The answer is that packets not matching any PBR route-map sequence are forwarded using the normal routing table. This is because route-maps in Cisco IOS contain an implicit deny at the end, meaning any traffic that does not hit a permit statement is not policy-routed. Instead, the router falls back to its standard destination-based routing logic, consulting the FIB and routing table to forward the packet. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this concept tests your understanding of PBR’s default behavior versus the explicit deny, which would drop the packet. A common trap is confusing PBR’s default action with the implicit deny of a route-map used for redistribution; in PBR, the implicit deny simply means “route normally,” not “drop.” For a quick memory tip, think: “No match, no policy—just route it normally.”
300-410 Policy-Based Routing (PBR) Practice Question
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of policy-based routing (pbr). Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
In Policy-Based Routing (PBR), what is the default action for packets that do not match any route-map sequence?
Why wrong: Only if the route-map ends with a deny statement that matches all traffic; otherwise, implicit deny means no PBR action, so normal routing applies.
B
They are forwarded using the normal routing table.
The implicit deny in a route-map for PBR means that unmatched packets are not subject to PBR and are routed normally.
C
They are forwarded using the default route.
Why wrong: Normal routing table lookup includes all routes, not just default.
D
They are sent to the next-hop specified in the last sequence.
Why wrong: Only matching sequences apply; unmatched packets are not affected.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
They are forwarded using the normal routing table.
Route-maps have an implicit deny at the end. For PBR, if a packet does not match any permit sequence, it is not policy-routed and is forwarded using the normal 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.
✗
They are dropped.
Why it's wrong here
Only if the route-map ends with a deny statement that matches all traffic; otherwise, implicit deny means no PBR action, so normal routing applies.
✓
They are forwarded using the normal routing table.
Why this is correct
The implicit deny in a route-map for PBR means that unmatched packets are not subject to PBR and are routed normally.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
They are forwarded using the default route.
Why it's wrong here
Normal routing table lookup includes all routes, not just default.
✗
They are sent to the next-hop specified in the last sequence.
Why it's wrong here
Only matching sequences apply; unmatched packets are not 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: They are forwarded using the normal routing table. — Route-maps have an implicit deny at the end. For PBR, if a packet does not match any permit sequence, it is not policy-routed and is forwarded using the normal 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.
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. What is the default action for a packet that does not match any route-map entry in a PBR policy?
easy
A.The packet is dropped.
✓ B.The packet is forwarded using the routing table.
C.The packet is sent to the CPU for processing.
D.The router sends an ICMP unreachable message.
Why B: If no route-map entry matches, the packet is forwarded using the normal routing table lookup. PBR does not drop unmatched packets by default.
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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