The answer is that the engineer misunderstands the conditional nature of the `set ip default next-hop` command, which only overrides the routing table when no route exists for the packet. Unlike `set ip next-hop`, which unconditionally forces all matched traffic to a specified next-hop regardless of the routing table, `set ip default next-hop` acts as a fallback—it is consulted only if the destination IP lacks a matching route, including a default route. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this distinction tests your grasp of PBR policy routing behavior, often appearing in scenario-based questions where a candidate must choose between the two commands to achieve either conditional or unconditional forwarding. A common trap is assuming both commands behave identically; the key is remembering that "default" implies "only when no route exists." For a memory tip, think of `set ip default next-hop` as a safety net that only catches packets with no routing path, while `set ip next-hop` is a direct override that always wins.
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.
A router is configured with PBR using a route-map that sets the next-hop to 10.0.0.2 for traffic matching ACL 100. The engineer also configures 'set ip default next-hop 10.0.0.3' in the same route-map sequence. Traffic that matches ACL 100 is forwarded to 10.0.0.2, but traffic that does not match ACL 100 is forwarded to 10.0.0.3 only if there is no route in the routing table. However, the engineer expects all unmatched traffic to go to 10.0.0.3 regardless of the routing table. What is the misunderstanding?
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 default next-hop' command overrides the routing table only when no route exists; the engineer wants unconditional forwarding.
The 'set ip default next-hop' command is used only when the packet does not have a matching route in the routing table. If a route exists (even a default route), the packet follows the routing table. The engineer should use 'set ip next-hop' instead of 'set ip default next-hop' to force all unmatched traffic to the next-hop.
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.
✓
The 'set ip default next-hop' command overrides the routing table only when no route exists; the engineer wants unconditional forwarding.
Why this is correct
'set ip default next-hop' is conditional on the absence of a route; 'set ip next-hop' is unconditional.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
The route-map sequence order is incorrect; the default next-hop should be in a separate sequence.
Why it's wrong here
Order does not affect the behavior of set ip default next-hop.
✗
The ACL 100 is blocking all traffic, so no traffic matches the set commands.
Why it's wrong here
The issue is about unmatched traffic, not matched.
✗
The 'set ip default next-hop' command requires a 'set interface' command to work.
Why it's wrong here
No such requirement exists.
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: The 'set ip default next-hop' command overrides the routing table only when no route exists; the engineer wants unconditional forwarding. — The 'set ip default next-hop' command is used only when the packet does not have a matching route in the routing table. If a route exists (even a default route), the packet follows the routing table. The engineer should use 'set ip next-hop' instead of 'set ip default next-hop' to force all unmatched traffic to the next-hop.
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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