- A
The command 'ip policy route-map PBR' must be applied under interface GigabitEthernet0/1 in global configuration mode.
Why wrong: Incorrect. The 'ip policy route-map' command is applied in interface configuration mode, not global configuration mode.
- B
If the next hop 10.1.1.1 becomes unreachable, packets that match ACL 100 will be dropped by default.
Why wrong: Incorrect. By default, if the next hop is unreachable, the router will attempt to forward the packet using the routing table; it is not dropped unless no route exists.
- C
Packets that do not match ACL 100 will be forwarded using the normal routing table.
Correct. Only packets matching the route-map (via ACL 100) are policy-routed; others are forwarded normally.
- D
The command 'debug ip policy' can be used to verify which packets are being policy-routed and to which next hop.
Correct. 'debug ip policy' shows packets that match the route map and the actions taken, useful for troubleshooting.
- E
The route map must also include a 'match interface' statement to specify the incoming interface.
Why wrong: Incorrect. The route map is applied to the interface using 'ip policy route-map', so it automatically applies to packets arriving on that interface; no 'match interface' is needed.
300-410 Policy-Based Routing (PBR) Practice Question
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of policy-based routing (pbr). Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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.
An engineer configures PBR on a Cisco router using the following commands: 'route-map PBR permit 10', 'match ip address 100', 'set ip next-hop 10.1.1.1', and applies it inbound on interface GigabitEthernet0/1. Which TWO statements about this configuration 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
Packets that do not match ACL 100 will be forwarded using the normal routing table.
PBR is applied inbound on an interface. The route map matches packets using ACL 100. If the next hop is unreachable, the packet is forwarded using the routing table (if a default route exists) or dropped. PBR can be verified using 'show route-map' and 'debug ip policy'. The route map must be applied to the interface using 'ip policy route-map PBR'.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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 command 'ip policy route-map PBR' must be applied under interface GigabitEthernet0/1 in global configuration mode.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. The 'ip policy route-map' command is applied in interface configuration mode, not global configuration mode.
- ✗
If the next hop 10.1.1.1 becomes unreachable, packets that match ACL 100 will be dropped by default.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. By default, if the next hop is unreachable, the router will attempt to forward the packet using the routing table; it is not dropped unless no route exists.
- ✓
Packets that do not match ACL 100 will be forwarded using the normal routing table.
Why this is correct
Correct. Only packets matching the route-map (via ACL 100) are policy-routed; others are forwarded normally.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
The command 'debug ip policy' can be used to verify which packets are being policy-routed and to which next hop.
Why this is correct
Correct. 'debug ip policy' shows packets that match the route map and the actions taken, useful for troubleshooting.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
The route map must also include a 'match interface' statement to specify the incoming interface.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. The route map is applied to the interface using 'ip policy route-map', so it automatically applies to packets arriving on that interface; no 'match interface' is needed.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Incorrect. The 'ip policy route-map' command is applied in interface configuration mode, not global configuration mode.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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 Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 300-410 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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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) — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Packets that do not match ACL 100 will be forwarded using the normal routing table. — PBR is applied inbound on an interface. The route map matches packets using ACL 100. If the next hop is unreachable, the packet is forwarded using the routing table (if a default route exists) or dropped. PBR can be verified using 'show route-map' and 'debug ip policy'. The route map must be applied to the interface using 'ip policy route-map PBR'.
What should I do if I get this 300-410 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 300-410 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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