CCNA Static Routing: Floating Static Route as Backup Path

Bundle lab

Deploy primary static routes between two branch LANs via a hub router and add a higher-AD floating static for a direct inter-branch backup. Verify end-to-end reachability, simulate a hub outage to trigger automatic failover, then restore the primary path. Includes realistic addressing, unique /30 transits, and host-based verification.

Learning objectives

• Build a small multi-path topology with unique /30 transit links and routed LANs.
• Configure primary static routes and a higher-AD floating static as an automatic backup.
• Verify routing behavior from end hosts before and after a controlled failure.
• Troubleshoot static-route failover issues: return routes, next-hop correctness, masks, and interface status.

Troubleshooting focus

• Return routes must exist: Hub needs specific routes back to each branch LAN.
• Floating static AD must be higher than the primary static AD (default 1).
• Next-hop must be the neighbor’s IP on the far end of the link, never a local interface.
• All inter-router links must be /30, unique, and masks must match exactly on both ends.
• Interfaces must be up/up; the configured interface must match the actual cabled port.