HSRP Preempt: Reclaiming the Active Role

Bundle lab · $29.99

Intermediate CCNA lab focused on HSRP preempt behavior. Two routers share a virtual default gateway on a single user VLAN. The baseline already has HSRP group 1 with R1 at higher priority, but HSRP doesn't preempt by default — if R1 reboots, R2 stays active even after R1 returns. The learner enables preempt on R1 so it deterministically reclaims the active role whenever it's up, keeping the intended primary in control. Verification uses show standby on routers and basic host pings to the virtual gateway.

Learning objectives

• Explain why HSRP does not preempt by default and how that affects gateway control.
• Configure HSRP group 1 with a virtual IP shared by two routers on a single VLAN.
• Enable preempt on the higher-priority router so it deterministically reclaims the active role.
• Verify HSRP state and preemption status using show standby on IOS.
• Validate host reachability using the virtual default gateway.

Troubleshooting focus

• Group or virtual IP mismatch prevents HSRP pairing.
• Preempt configured on the wrong router or missing entirely means the wrong device remains active.
• Virtual IP accidentally set to a real interface IP (illegal) breaks the gateway.
• Host default gateway not pointing at the virtual IP leads to asymmetric or failed reachability.