350-601 Network Practice Question
In a spine-leaf data center architecture, what is the primary purpose of using equal-cost multipath (ECMP) routing?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests ECMP in the context of VXLAN/EVPN fabrics, and the trap here is confusing ECMP's role in load-balancing underlay traffic with VXLAN's role in overlay encapsulation, leading candidates to mistakenly associate ECMP with VXLAN tunnel establishment.
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
✓
To provide load balancing across multiple paths between leaf and spine switches
In a spine-leaf architecture, ECMP is used to distribute traffic across multiple equal-cost paths between leaf and spine switches. This provides load balancing by hashing flows across available uplinks, maximizing bandwidth utilization and ensuring no single link is overwhelmed. ECMP is a Layer 3 routing feature that operates with protocols like OSPF or BGP, not a Layer 2 or encapsulation mechanism.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
To enable VXLAN encapsulation between VTEPs
Why it's wrong here
VXLAN encapsulation is independent of ECMP.
- ✗
To ensure loop-free Layer 2 topology
Why it's wrong here
Loop prevention is handled by STP or FabricPath, not ECMP.
- ✓
To provide load balancing across multiple paths between leaf and spine switches
Why this is correct
ECMP distributes traffic across multiple equal-cost paths, increasing throughput and redundancy.
- ✗
To reduce the number of VLANs required in the fabric
Why it's wrong here
ECMP does not affect VLAN count.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.