Quick Answer
The answer is the AS-path length, with the shorter path being preferred. When the local preference is equal between two BGP routes, the BGP best path selection algorithm moves to the next tiebreaker, which is the AS-path length attribute. This metric counts the number of autonomous systems listed in the AS_PATH attribute, and a shorter path is considered more optimal because it implies fewer hops through different administrative domains, reducing the potential for latency or policy conflicts. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this concept tests your understanding of the BGP path selection sequence, often appearing in scenario-based questions where two routes have identical weight and local preference. A common trap is forgetting that weight is checked first, so if weight differs, AS-path length never comes into play. For a quick memory tip, remember the order as "W, L, A" — Weight, Local preference, then AS-path length — and that "shorter is better" for the path.
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of enterprise network design. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Which BGP attribute is preferred when the local preference is equal?
AS-path length (shorter is better)
After local preference, BGP compares AS-path length; shorter paths are preferred.
MED (lower is better)
Why wrong: MED is compared later, after AS-path length and origin.
Origin code (IGP is preferred over EGP)
Why wrong: Origin is compared after AS-path length.
Next-hop IP address (lowest is preferred)
Why wrong: Next-hop is not a tie-breaking attribute in BGP path selection.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
AS-path length (shorter is better)
When the local preference is equal, BGP selects the path with the shortest AS-path length. This is because AS-path length is the second tiebreaker in the BGP best path selection algorithm (after highest weight, then highest local preference). A shorter AS-path implies fewer autonomous system hops, which is generally preferred for routing efficiency.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
AS-path length (shorter is better)
Why this is correct
After local preference, BGP compares AS-path length; shorter paths are preferred.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
MED (lower is better)
Why it's wrong here
MED is compared later, after AS-path length and origin.
Origin code (IGP is preferred over EGP)
Why it's wrong here
Origin is compared after AS-path length.
Next-hop IP address (lowest is preferred)
Why it's wrong here
Next-hop is not a tie-breaking attribute in BGP path selection.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the order of BGP path selection tiebreakers, and the trap here is that candidates mistakenly think MED is compared before AS-path length, or that next-hop IP address is a valid tiebreaker.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, the BGP best path selection algorithm is a sequential process defined in RFC 4271. After comparing weight (Cisco-specific) and local preference, the router examines the AS-path length by counting the number of AS_SEQUENCE segments in the AS_PATH attribute. In real-world scenarios, AS-path prepending is often used to influence inbound traffic by artificially lengthening the AS-path, making a path less preferred. Note that AS_SET and AS_CONFED_SEQUENCE are handled differently — AS_SET counts as 1 regardless of the number of ASes inside.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
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FAQ
Enterprise Network Design — This question tests Enterprise Network Design — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: AS-path length (shorter is better) — When the local preference is equal, BGP selects the path with the shortest AS-path length. This is because AS-path length is the second tiebreaker in the BGP best path selection algorithm (after highest weight, then highest local preference). A shorter AS-path implies fewer autonomous system hops, which is generally preferred for routing efficiency.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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