Quick Answer
The answer is the MED (Multi-Exit Discriminator) attribute, which is preferred when it has the lowest value. This is because the MED attribute is used to influence inbound traffic to an AS by suggesting to a neighboring AS which path to use; a lower MED value indicates a more preferred entry point, making it a metric for path selection between multiple exits from the same neighbor. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this concept tests your understanding of BGP path selection rules, specifically that MED is compared only when paths come from the same neighboring AS, and it is often confused with Local Preference—remember, Local Preference is for outbound traffic (higher is better), while MED is for inbound traffic (lower is better). A common trap is forgetting that MED is non-transitive and only passed to the immediate eBGP neighbor. To remember: “MED is the metric for entry, so lower is better to enter.”
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of python for network automation. 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?
Local Preference
Why wrong: Local Preference is preferred when it has the highest value, not lowest.
Weight
Why wrong: Weight is a Cisco proprietary attribute; higher weight is preferred.
MED (Multi-Exit Discriminator)
MED is used to influence inbound traffic; lower MED is preferred.
AS Path
Why wrong: AS Path is preferred when it is shorter (fewer AS numbers), not lower 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)
BGP uses the MED (Multi-Exit Discriminator) attribute to influence inbound traffic; lower MED is preferred.
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.
Local Preference
Why it's wrong here
Local Preference is preferred when it has the highest value, not lowest.
Weight
Why it's wrong here
Weight is a Cisco proprietary attribute; higher weight is preferred.
MED (Multi-Exit Discriminator)
Why this is correct
MED is used to influence inbound traffic; lower MED is preferred.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
AS Path
Why it's wrong here
AS Path is preferred when it is shorter (fewer AS numbers), not lower 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
Python for Network Automation — This question tests Python for Network Automation — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
The correct answer is: MED (Multi-Exit Discriminator) — BGP uses the MED (Multi-Exit Discriminator) attribute to influence inbound traffic; lower MED is preferred.
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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