Introduction
Cisco's Packet Tracer is an essential tool for network engineers preparing for certifications like CCNA, CCDA, CCENT, CCNA Security, and CCNA Wireless. One of the critical topics in the CCNA 200-301 exam is configuring IPv4 and IPv6 static and default routes. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of 15.6.1 Packet Tracer – Configure IPv4 and IPv6 Static and Default Routes, ensuring you understand the concepts and can apply them in real-world scenarios.
For additional study materials, practice exams, and expert guidance, check out Study4Pass, a trusted resource for Cisco certification preparation.
Understanding Static and Default Routes
What Are Static Routes?
Static routes are manually configured routes that define a specific path for network traffic. Unlike dynamic routing protocols (e.g., OSPF, EIGRP), static routes do not adapt to network changes automatically.
Advantages of Static Routes:
-
Low CPU & Bandwidth Usage (No routing protocol overhead)
-
Predictable Traffic Paths (Useful for security policies)
-
Simple Configuration (Ideal for small networks)
Disadvantages of Static Routes:
-
Manual Updates Required (Not scalable for large networks)
-
No Fault Tolerance (If a link fails, traffic won’t reroute automatically)
What Are Default Routes?
A default route (0.0.0.0/0 for IPv4 or ::/0 for IPv6) acts as a "catch-all" path for traffic with no specific route in the routing table. It is commonly used in:
-
Stub networks (where only one exit path exists)
-
Edge routers connecting to the internet
IPv4 Static Route Configuration
Lab Objective
In Packet Tracer 15.6.1, you will configure IPv4 static routes to ensure connectivity between different subnets.
Step-by-Step Configuration
Topology Setup
-
Router0 (R1) – Connected to LAN (192.168.1.0/24) and another router (10.0.0.2/30)
-
Router1 (R2) – Connected to LAN (192.168.2.0/24) and R1 (10.0.0.1/30)
Commands for IPv4 Static Route
-
On R1:
enable configure terminal ip route 192.168.2.0 255.255.255.0 10.0.0.2
(This command tells R1 to send traffic for 192.168.2.0/24 via R2 at 10.0.0.2.)
-
On R2:
enable configure terminal ip route 192.168.1.0 255.255.255.0 10.0.0.1
(This command tells R2 to send traffic for 192.168.1.0/24 via R1 at 10.0.0.1.)
Verification
-
Use
show ip route
to confirm the static routes are in the routing table. -
Ping from a PC in 192.168.1.0 to a PC in 192.168.2.0 to test connectivity.
IPv6 Static Route Configuration
Lab Objective
Configure IPv6 static routes to allow communication between IPv6-enabled networks.
Step-by-Step Configuration
Topology Setup
-
Router0 (R1) – Connected to LAN (2001:DB8:1::/64) and another router (2001:DB8:A::2/64)
-
Router1 (R2) – Connected to LAN (2001:DB8:2::/64) and R1 (2001:DB8:A::1/64)
Commands for IPv6 Static Route
-
On R1:
enable configure terminal ipv6 route 2001:DB8:2::/64 2001:DB8:A::2
(This command tells R1 to forward IPv6 traffic for 2001:DB8:2::/64 via R2 at 2001:DB8:A::2.)
-
On R2:
enable configure terminal ipv6 route 2001:DB8:1::/64 2001:DB8:A::1
(This command tells R2 to forward IPv6 traffic for 2001:DB8:1::/64 via R1 at 2001:DB8:A::1.)
Verification
-
Use
show ipv6 route
to confirm the routes. -
Test connectivity using
ping
between IPv6 hosts.
Default Route Configuration (IPv4 & IPv6)
IPv4 Default Route
A default route sends all non-specified traffic to a next-hop router (e.g., an ISP gateway).
Command:
ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 [next-hop-IP | exit-interface]
Example:
ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 203.0.113.1
IPv6 Default Route
Similar to IPv4, but uses ::/0
.
Command:
ipv6 route ::/0 [next-hop-IPv6 | exit-interface]
Example:
ipv6 route ::/0 2001:DB8:A::1
Verification and Troubleshooting
Key Verification Commands
Command | Purpose |
---|---|
show ip route |
Displays IPv4 routing table |
show ipv6 route |
Displays IPv6 routing table |
ping |
Tests connectivity |
traceroute |
Checks the path taken by packets |
Common Issues & Fixes
-
Route Not in Table? → Check syntax and next-hop reachability.
-
Ping Fails? → Verify interface status (
show ip interface brief
). -
IPv6 Not Working? → Ensure IPv6 is enabled (
ipv6 unicast-routing
).
Why This Lab Matters for CCNA 200-301?
-
Exam Topic Coverage:
-
1.4 Configure and verify IPv4 & IPv6 static routing
-
1.5 Configure and verify default routes
-
-
Real-World Applications:
-
Used in small offices, branch networks, and ISP edge routers.
-
-
Hands-On Practice:
-
Reinforces CLI skills essential for Cisco certifications.
-
For more CCNA labs and study guides, visit Study4Pass.
Additional Study Resources from Study4Pass
Preparing for CCNA, CCDA, CCENT, CCNA Security, or CCNA Wireless? Study4Pass offers:
- Detailed Video Tutorials
- Practice Exams with Explanations
- Hands-On Lab Simulations
- Expert Support & Study Plans
Enhance your networking skills and pass your Cisco Exams with confidence!
Conclusion
Mastering static and default routes is crucial for the CCNA 200-301 exam and real-world networking. This lab (15.6.1 Packet Tracer) provides hands-on experience in configuring IPv4 and IPv6 routes, ensuring you’re well-prepared for certification and career success.
For more in-depth training, visit Study4Pass today!
Special Discount: Offer Valid For Limited Time “200-301 Study Material”
Actual Exam Questions For Cisco's 200-301 Study Guide
Sample Questions For Cisco 200-301 Practice Test
1. What is the primary purpose of a static route in networking?
a) To dynamically adjust routes based on network traffic
b) To manually define a path for traffic to reach a specific network
c) To automatically discover neighboring routers
d) To encrypt data packets for secure transmission
2. Which command is used to configure an IPv4 static route on a Cisco router?
a) ip route-static
b) ip route
c) route ipv4
d) static-route ipv4
3. What is the correct syntax for an IPv6 static route configuration?
a) ipv6 route [destination-network] [subnet-mask] [next-hop]
b) ipv6 static-route [network] [exit-interface]
c) ipv6 route [destination-network/prefix] [next-hop-address]
d) route ipv6 [network] [gateway]
4. When configuring a default route, what is the IPv4 destination network and mask?
a) 192.168.1.0 255.255.255.0
b) 0.0.0.0 255.255.255.255
c) 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0
d) 10.0.0.0 255.0.0.0
5. Why would a network administrator prefer static routes over dynamic routing protocols?
a) Static routes automatically adapt to topology changes
b) Static routes reduce CPU and bandwidth usage
c) Static routes are easier to configure in large networks
d) Static routes support unlimited hop counts