Quick Answer
The correct answer is both the `route add default gw` and `ip route add default via` commands, as either can set a default gateway route on Linux. The `route` command, though legacy, still works by adding a static route to the kernel’s routing table, while the `ip route` command from the iproute2 suite is the modern replacement and is preferred in current distributions. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this tests your understanding of network configuration and the transition from net-tools to iproute2; a common trap is confusing the display-only `netstat -rn` with the actual route-setting commands. Remember that `ip route` is the future-proof tool, but both will get the job done. A handy memory tip: “Default via IP, or route add gw” — either path leads to the gateway.
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of scripting, containers and automation. 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 sysadmin needs to set a default gateway for a network interface. Which command(s) accomplish this?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
netstat -rn
Why wrong: netstat shows the routing table, it does not add a gateway.
route add default gw 192.168.1.1
Why wrong: This is a valid command, but there is another correct option.
ip route add default via 192.168.1.1
Why wrong: This is also valid, but together with A they form the correct answer.
Both A and B
Both route and ip can be used to add a default gateway.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Both A and B
Option D is correct because both `route add default gw 192.168.1.1` (option B) and `ip route add default via 192.168.1.1` (option C) can set a default gateway on Linux. The `route` command is legacy but still functional, while `ip route` is the modern net-tools replacement. Option A (`netstat -rn`) only displays the routing table and does not add a gateway, so it alone cannot accomplish the task.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
netstat -rn
Why it's wrong here
netstat shows the routing table, it does not add a gateway.
route add default gw 192.168.1.1
Why it's wrong here
This is a valid command, but there is another correct option.
ip route add default via 192.168.1.1
Why it's wrong here
This is also valid, but together with A they form the correct answer.
Both A and B
Why this is correct
Both route and ip can be used to add a default gateway.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates may think only the modern `ip route` command works, forgetting that the legacy `route` command is still accepted on many Linux distributions, or they may mistakenly believe `netstat -rn` can set a route because it displays routing information.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
netstat shows the routing table, it does not add a gateway.
Detailed technical explanation
The default gateway is a special route with destination 0.0.0.0/0 (IPv4) that directs packets to a router when no more specific route matches. The `ip route` command uses the `via` keyword to specify the next-hop IP, while the legacy `route` command uses `gw`. Both commands add the route to the kernel's FIB (Forwarding Information Base), but `ip route` is part of the iproute2 suite and supports additional features like nexthop objects and multipath routing.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the XK0-005 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Scripting, Containers and Automation — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Scripting, Containers and Automation — This question tests Scripting, Containers and Automation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Both A and B — Option D is correct because both `route add default gw 192.168.1.1` (option B) and `ip route add default via 192.168.1.1` (option C) can set a default gateway on Linux. The `route` command is legacy but still functional, while `ip route` is the modern net-tools replacement. Option A (`netstat -rn`) only displays the routing table and does not add a gateway, so it alone cannot accomplish the task.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
This XK0-005 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the XK0-005 exam.
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