Static Route Tables

A router uses the system routing table to make forwarding decisions. In the static route table, you can change static routes directly. Although the two tables are separate, the static route table manager entries are automatically reflected in the system routing table if the next-hop address in the static route is reachable, and if the static route is enabled.

The system routing table displays only active static routes with a best preference. A static route is active only if the route is enabled and the next-hop address is reachable (for example, if a valid ARP entry exists for the next hop).

You can enter multiple routes (for example, multiple default routes) that have different costs, and the routing table uses the lowest cost route that is available. However, if you enter multiple next hops for the same route with the same cost, the software does not replace the existing route. If you enter the same route with the same cost and a different next-hop, the first route is used. If the first route becomes unreachable, the second route (with a different next-hop) is activated with no connectivity loss.