The answer is that the 'set metric 50' command has no effect because it is not a valid PBR set action, so packets are routed normally. Policy-based routing controls the path a packet takes by overriding the routing table, and its supported set actions are limited to next-hop, interface, default next-hop, default interface, and ToS/precedence. The 'set metric' command is designed for redistribution route-maps, where it modifies the metric of routes being injected into a routing protocol, not for influencing per-packet forwarding. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between PBR actions and redistribution actions—a common trap is assuming any set command works in a PBR route-map. Remember the memory tip: PBR steers packets, not metrics; if you need to change a metric, you are redistributing, not routing.
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 R5 has the following configuration:
```
interface GigabitEthernet0/6
ip address 10.5.5.5 255.255.255.0
ip policy route-map PBR-METRIC
!
route-map PBR-METRIC permit 10
match ip address 103
set metric 50
!
access-list 103 permit ip any any
```
What is the effect of the 'set metric 50' command in this PBR context?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The route-map has no effect because 'set metric' is not a valid PBR action; packets are routed normally.
The 'set metric' command in a route-map used for PBR is not a standard PBR action. PBR actions include set ip next-hop, set interface, set ip default next-hop, set default interface, and set ip tos/precedence. 'set metric' is used in redistribution route-maps, not PBR. This configuration will not cause an error, but the metric setting is ignored for PBR.
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 metric of packets matching ACL 103 is set to 50, affecting routing decisions.
Why it's wrong here
PBR does not modify packet metrics; 'set metric' is not a valid PBR action and is ignored.
✓
The route-map has no effect because 'set metric' is not a valid PBR action; packets are routed normally.
Why this is correct
The 'set metric' command is not supported in PBR route-maps; it is ignored, and the route-map effectively does nothing.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
The router applies the metric to the route in the routing table for the source network.
Why it's wrong here
PBR does not modify the routing table; it only affects forwarding of individual packets.
✗
The configuration is invalid and will be rejected by the router.
Why it's wrong here
The router accepts the configuration but ignores the metric setting.
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 route-map has no effect because 'set metric' is not a valid PBR action; packets are routed normally. — The 'set metric' command in a route-map used for PBR is not a standard PBR action. PBR actions include set ip next-hop, set interface, set ip default next-hop, set default interface, and set ip tos/precedence. 'set metric' is used in redistribution route-maps, not PBR. This configuration will not cause an error, but the metric setting is ignored for PBR.
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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