What is a floating static route?

A floating static route serves as a backup route that is activated only when the primary route becomes unavailable. This type of route is configured with a higher administrative distance than the primary route, which means it will not be used for routing traffic unless the primary route fails. The concept behind floating static routes is to provide redundancy in network routing, ensuring that there is an alternative path for data packets in case the main route is compromised.

In contrast, a static route that is always active does not fit the definition of a floating static route, as that would imply it operates under normal circumstances without needing a primary route to fail. Similarly, the idea of a dynamic route that changes based on traffic does not apply here, since floating static routes are static by nature and do not adapt to changing traffic conditions. Finally, while performance in high traffic is certainly important, floating static routes are not specifically designed for performance improvement; rather, they function as a contingency measure to maintain connectivity in the event of a route failure.