What does a host without a dynamic routing protocol do when the only default gateway it has configured is unreachable?
- It performs ARP to determine the next gateway to use.
- It forwards packets to the backup router.
- It uses Cisco Discovery Protocol to determine the next available router.
- It is unable to send packets off the local network segment.
Explanation: Most end devices, such as workstations, servers, and printers, are configured with a single static default gateway IP address and do not typically run dynamic routing protocols to learn about network changes. Because these hosts lack the ability to dynamically update their routing information, they rely entirely on that specific gateway to reach any destination outside their local subnet. If that primary gateway becomes unreachable or fails, the host has no mechanism to automatically discover a backup router or an alternative path. As a result, even if redundant routers are physically present on the same segment, the host remains isolated from the rest of the network and is unable to send packets off the local network segment.
Related exam: Modules 1 – 7: Checkpoint Exam: Network Switching Answers (CCNP ENCOR v9)
