- A
install
Why wrong: Install is not a static route option; it is used in other contexts.
- B
reject
Reject drops traffic and sends ICMP unreachable.
- C
next-table
Why wrong: Next-table forwards traffic to another routing table, not drop.
- D
discard
Discard drops traffic silently without ICMP.
- E
resolve
Why wrong: Resolve is used for indirectly connected next-hops.
Question 198 of 514
Static Route: Reject vs Discard — What's the Difference? | JNCIA-Junos
This JNCIA-JUNOS practice question tests your understanding of routing fundamentals. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Which two static route options result in traffic being dropped at the router? (Choose two.)
Quick Answer
The correct answers are reject and discard, as both static route options result in traffic being dropped at the router. The reject option drops packets and sends an ICMP unreachable message back to the source, while the discard option drops traffic silently without any notification. On the JNCIA-Junos exam, this concept tests your understanding of how Junos handles unreachable destinations in the routing table, often appearing as a multiple-choice question where you must distinguish between these two drop behaviors and other options like next-table or resolve. A common trap is confusing reject with discard because both drop traffic, but the key difference is the ICMP response. Remember the mnemonic: “Reject replies, Discard is dead silent.”
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
✓
reject
Option B (reject) is correct because a static route with the 'reject' attribute causes the router to drop packets destined for that prefix and send an ICMP unreachable message back to the source. Option D (discard) is correct because it silently drops packets without sending any ICMP notification. Both effectively result in traffic being dropped at the router.
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.
- ✗
install
Why it's wrong here
Install is not a static route option; it is used in other contexts.
- ✓
reject
Why this is correct
Reject drops traffic and sends ICMP unreachable.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
next-table
Why it's wrong here
Next-table forwards traffic to another routing table, not drop.
- ✓
discard
Why this is correct
Discard drops traffic silently without ICMP.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
resolve
Why it's wrong here
Resolve is used for indirectly connected next-hops.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse 'reject' and 'discard' with 'install' or 'resolve', mistakenly thinking those options also drop traffic, when in fact 'install' is not a real option and 'resolve' enables recursive lookup, not dropping.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In Junos, the 'reject' route option generates an ICMP destination unreachable (type 3, code 0 or 1) to the source, useful for blackholing traffic with feedback. The 'discard' option silently drops packets, often used for null routing without consuming CPU for ICMP generation. Both are configured under 'set routing-options static route <prefix> reject/discard' and are commonly used in security or traffic engineering scenarios to prevent forwarding.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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 exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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Routing Fundamentals — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this JNCIA-JUNOS question test?
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: reject — Option B (reject) is correct because a static route with the 'reject' attribute causes the router to drop packets destined for that prefix and send an ICMP unreachable message back to the source. Option D (discard) is correct because it silently drops packets without sending any ICMP notification. Both effectively result in traffic being dropped at the router.
What should I do if I get this JNCIA-JUNOS question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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