The correct answer is that the VRF exports routes tagged with RT 1:1 and imports routes tagged with RT 2:2, enabling selective route exchange. This configuration creates asymmetric route targets, meaning the export and import values differ intentionally. In MPLS Layer 3 VPNs, the route-target export tag is applied to routes being advertised out of the VRF, while the route-target import tag filters which incoming routes are accepted into the VRF. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how VRFs control route distribution in hub-and-spoke or inter-VRF leaking designs. A common trap is assuming export and import RTs must always match; in reality, asymmetry is a deliberate design choice for traffic engineering. Remember the memory tip: “Export stamps, Import filters”—the export RT marks your routes for others, while the import RT decides what you accept.
CCNP VRF and Path Isolation Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of vrf and path isolation. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The VRF exports routes tagged with RT 1:1 and imports routes tagged with RT 2:2, enabling selective route exchange.
Option A is correct because the VRF BLUE configuration uses different route targets for export (1:1) and import (2:2). This enables selective route exchange: routes learned in VRF BLUE are exported with RT 1:1, and only routes tagged with RT 2:2 are imported into VRF BLUE. This is a common design for hub-and-spoke or inter-VRF route leaking scenarios where import and export RTs are intentionally asymmetric.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
The VRF exports routes tagged with RT 1:1 and imports routes tagged with RT 2:2, enabling selective route exchange.
Why this is correct
Correct. This is a common design for hub-and-spoke or inter-VRF routing.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The configuration is invalid because export and import RTs must be identical.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. They can differ for advanced topologies.
✗
The VRF will only import routes from other VRFs that also have RT 1:1.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Import RT is 2:2, so it imports routes with that RT.
✗
This configuration disables route advertisement for VRF BLUE.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Routes are still exported with RT 1:1.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that export and import route targets must match, but in reality they can differ to control route propagation in complex MPLS VPN designs.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Route targets (RTs) are BGP extended communities used in MPLS L3VPN to control route distribution between VRFs. The export RT is attached to routes when they are advertised into the VPNv4 address family, while the import RT determines which VPNv4 routes are installed into the VRF. Asymmetric RTs are often used in hub-and-spoke topologies to prevent direct spoke-to-spoke communication while allowing spoke-to-hub and hub-to-spoke traffic.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 350-401 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
VRF and Path Isolation — This question tests VRF and Path Isolation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The VRF exports routes tagged with RT 1:1 and imports routes tagged with RT 2:2, enabling selective route exchange. — Option A is correct because the VRF BLUE configuration uses different route targets for export (1:1) and import (2:2). This enables selective route exchange: routes learned in VRF BLUE are exported with RT 1:1, and only routes tagged with RT 2:2 are imported into VRF BLUE. This is a common design for hub-and-spoke or inter-VRF route leaking scenarios where import and export RTs are intentionally asymmetric.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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