The answer is that packets matching ACL 101 are routed normally via the routing table. This occurs because the route map uses the `ip next-hop verify-availability` command, which ties the set clause to a tracked object; when Track 1 is down due to IP SLA 1 reporting unreachability, the policy routing action is disabled, and the router falls back to its default forwarding behavior. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how PBR interacts with tracking objects—a common trap is assuming that a down track still forces traffic to the specified next-hop, when in fact it causes the policy to be ignored. When performing PBR tracking down, always check the track status first; if it is down, the set clause is effectively skipped. Memory tip: “Track down, route around”—if the tracked object is down, PBR steps aside and lets the routing table handle the traffic.
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.
A network engineer runs the following command on Router R1:
R1# show ip policy
Interface Route-map
GigabitEthernet0/1 PBR-MAP
R1# show route-map PBR-MAP
route-map PBR-MAP, permit, sequence 10
Match clauses:
ip address (access-lists): 101
Set clauses:
ip next-hop verify-availability 10.1.1.2 10 track 1
Policy routing matches: 150 packets, 12000 bytes
R1# show track 1
Track 1
IP SLA 1 reachability
Reachability is Down
1 change, last change 00:05:20
Latest operation return code: timeout
Tracked by:
ROUTE-MAP 0
Based on this output, what is the most likely outcome?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Packets matching ACL 101 are routed normally via the routing table.
The route map uses 'ip next-hop verify-availability' with tracking. Track 1 is down because IP SLA 1 reports unreachability. Therefore, the set clause will not be applied, and packets matching ACL 101 will not be forwarded to 10.1.1.2; they will be routed normally via the routing table.
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.
✗
Packets matching ACL 101 are forwarded to 10.1.1.2 regardless.
Why it's wrong here
The verify-availability feature checks the track object; since track 1 is down, the next-hop is not used.
✗
Packets matching ACL 101 are dropped.
Why it's wrong here
PBR does not drop packets when the set clause is not applied; they are forwarded using the routing table.
✓
Packets matching ACL 101 are routed normally via the routing table.
Why this is correct
When the tracked object is down, PBR skips the set clause and the packet is forwarded using the destination-based routing table.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
The route map is removed from the interface due to the track failure.
Why it's wrong here
The route map remains applied; only the next-hop selection is affected.
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: Packets matching ACL 101 are routed normally via the routing table. — The route map uses 'ip next-hop verify-availability' with tracking. Track 1 is down because IP SLA 1 reports unreachability. Therefore, the set clause will not be applied, and packets matching ACL 101 will not be forwarded to 10.1.1.2; they will be routed normally via the routing table.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
About these practice questions
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These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A network engineer runs the following command on Router R1:
R1# show ip policy
Interface Route-map
GigabitEthernet0/0 PBR-TRACK
R1# show route-map PBR-TRACK
route-map PBR-TRACK, permit, sequence 10
Match clauses:
ip address (access-lists): 170
Set clauses:
ip next-hop verify-availability 10.0.0.2 10 track 2
Policy routing matches: 100 packets, 8000 bytes
R1# show track 2
Track 2
IP SLA 2 reachability
Reachability is Up
2 changes, last change 00:01:30
Latest operation return code: ok
Tracked by:
ROUTE-MAP 0
R1# show ip route 10.0.0.2
Routing entry for 10.0.0.2/32
Known via "eigrp 1", distance 90, metric 28160
Last update from 192.168.1.2 on GigabitEthernet0/1
Based on this output, what is the most likely behavior for packets matching ACL 170?
medium
✓ A.Packets are forwarded to 10.0.0.2.
B.Packets are forwarded using the routing table because the next-hop is not reachable.
C.Packets are dropped because the track object is not configured correctly.
D.Packets are load-balanced between the next-hop and the routing table.
Why A: The route map uses 'ip next-hop verify-availability' with track 2. Track 2 is Up (IP SLA 2 reachability is ok). Therefore, the next-hop 10.0.0.2 is considered available, and packets matching ACL 170 are forwarded to 10.0.0.2.
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
Question Discussion
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