The answer is ensuring IP connectivity between the sites for the underlay and deploying a L3Out at each site. These two considerations are critical for ACI multi-site inter-site connectivity because the underlay IP connectivity forms the physical foundation for the Inter-Site Network (ISN), allowing the separate APIC clusters to exchange control and data traffic, while each site’s L3Out provides local external connectivity so that endpoint traffic can exit directly without being hair-pinned across the ISN. On the Cisco DCCOR / CCNP Data Center Core 350-601 exam, this concept tests your understanding of the Multi-Site architecture’s separation of fabric management and traffic optimization—a common trap is assuming a single L3Out can serve all sites, which violates the independent fabric design. Remember the memory tip: “Underlay IP first, L3Out per site—no hair-pinning, traffic stays tight.”
350-601 Network Practice Question
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.
An engineer is designing a Cisco ACI multi-site solution. Which two considerations are critical for inter-site connectivity? (Choose two.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Deploy a L3Out at each site for external connectivity.
In Cisco ACI Multi-Site, each site operates with its own APIC cluster and independent fabric. A L3Out at each site is critical because it provides external connectivity for that site's endpoints, allowing traffic to exit locally rather than being hair-pinned across the inter-site network. This design optimizes traffic flow and aligns with the Multi-Site architecture where sites are managed separately but interconnected via the Inter-Site Network (ISN).
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.
✗
Configure a stretch VLAN across sites.
Why it's wrong here
ACI multi-site uses stretched EPGs, not VLANs.
✗
Use a separate OSPF process per site.
Why it's wrong here
Not a requirement for inter-site connectivity.
✓
Deploy a L3Out at each site for external connectivity.
Why this is correct
Each site typically has its own L3Out.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Use a single APIC cluster for both sites.
Why it's wrong here
Each site has its own APIC cluster; multi-site controller is separate.
✓
Ensure IP connectivity between the sites for the underlay.
Why this is correct
Inter-site links require IP reachability.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that a single APIC cluster can manage multiple sites, but in reality, each site requires its own APIC cluster for independent operation and fault isolation.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The Inter-Site Network (ISN) underlay typically uses OSPF or BGP to establish IP reachability between spine switches of different sites, while the overlay uses MP-BGP EVPN for tenant endpoint reachability. A common real-world pitfall is forgetting that the L3Out at each site must be configured with distinct OSPF process IDs or BGP AS numbers to avoid routing conflicts, as the sites are independent routing domains. Additionally, the Multi-Site Orchestrator (MSO) manages the policy synchronization, but the actual data-plane traffic flows directly between sites via the ISN without hair-pinning through the MSO.
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 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.
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.
Network — This question tests Network — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Deploy a L3Out at each site for external connectivity. — In Cisco ACI Multi-Site, each site operates with its own APIC cluster and independent fabric. A L3Out at each site is critical because it provides external connectivity for that site's endpoints, allowing traffic to exit locally rather than being hair-pinned across the inter-site network. This design optimizes traffic flow and aligns with the Multi-Site architecture where sites are managed separately but interconnected via the Inter-Site Network (ISN).
What should I do if I get this 350-601 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.
About these practice questions
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 →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
This 350-601 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 350-601 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.