How to Configure a Backup Route Without a Dynamic Routing Protocol?

N10-009 By islever Editorial Last updated Sep 1, 2026

Short answer

C Administrative distance

Question

A network administrator wants to configure a backup route in case the primary route fails. A dynamic routing protocol is not installed on the router. Which of the following routing features should the administrator choose to accomplish this task?

Neighbor adjacency
Link state flooding
Administrative distance Correct Answer
Hop count

Key Takeaways

This question tests the concept of floating static routes, where administrative distance is used to designate a backup route, and the common trap is confusing hop count (a metric) with administrative distance (a route selection mechanism).

To create a backup route when no dynamic routing protocol is installed, use administrative distance to prioritize static routes. The community consensus is clear: Administrative Distance (C) is the correct answer, with hop count being a metric rather than a routing feature for this purpose.

Common mistake: Choosing D (Hop count) is common because hop count is a well-known routing metric, but it is only used by dynamic protocols like RIP and cannot configure a backup route without a dynamic routing protocol. Administrative distance is the correct feature for setting route priority in static routing.

Expert Analysis

Why the Answer Is Correct

Administrative distance (AD) is a value routers use to select the best path when multiple routes to the same destination exist from different routing sources. By configuring two static routes to the same destination with different AD values, the lower AD becomes the primary route and the higher AD serves as a backup. If the primary route fails, the backup route is automatically used. This works perfectly without any dynamic routing protocol, making C the correct answer.

The question specifically mentions 'a dynamic routing protocol is not installed', which rules out any features dependent on dynamic protocols. Hop count (D) is a metric used by dynamic protocols like RIP, not a configuration feature for static backup routes. Administrative distance is the only option that directly enables you to configure a backup route via static route prioritization.

Community comments, such as comment [5] and [4], correctly explain that AD allows setting a backup static route when the primary fails. Even comment [1] arguing for D mistakenly treats 'feature' as a narrow term, but the exam context confirms AD is the routing feature being tested.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

A. Neighbor adjacency: This is a concept used by dynamic routing protocols (like OSPF or EIGRP) to establish relationships with neighboring routers. Since no dynamic protocol is installed, neighbor adjacency is irrelevant.
B. Link state flooding: This is a mechanism used by link-state routing protocols (e.g., OSPF) to propagate routing information. Again, it requires a dynamic routing protocol and cannot be used for static backup routes.
D. Hop count: Hop count is a metric employed by distance-vector protocols like RIP. It measures the number of routers between source and destination. Without a dynamic protocol, hop count cannot be configured or used to create a backup route.

These options all belong to the dynamic routing realm, while administrative distance is a universal routing principle that applies to static routes as well.

Community Comment Notes

Several comments correctly identify C: comment [2] notes that hop count cannot manage backup routes without a dynamic protocol, and comment [5] provides a clear explanation of administrative distance. Comment [1] is the outlier, choosing D based on a semantic distinction between 'feature' and 'configuration', but this is not supported by the exam objectives. The majority vote (69% for C) aligns with the correct networking principle.

Comment [3] expresses initial confusion but ultimately recognizes that administrative distance is the appropriate context. The key is to focus on the functional requirement — configuring a backup route — rather than whether the term 'feature' is perfect. In networking, administrative distance is indeed a feature that enables route prioritization and failover.

Official Reference

These links open the official vendor documentation in a new tab.

Exam Strategy

When a question asks about backup routes without a dynamic protocol, immediately think of floating static routes implemented with administrative distance. Remember that metrics like hop count are protocol-specific, while AD is a universal routing feature used for route selection and can be manually set on static routes.

Community Votes

69%

31%

69% of anonymous learners picked answer C. Votes are pick records left by other test-takers — they are not the verified answer.

Discussion 6 contributions

Compiled from public community threads and reader submissions, lightly edited for clarity. Handles and vote tallies are shown as recorded, and comments reflect the views of individual contributors.

From public community threads 6

Chris_128 👍 4 Answered D

D. Hop count Hop count is a routing feature. Administrative distance is a configuration not a feature.
93831b0 👍 2 Answered C

I'm a bit torn here. Both Hop Count and Administrative Distance seem relevant, but I need to think about the context. Since the routing protocol isn't dynamic, they might be using static routing or have administrative nodes set up certain rules based on hop counts. Therefore, choosing Administrative Distance could make sense as a way to configure backup routes by applying administrative criteria that include hop counts. But then again, hop count is more of a metric used during route discovery and management rather than an administrative setting for backup routing. So, perhaps the correct answer is D. Hop Count if they're using static routing based on known network segments, or C. Administrative distance as an administrative rule that includes hop counts. I'm still leaning towards C. Administrative distance because it allows applying administrative criteria like considering hop count when setting up backup routes.
HeatSquad77 👍 2 Answered C

C. Administrative distance Explanation: Administrative distance (AD) is a value used by routers to prioritize routes when multiple routes to the same destination are available. By configuring static routes with different administrative distances, the network administrator can set one route as the primary (lower AD) and another as the backup (higher AD). If the primary route fails, the router will automatically switch to the backup route with the higher AD.
Big_Wes 👍 2 Answered C

it states "A dynamic protocol is not installed on the router", Hop count cannot manage backup routes without this. C. Administrative Distance
b359e92 👍 2 Answered C

GPT C. Administrative distance Administrative Distance – It allows the router to prioritize a backup static route if the primary route fails.

Show 1 more comment

OldManJim 👍 1 Answered C

Administrator wants to CONFIGURE a route....

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