The answer is that the next-hop 192.168.2.1 is used only if track object 1 is up; otherwise, normal routing applies. This is correct because the `set ip next-hop verify-availability` command integrates with Cisco Express Forwarding (CEF) and a tracking object to dynamically verify next-hop reachability before installing the policy-based route. When the tracked object (track 1) is down, the next-hop is considered unreachable, and the router falls back to the regular routing table instead of forcing traffic to a dead path. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this command tests your understanding of how PBR can be made conditional using object tracking, often appearing in questions that contrast static PBR with dynamic verification. A common trap is assuming the command simply pings the next-hop—it does not; it relies on a pre-configured track object that can monitor anything from an IP SLA to an interface line-protocol state. Memory tip: think “track before you tack”—the track object must be up for the PBR next-hop to stick.
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 R3 has the following configuration:
```
interface GigabitEthernet0/4
ip address 10.3.3.3 255.255.255.0
ip policy route-map PBR-IN
!
route-map PBR-IN permit 10
match ip address 102
set ip next-hop verify-availability 192.168.2.1 10 track 1
!
access-list 102 permit ip 10.3.3.0 0.0.0.255 any
```
What is the effect of the 'set ip next-hop verify-availability' command?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The next-hop 192.168.2.1 is used only if track object 1 is up; otherwise, normal routing applies.
This command enables Cisco Express Forwarding (CEF) and uses tracking to verify next-hop reachability. If the tracked object (track 1) is down, the next-hop is not used.
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 next-hop 192.168.2.1 is used only if track object 1 is up; otherwise, normal routing applies.
Why this is correct
verify-availability checks the track object; if down, PBR does not use that next-hop and falls back to routing table.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
The next-hop 192.168.2.1 is always used regardless of track status.
Why it's wrong here
verify-availability makes PBR conditional on the track object.
✗
The router pings 192.168.2.1 every 10 seconds to verify reachability.
Why it's wrong here
The '10' is the track object number, not a timer. Tracking uses mechanisms like IP SLA, not ICMP pings by default.
✗
The configuration is invalid because 'verify-availability' requires a sequence number.
Why it's wrong here
The syntax is correct: 'set ip next-hop verify-availability [next-hop] [sequence] track [number]'.
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 next-hop 192.168.2.1 is used only if track object 1 is up; otherwise, normal routing applies. — This command enables Cisco Express Forwarding (CEF) and uses tracking to verify next-hop reachability. If the tracked object (track 1) is down, the next-hop is not used.
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.
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. When using 'set ip next-hop verify-availability', what mechanism does the router use to determine if the next-hop is reachable?
medium
A.It sends an ICMP echo request to the next-hop every 10 seconds.
B.It checks the ARP table for the next-hop MAC address.
✓ C.It uses a tracked object that can be based on IP SLA, interface state, or other criteria.
D.It performs a recursive routing table lookup to see if the next-hop is reachable.
Why C: The 'verify-availability' option uses a tracked object (configured with the 'track' command) which can be based on IP SLA, interface line-protocol, or other criteria. It does not use ARP or ICMP by default.
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Question Discussion
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