The answer is that PBR will fall back to the routing table and forward the packet normally. This occurs because when a `set ip next-hop` command specifies an unreachable next-hop—meaning the IP address is not present in the routing table—Policy-Based Routing cannot enforce the policy, so it defaults to the standard destination-based forwarding decision. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this concept tests your understanding that PBR is not a filtering mechanism; it only overrides routing when the next-hop is valid and reachable. A common trap is assuming PBR drops the packet or uses a default route, but the correct behavior is a graceful fallback to the routing table. Remember the memory tip: "Unreachable next-hop? PBR takes a hop back to the routing table."
300-410 Route Maps and Route Filtering Practice Question
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of route maps and route filtering. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 is troubleshooting a PBR route-map that is supposed to set the next-hop for traffic from a specific source to a different next-hop. The route-map is applied to the incoming interface, and the ACL matches the traffic. However, the engineer notices that the traffic is still being forwarded using the routing table. The engineer checks the route-map and sees that the 'set ip next-hop' command points to an IP address that is not reachable. What is the most likely result?
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
✓
PBR will fall back to the routing table and forward the packet normally.
If the next-hop in a PBR set command is not reachable (i.e., not in the routing table), PBR will fall back to the routing table for forwarding. PBR does not drop the packet; it uses the default routing decision.
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.
✓
PBR will fall back to the routing table and forward the packet normally.
Why this is correct
Correct because PBR uses the routing table if the next-hop is unreachable.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
The packet will be dropped because PBR cannot forward it.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because PBR does not drop packets; it falls back to routing.
✗
The router will send an ICMP unreachable message to the source.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because the router will still forward the packet via the routing table.
✗
The route-map will be ignored and all traffic will be dropped.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because only the specific traffic matched will fall back to routing.
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.
Route Maps and Route Filtering — This question tests Route Maps and Route Filtering — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: PBR will fall back to the routing table and forward the packet normally. — If the next-hop in a PBR set command is not reachable (i.e., not in the routing table), PBR will fall back to the routing table for forwarding. PBR does not drop the packet; it uses the default routing decision.
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.
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