- A
It identifies the VXLAN tunnel source and destination IP
Why wrong: Tunnel endpoints are VTEP IPs, not VNI.
- B
It identifies the overlay Layer 2 network segment
VNI uniquely identifies a Layer 2 segment across the overlay.
- C
It is the multicast group address for BUM traffic
Why wrong: Multicast group is separate; VNI is just the network identifier.
- D
It is used for ECMP load balancing
Why wrong: ECMP uses outer header fields like IP and UDP ports.
Question 483 of 1,000
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.
In a VXLAN overlay, what is the role of the VXLAN Network Identifier (VNI)?
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
✓
It identifies the overlay Layer 2 network segment
The VXLAN Network Identifier (VNI) is a 24-bit field in the VXLAN header that uniquely identifies an overlay Layer 2 network segment, allowing multiple isolated Layer 2 domains to coexist over a shared Layer 3 underlay. It is analogous to a VLAN ID in traditional networking but provides up to 16 million segments, enabling scalable network virtualization.
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.
- ✗
It identifies the VXLAN tunnel source and destination IP
Why it's wrong here
Tunnel endpoints are VTEP IPs, not VNI.
- ✓
It identifies the overlay Layer 2 network segment
Why this is correct
VNI uniquely identifies a Layer 2 segment across the overlay.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
It is the multicast group address for BUM traffic
Why it's wrong here
Multicast group is separate; VNI is just the network identifier.
- ✗
It is used for ECMP load balancing
Why it's wrong here
ECMP uses outer header fields like IP and UDP ports.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse the VNI with the multicast group address used for BUM traffic, but the VNI is a segment identifier, not a multicast address; Cisco often tests this by listing 'multicast group' as a distractor to see if you understand the separation of overlay identification from underlay forwarding.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, the VNI is encapsulated in the VXLAN header (RFC 7348) and is used by the receiving VTEP to forward the frame to the correct tenant or broadcast domain; in a multi-tenant data center, a single VTEP can host hundreds of VNIs, each mapped to a separate VRF or bridge domain. A subtle behavior is that VNI 0 is reserved and should not be used, and in Cisco ACI, the VNI is often referred to as the 'Segment ID' and is automatically assigned when creating an EPG (Endpoint Group).
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 help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
Visual reference
What to study next
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-601 question test?
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: It identifies the overlay Layer 2 network segment — The VXLAN Network Identifier (VNI) is a 24-bit field in the VXLAN header that uniquely identifies an overlay Layer 2 network segment, allowing multiple isolated Layer 2 domains to coexist over a shared Layer 3 underlay. It is analogous to a VLAN ID in traditional networking but provides up to 16 million segments, enabling scalable network virtualization.
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.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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.
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