A floating static route is a configured backup that is less preferred than another available route to the same prefix. In a basic Cisco routing exercise, that usually means setting its administrative distance higher than the route it should back up.
Choose the distance
Consider an original question. A router learns 10.20.0.0/16 through OSPF using the default administrative distance of 110. A second, reachable next hop should provide a static backup to that same /16.
Which administrative distance fits the backup: 1, 90, or 200?
200 makes the static route less preferred than OSPF. A default static distance of 1 would instead favor the static route when both candidates are otherwise eligible. A distance of 90 would also be lower than 110 and would not meet the intended preference.
In a simple lab, the conceptual configuration is a static route for 10.20.0.0 with mask 255.255.0.0, the backup next-hop address, and distance 200. Choose an actually reachable lab next hop rather than copying a placeholder address into a live device.
Compare the same destination prefix
Administrative distance compares route sources for the same prefix. Do not use this exercise to claim that a /16 always wins over a /24 because its distance is lower. Forwarding to a particular destination uses longest-prefix matching among installed routes.
Write the prefix beside every distance before comparing options. The CCNA routing practice questions can help you alternate route-installation questions with forwarding questions so you learn which decision the prompt is asking about.
A backup route is not automatic failure detection
Suppose the primary route remains installed even though a service beyond the next hop has failed. A basic floating static route does not, by itself, discover every end-to-end failure. Depending on the design, tracking or another detection mechanism may be needed to withdraw the primary route.
Cisco's administrative distance guide explains route-source preference and floating static routes. In an exam problem, note whether the primary route is explicitly withdrawn and whether the backup's next hop is usable.
Verify both normal and failure states
In a controlled lab, first confirm that OSPF supplies the active /16 while the static backup is configured. Then create the intended failure and check whether the expected backup becomes active. Restore the primary path and check the route table again.
Use the CCNA routing study guide for the surrounding routing concepts. A complete answer should identify the preferred route, explain the distance comparison, and state what must change before the backup can be used.