The answer is that the secondary next-hop (192.168.2.1) will be used as the active route. This happens because the qualified-next-hop configuration assigns different preference values to each next-hop, with the lower preference (10) designating the primary path and the higher preference (20) serving as the failover. When the primary next-hop becomes unreachable, Junos automatically removes it from the routing table, and the route then selects the next-best qualified next-hop based on its preference value, making 192.168.2.1 the active next-hop. On the JNCIA-Junos exam, this concept tests your understanding of static route failover mechanics and how preference values control path selection without relying on dynamic protocols. A common trap is assuming the route will simply be removed or that both next-hops must fail; instead, Junos maintains route continuity by promoting the backup. Remember the memory tip: "Low preference wins, high preference waits" — the lowest preference is always the primary, and higher preferences are standby until the primary drops.
JNCIA-JUNOS Routing Fundamentals Practice Question
This JNCIA-JUNOS practice question tests your understanding of routing fundamentals. 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.
Exhibit
user@router> show configuration routing-options static | display set
set routing-options static route 10.1.1.0/24 qualified-next-hop 192.168.1.1 preference 10
set routing-options static route 10.1.1.0/24 qualified-next-hop 192.168.2.1 preference 20
Refer to the exhibit. If the primary next-hop (192.168.1.1) becomes unreachable, what will happen to the route?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "primary"
Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The secondary next-hop (192.168.2.1) will be used.
With qualified-next-hop configured with different preferences, the route uses the next-hop with the lowest preference (10) as primary. When that next-hop is unreachable, the route will use the next-hop with preference 20 as the active next-hop.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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 route is removed from the routing table.
Why it's wrong here
The route is not removed; the secondary next-hop becomes active.
✗
The route remains but with the primary next-hop marked as unreachable.
Why it's wrong here
Junos removes the unreachable next-hop and uses the secondary.
✓
The secondary next-hop (192.168.2.1) will be used.
Why this is correct
When the primary is unreachable, the secondary next-hop with higher preference becomes active.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The route becomes hidden.
Why it's wrong here
The route remains active with the secondary next-hop.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the JNCIA-JUNOS 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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which JNCIA-JUNOS exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Routing Fundamentals — This question tests Routing Fundamentals — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The secondary next-hop (192.168.2.1) will be used. — With qualified-next-hop configured with different preferences, the route uses the next-hop with the lowest preference (10) as primary. When that next-hop is unreachable, the route will use the next-hop with preference 20 as the active next-hop.
What should I do if I get this JNCIA-JUNOS question wrong?
Identify which JNCIA-JUNOS exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "primary". Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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