200-301 Question 294
Single answerA network engineer configures a router with multiple static routes and a default route. When the router receives a packet destined for an unknown network, how does the router make its forwarding decision by default?
- A
The router forwards the packet to the default route if it is configured and active.
- B
The router forwards the packet to the first static route it finds in the routing table.
- C
The router drops the packet immediately if the destination network is not in the routing table.
- D
The router forwards the packet to all connected interfaces to determine the correct path.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
By default, a router makes forwarding decisions based on the routing table. If a destination network does not have a specific match in the table, the router checks for a default route. If an active default route exists, the router forwards the packet through that route. If no default route is available, the router drops the packet.
- A. Correct.
Correct. If a default route is configured and active, the router will forward the packet to the default route when it cannot find a match in the routing table.
- B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. A router does not forward packets to the first static route it finds; it looks for the most specific match in the routing table or uses the default route if no matches exist.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. While a router may drop a packet if no match or default route exists, this is not the first action it takes when a default route is configured.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. A router does not forward packets to all connected interfaces; it selects a single best path based on the routing table and forwarding logic.