Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) NetworkingIP ConnectivityMedium
A network administrator is reviewing the routing table of a Cisco router. They observe the following entry: S* 0.0.0.0/0 [1/0] via 192.168.1.1 What does the 'S*' indicate about this route?
- AIt is a statically configured route that was dynamically learned.
- BIt is a static route that has been redistributed into another protocol.
- CIt is a summary route that is also a floating static route.
- DIt is a static route that is also the designated default route.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. It is a static route that is also the designated default route.
In Cisco IOS routing tables, 'S' denotes a static route, and the asterisk '*' indicates that this route is a candidate for the default route. Combined, 'S*' means it's a static route designated as the default route.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Static routes are manually configured, not dynamically learned, and 'S*' specifically marks it as a default candidate.
- B. The 'S*' indicator itself doesn't directly imply redistribution; it refers to its role as the default route.
- C. While 0.0.0.0/0 is a default route, 'S*' does not imply a summary route or a floating static route (which would have a higher AD).
Cisco IOS Default Static Route
A Cisco IOS default static route (0.0.0.0/0) is denoted by 'S*' in the routing table, indicating it's a manually configured route that serves as the gateway of last resort.
- S = Static route.
- * = Candidate default route.
- Used when no more specific route exists.
- Traffic is forwarded to the specified next-hop IP or exit interface.
Memory trick: Stars Signal Static Start for Sending.