How to Configure a Static Route on a Cisco Router
To configure a static route: use ip route [destination] [mask] [next-hop] in global config. For a default route (everything unknown), use 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0. Here's the full process.
Static routes are manually configured paths — predictable and simple for small networks and default routes. See the static routing lab.
Step 1: Configure a route to a specific network
configure terminalip route 192.168.2.0 255.255.255.0 10.0.0.2 | "To reach 192.168.2.0/24, send to next-hop 10.0.0.2" |
Step 2: Configure a default route (optional)
ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 10.0.0.2 | Sends all unknown-destination traffic toward 10.0.0.2 (e.g. the internet) |
Step 3: Remember the return route
On the OTHER router:ip route 192.168.1.0 255.255.255.0 10.0.0.1 | Routing is per-direction — the far router needs a route back or replies fail |
Verification
show ip route shows static routes marked with S (S* for the default). Test with a ping across the networks — success requires routes in both directions, the most common beginner oversight.
Frequently asked questions
What is the command to add a static route?
ip route [destination-network] [subnet-mask] [next-hop-or-exit-interface] in global configuration mode.
How do I configure a default route?
ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 [next-hop] — this catch-all matches any destination not otherwise in the routing table.
Why does my ping fail even with a static route configured?
Routing is per-direction — the return router also needs a route back to the source, or reply packets can't find their way home.
Should I use a next-hop IP or exit interface in a static route?
Next-hop IP is most common and clearest; exit interface works on point-to-point links. Next-hop is generally recommended for reliability.
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