- A
The 'set ip next-hop recursive' command can specify a next-hop address that is not directly connected, and the router will perform a recursive lookup to determine the outgoing interface.
Correct. This command is designed for non-directly connected next hops; the router uses the routing table to resolve the next hop recursively.
- B
The 'set ip next-hop recursive' command is the default behavior for 'set ip next-hop' when the next hop is not directly connected.
Why wrong: Incorrect. 'set ip next-hop' requires a directly connected next hop; if not directly connected, the command fails unless 'recursive' is explicitly used.
- C
Using 'set ip next-hop recursive' can cause the router to perform additional routing table lookups, potentially increasing CPU utilization.
Correct. Recursive lookup adds processing overhead, which can be a concern in high-traffic environments.
- D
The 'set ip next-hop recursive' command is only supported on Cisco IOS-XE platforms, not on classic IOS.
Why wrong: Incorrect. The command is supported on both IOS and IOS-XE platforms, though it may have been introduced in later IOS versions.
- E
When using 'set ip next-hop recursive', the router will drop the packet if the recursive lookup fails to find a route to the next hop.
Why wrong: Incorrect. If the recursive lookup fails, the router falls back to normal routing (if a default route exists) or drops the packet; it does not automatically drop.
Quick Answer
The answer is that using the 'set ip next-hop recursive' command can cause the router to perform additional routing table lookups, potentially increasing CPU utilization. This is correct because the recursive option allows Policy-Based Routing to specify a next-hop address that is not directly connected, forcing the router to perform a recursive lookup in the routing table to determine the actual outgoing interface and next-hop gateway. In contrast, the standard 'set ip next-hop' command requires a directly connected neighbor, which avoids this extra lookup. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this distinction tests your understanding of how PBR interacts with the routing table and the performance trade-offs of recursive resolution. A common trap is assuming both commands behave identically, but the recursive version is essential when the next hop is multiple hops away, such as in a hub-and-spoke topology. Memory tip: think "recursive = re-search" — the router must search the routing table again to find the exit path.
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 the 'set ip next-hop recursive' command 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
The 'set ip next-hop recursive' command can specify a next-hop address that is not directly connected, and the router will perform a recursive lookup to determine the outgoing interface.
The 'set ip next-hop recursive' command allows PBR to use a next-hop address that is not directly connected; the router performs recursive lookup to find the outgoing interface. This is different from 'set ip next-hop' which requires a directly connected next hop. The recursive option is useful when the next hop is multiple hops away. However, it can impact performance due to the recursive lookup.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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 'set ip next-hop recursive' command can specify a next-hop address that is not directly connected, and the router will perform a recursive lookup to determine the outgoing interface.
Why this is correct
Correct. This command is designed for non-directly connected next hops; the router uses the routing table to resolve the next hop recursively.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The 'set ip next-hop recursive' command is the default behavior for 'set ip next-hop' when the next hop is not directly connected.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. 'set ip next-hop' requires a directly connected next hop; if not directly connected, the command fails unless 'recursive' is explicitly used.
- ✓
Using 'set ip next-hop recursive' can cause the router to perform additional routing table lookups, potentially increasing CPU utilization.
Why this is correct
Correct. Recursive lookup adds processing overhead, which can be a concern in high-traffic environments.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The 'set ip next-hop recursive' command is only supported on Cisco IOS-XE platforms, not on classic IOS.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. The command is supported on both IOS and IOS-XE platforms, though it may have been introduced in later IOS versions.
- ✗
When using 'set ip next-hop recursive', the router will drop the packet if the recursive lookup fails to find a route to the next hop.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. If the recursive lookup fails, the router falls back to normal routing (if a default route exists) or drops the packet; it does not automatically drop.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Incorrect. 'set ip next-hop' requires a directly connected next hop; if not directly connected, the command fails unless 'recursive' is explicitly used.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 300-410 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which 300-410 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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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) — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The 'set ip next-hop recursive' command can specify a next-hop address that is not directly connected, and the router will perform a recursive lookup to determine the outgoing interface. — The 'set ip next-hop recursive' command allows PBR to use a next-hop address that is not directly connected; the router performs recursive lookup to find the outgoing interface. This is different from 'set ip next-hop' which requires a directly connected next hop. The recursive option is useful when the next hop is multiple hops away. However, it can impact performance due to the recursive lookup.
What should I do if I get this 300-410 question wrong?
Identify which 300-410 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
This 300-410 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 300-410 exam.
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