CCNA Exam Preparation / Routing decisions
CCNA technique 117: Floating static routes — explain the decision
Explain floating static routes clearly, test your assumptions, and build a reusable CCNA recall routine.
Environment and inputs: CCNA 200-301 v1.1 study; isolated Cisco IOS / IOS XE lab or paper exercise where applicable.
Understand the distinction
A backup static route uses a less-preferred distance than the primary route source for the same prefix.
Retrieve before reading
Close your notes and explain floating static routes in your own words. Draw the packet path, decision steps or study workflow. State when the explanation applies; a command or definition alone is not enough.
Apply it to a fresh example
Use a static distance above OSPF's default distance and verify the backup appears when the primary route is withdrawn.
Check your reasoning
Check your answer against the Cisco reference and lab evidence. Record the first incorrect assumption. Change one input, predict the new result and check it. Repeat later from blank notes.
Exam scope
Independent CCNA 200-301 v1.1 exercise, checked against Cisco resources on 2 November 2026. It is not a recalled exam question. The collection’s 200 techniques do not represent exam question counts or weights. Check Cisco’s current exam rules and your simulator’s supported syntax.