets received on GigabitEthernet0/5 are forwarded to 192.168.3.1 only if they do not have a matching route in the routing table. This is because the PBR set ip default next-hop command operates as a fallback mechanism: it is evaluated only when the destination IP address of a packet has no explicit route in the routing table, unlike the standard set ip next-hop command which overrides the routing table entirely. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this distinction is a frequent trap—candidates often confuse it with set ip next-hop, which forces all matching traffic to the specified next-hop regardless of the routing table. The key test point is that set ip default next-hop respects existing routes and only kicks in when the routing table has no match. A helpful memory tip: think of “default” as “last resort”—it only applies when the router has no other path to the destination.
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.
Router R4 has the following configuration:
```
interface GigabitEthernet0/5
ip address 10.4.4.4 255.255.255.0
ip policy route-map PBR-DEFAULT
!
route-map PBR-DEFAULT permit 10
set ip default next-hop 192.168.3.1
```
What is the effect of this configuration?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
All packets received on G0/5 are forwarded to 192.168.3.1 if they do not have a route in the routing table.
The 'set ip default next-hop' command is used for packets that do not match any explicit route in the routing table. It does not affect packets that have a matching route.
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.
✓
All packets received on G0/5 are forwarded to 192.168.3.1 if they do not have a route in the routing table.
Why this is correct
Default next-hop applies only when the routing table has no route for the destination.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
All packets received on G0/5 are forwarded to 192.168.3.1 regardless of the routing table.
Why it's wrong here
That would be 'set ip next-hop', not 'set ip default next-hop'.
✗
The route-map is missing a match statement, so it does nothing.
Why it's wrong here
A route-map without a match statement matches all packets, so it is valid.
✗
The configuration is invalid because 'set ip default next-hop' requires an ACL.
Why it's wrong here
No ACL is required; the route-map can match all traffic.
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.
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.
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 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.
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: All packets received on G0/5 are forwarded to 192.168.3.1 if they do not have a route in the routing table. — The 'set ip default next-hop' command is used for packets that do not match any explicit route in the routing table. It does not affect packets that have a matching route.
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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