Which command would you use to manually configure static routes on a Cisco router?

The command used to manually configure static routes on a Cisco router is "ip route." This command allows network administrators to define specific routes that packets should take to reach a destination network. By providing the destination network, the subnet mask, and the next-hop address or exit interface, the administrator can instruct the router on how to forward traffic rather than relying solely on dynamic routing protocols.

Using "ip route," for example, enables the creation of a route that directs the router to send packets for a certain network through a specific gateway, optimizing traffic flow and providing control over the routing process. This is particularly useful in scenarios where specific routing paths are preferred due to performance, security, or organizational requirements.

The other options do not serve the purpose of configuring static routes directly. "Show ip route" is a diagnostic command that displays the current routing table, "configure terminal" is used to access the global configuration mode but does not configure routes by itself, and "set static route" is not a valid command in Cisco IOS environments. Thus, "ip route" is the correct command for establishing static routes on a Cisco router.