Quick Answer
The answer is the MP-BGP EVPN address family, which serves as the control plane for VXLAN EVPN fabrics by advertising MAC addresses and host routes across the network. This is correct because MP-BGP with AFI L2VPN and SAFI EVPN carries Type-2 routes that distribute MAC/IP address bindings, allowing each VTEP to build its forwarding table dynamically without relying on data-plane learning or flooding. On the Cisco DCCOR / CCNP Data Center Core 350-601 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how the EVPN control plane replaces traditional flooding-based learning in VXLAN overlays, often appearing in questions about route types or control-plane versus data-plane behavior. A common trap is confusing the data-plane VXLAN encapsulation with the control-plane MP-BGP EVPN—remember that VXLAN is the transport, but MP-BGP EVPN is the brain that tells VTEPs where to send traffic. Memory tip: think of MP-BGP EVPN as the “phone book” for MACs and IPs across the fabric.
This 350-601 practice question tests your understanding of network. 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.
A data center network uses VXLAN EVPN for network virtualization. Which component is responsible for advertising MAC addresses and host routes across the fabric?
Static routing.
Why wrong: Static routing is not used for MAC advertisement.
MP-BGP EVPN address family.
MP-BGP EVPN is the control plane for VXLAN EVPN.
OSPF.
Why wrong: OSPF is used for underlay routing, not overlay MAC advertisement.
VXLAN VTEP.
Why wrong: VTEP is the tunnel endpoint, not the protocol to advertise MACs.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
MP-BGP EVPN address family.
In a VXLAN EVPN fabric, the MP-BGP EVPN address family (AFI L2VPN / SAFI EVPN) is the control plane protocol that distributes MAC addresses, IP-to-MAC bindings, and host routes (Type-2 routes) across all VTEPs. This enables each VTEP to build its forwarding table dynamically without relying on data-plane learning or flooding, ensuring optimal east-west traffic forwarding.
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.
Static routing.
Why it's wrong here
Static routing is not used for MAC advertisement.
MP-BGP EVPN address family.
Why this is correct
MP-BGP EVPN is the control plane for VXLAN EVPN.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
OSPF.
Why it's wrong here
OSPF is used for underlay routing, not overlay MAC advertisement.
VXLAN VTEP.
Why it's wrong here
VTEP is the tunnel endpoint, not the protocol to advertise MACs.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between the data-plane function (VTEP encapsulation) and the control-plane function (MP-BGP EVPN), so the trap here is that candidates mistakenly think the VTEP itself advertises MAC addresses, when in fact it relies on MP-BGP EVPN for that role.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, MP-BGP EVPN uses BGP update messages carrying Network Layer Reachability Information (NLRI) with route types: Type-2 for MAC/IP advertisement, Type-3 for IMET (Inclusive Multicast Ethernet Tag), and Type-5 for IP prefixes. Each VTEP runs a BGP session (often via a route reflector) to exchange these routes, enabling a distributed anycast gateway and ARP suppression. In real-world deployments, this allows seamless VM mobility across racks without requiring VLAN stretching or STP.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A network engineer at a university connects two campus buildings via a fibre link. Both routers run OSPF, but no adjacency forms — even though both routers can ping each other. The engineer finds one router is in area 0 and the other in area 1. OSPF adjacency requires matching area numbers, hello/dead timers, and network type. IP reachability alone is not enough.
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FAQ
Network — This question tests Network — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: MP-BGP EVPN address family. — In a VXLAN EVPN fabric, the MP-BGP EVPN address family (AFI L2VPN / SAFI EVPN) is the control plane protocol that distributes MAC addresses, IP-to-MAC bindings, and host routes (Type-2 routes) across all VTEPs. This enables each VTEP to build its forwarding table dynamically without relying on data-plane learning or flooding, ensuring optimal east-west traffic forwarding.
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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