JN0-106 Networking Fundamentals Practice Question
A network administrator is configuring a new subnet for servers that must not communicate with each other directly but must be able to reach a default gateway. Which type of route should be configured on the servers?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers confuse a default route with a host route, thinking a specific route to the gateway is sufficient, but a default route is required to reach all external destinations beyond the local subnet.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Default route pointing to the gateway
A default route (0.0.0.0/0) pointing to the gateway is correct because it allows servers to reach any external destination (including the gateway) without requiring explicit routes to each other. Since the servers must not communicate directly, they should not have routes to each other's subnets; the default route ensures all non-local traffic is forwarded to the gateway, which can then enforce isolation policies.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Host route for the gateway
Why it's wrong here
A host route for the gateway is a /32 entry that applies only to that single IP address. Because the server already has a connected route for its local subnet, the gateway is already reachable; this host route adds nothing for off-subnet traffic. Every other destination would still have no route, so the server cannot reach anything beyond its local network.
- ✓
Default route pointing to the gateway
Why this is correct
A default route (0.0.0.0/0) is the least-specific route and matches all packets whose destination has no other matching entry in the routing table. In Junos, configuring a static default route with next-hop pointing to the gateway is the standard way to give a server off-subnet reachability. This is exactly what a default gateway does for a host.
- ✗
Dynamic route via OSPF
Why it's wrong here
Running OSPF on a server is almost never appropriate because OSPF is a dynamic routing protocol designed for routers managing multiple interfaces and complex topologies. A server would need to form adjacencies with neighboring routers, and if misconfigured it could advertise unintended routes or cause routing instability. Furthermore, the question's scenario of 'configuring a new subnet' for servers does not call for the overhead of a routing protocol; a simple default route is the correct, minimal solution.
- ✗
Static route to each other server
Why it's wrong here
Creating a static route for each other server on the network is unnecessary for two reasons: if the servers are on the same LAN, the connected interface route already provides reachability; if they are on different subnets, the default route through the gateway can deliver the packets. Manually enumerating every destination is not only redundant but also unscalable—any new server added would require another route. This approach also violates the principle of using the least specific route that works.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This JN0-106 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Juniper Networks 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 JN0-106 exam.