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Quick Answer
The correct answer is that VRF-Lite does not require MP-BGP for route exchange, while MPLS VPN relies on it. This distinction stems from the core technical difference: VRF-Lite operates purely within a single router using local VRF tables and standard routing protocols like OSPF or EIGRP, whereas MPLS VPN uses MPLS labels for end-to-end isolation and requires MP-BGP to exchange VPNv4 routes across the provider core. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this concept often appears as a drag-and-drop comparison, testing your ability to separate the simpler, router-local nature of VRF-Lite from the scalable, label-switching architecture of MPLS VPN. A common trap is assuming VRF-Lite can scale across multiple routers without MPLS—it cannot, as it lacks label distribution. For a quick memory tip, think “VRF-Lite is local, no labels, no MP-BGP; MPLS VPN is global, uses labels, needs MP-BGP.”
CCNP VRF and Path Isolation Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of vrf and path isolation. 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.
Drag and drop each VRF-Lite vs MPLS VPN characteristic on the left to its matching description on the right.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
VRF-Lite: Uses only VRFs without MPLS labels for path isolation
VRF-Lite uses only VRFs without MPLS labels; MPLS VPN uses labels for isolation; VRF-Lite is limited to a single router; MPLS VPN scales across the core; VRF-Lite does not require MP-BGP; MPLS VPN uses MP-BGP for VPNv4 route exchange.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
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
How to think about this question
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.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
- Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
- NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
- Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
- Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
- Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
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
How this comes up in practice
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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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VRF and Path Isolation — study guide chapter
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VRF and Path Isolation practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-401 question test?
VRF and Path Isolation — This question tests VRF and Path Isolation — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: VRF-Lite: Uses only VRFs without MPLS labels for path isolation — VRF-Lite uses only VRFs without MPLS labels; MPLS VPN uses labels for isolation; VRF-Lite is limited to a single router; MPLS VPN scales across the core; VRF-Lite does not require MP-BGP; MPLS VPN uses MP-BGP for VPNv4 route exchange.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
1 more ways this is tested on 350-401
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Drag and drop each VRF-Lite or MPLS VPN characteristic on the left to its matching description on the right.
hard- ✓ P1.VRF-Lite: Uses trunk ports and subinterfaces to separate traffic without MPLS
- ✓ P2.MPLS VPN: Employs MPLS labels and MP-BGP to isolate paths across multiple routers
- ✓ P3.VRF-Lite: Typically limited to a single device or directly connected switches
- ✓ P4.MPLS VPN: Allows overlapping customer IP addresses across different sites
- ✓ P5.VRF-Lite: Does not require an IGP or LDP in the core
Why P1: VRF-Lite uses only local VRFs without MPLS or MP-BGP, requiring trunk links; MPLS VPN uses MPLS labels and MP-BGP for scalable path isolation; VRF-Lite is simpler but limited to a single router or switch; MPLS VPN scales across an entire provider network; VRF-Lite does not support overlapping address spaces between sites without NAT.
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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