What distinguishes route maps from access lists?

The correct answer highlights a key feature of route maps that sets them apart from access lists. Route maps are designed to provide a flexible and powerful way to control how routing decisions are made. Unlike access lists, which primarily function to permit or deny traffic based on specific criteria, route maps can not only match routing criteria but also modify routes and packets.

Route maps allow for the implementation of more complex policies because they can match multiple conditions and, crucially, can change route attributes. For example, based on certain criteria, a route map can adjust metrics like administrative distance or bandwidth. This ability to perform modifications makes route maps particularly valuable in advanced routing scenarios and policy-based routing applications.

In contrast, access lists are generally static; they simply filter or control traffic but do not alter the packets or the routing decisions. Therefore, the ability to modify packets or routes is what clearly distinguishes route maps from access lists, making this option the accurate choice.