Quick Answer
The answer is the Multi-Exit Discriminator (MED) attribute, which is preferred when it has the lowest value. In BGP path selection, the MED is a metric that tells external neighbors the preferred path into an autonomous system, with a lower value indicating a more desirable entry point. This attribute is exchanged between ASes and is only considered when comparing paths from the same neighboring AS, making it a tool for influencing inbound traffic without affecting outbound routing decisions. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, you will often see MED tested alongside other path attributes in the BGP best-path selection algorithm, and a common trap is confusing MED with Local Preference—remember that Local Preference is higher-is-better for outbound traffic, while MED is lower-is-better for inbound traffic. A helpful memory tip is to think "MED is low to go in the door," reinforcing that a lower MED value opens the preferred entry into the AS.
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of netflow and telemetry. 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 it has the lowest value?
MED (Multi-Exit Discriminator)
MED is a non-transitive attribute; lower values are preferred.
Local Preference
Why wrong: Local Preference is preferred when it is higher, not lower.
Weight
Why wrong: Weight is a Cisco proprietary attribute; higher values are preferred.
Origin
Why wrong: Origin type preference is IGP > EGP > incomplete; it is not based on a numeric value.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
MED (Multi-Exit Discriminator)
In BGP path selection, the MULTI_EXIT_DISC (MED) attribute is used to influence inbound traffic to an AS. A lower MED value is preferred over a higher one.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
MED (Multi-Exit Discriminator)
Why this is correct
MED is a non-transitive attribute; lower values are preferred.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
Local Preference
Why it's wrong here
Local Preference is preferred when it is higher, not lower.
Weight
Why it's wrong here
Weight is a Cisco proprietary attribute; higher values are preferred.
Origin
Why it's wrong here
Origin type preference is IGP > EGP > incomplete; it is not based on a numeric value.
Common exam traps
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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.
What to study next
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 350-401 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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FAQ
NetFlow and Telemetry — This question tests NetFlow and Telemetry — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
The correct answer is: MED (Multi-Exit Discriminator) — In BGP path selection, the MULTI_EXIT_DISC (MED) attribute is used to influence inbound traffic to an AS. A lower MED value is preferred over a higher one.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 350-401 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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