Quick Answer
The answer is VRF (Virtual Routing and Forwarding instance). In VXLAN EVPN, each tenant is assigned a unique VRF that maintains its own separate routing table and forwarding decisions, which provides per-tenant isolation of control plane traffic by ensuring that MP-BGP EVPN routes—such as MAC/IP advertisements—are kept strictly separate between tenants. On the Cisco DCCOR / CCNP Data Center Core 350-601 exam, this concept tests your understanding that control plane isolation is a VRF function, while data plane isolation is handled by VXLAN Network Identifiers (VNIs)—a common trap is confusing these two layers. Remember that VRFs segment the control plane routing information, whereas VNIs segment the data plane traffic. A useful memory tip: "VRF for routes, VNI for frames."
This 350-601 practice question tests your understanding of security. 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 organization uses VXLAN EVPN for network segmentation. Which component provides per-tenant isolation of control plane traffic?
VLAN
Why wrong: VLAN provides Layer 2 isolation, not control plane isolation in VXLAN.
VNI
Why wrong: VNI is the VXLAN identifier for data plane segmentation.
VXLAN tunnel
Why wrong: VXLAN tunnels encapsulate data traffic but do not provide control plane isolation.
VRF
VRF creates separate routing instances for each tenant, isolating control plane traffic.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
VRF
In VXLAN EVPN, per-tenant isolation of control plane traffic is achieved through the use of VRFs (Virtual Routing and Forwarding instances). Each tenant is assigned a unique VRF, which maintains its own separate routing table and forwarding decisions, ensuring that control plane information (such as MAC/IP routes advertised via MP-BGP EVPN) is isolated between tenants. This is distinct from data plane isolation, which is provided by VXLAN Network Identifiers (VNIs).
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.
VLAN
Why it's wrong here
VLAN provides Layer 2 isolation, not control plane isolation in VXLAN.
VNI
Why it's wrong here
VNI is the VXLAN identifier for data plane segmentation.
VXLAN tunnel
Why it's wrong here
VXLAN tunnels encapsulate data traffic but do not provide control plane isolation.
VRF
Why this is correct
VRF creates separate routing instances for each tenant, isolating control plane traffic.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between data plane isolation (VNI) and control plane isolation (VRF), leading candidates to mistakenly choose VNI because it is the most visible segmentation identifier in VXLAN.
Detailed technical explanation
In VXLAN EVPN, the control plane uses MP-BGP with EVPN address families (L2VPN/EVPN) to exchange MAC/IP advertisement routes. Each VRF is associated with a Route Distinguisher (RD) and Route Targets (RTs) to ensure that routes from different tenants are kept separate in the BGP control plane. This allows the same IP or MAC address to exist in different VRFs without conflict, a critical requirement for multi-tenant data centers.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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.
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FAQ
Security — This question tests Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: VRF — In VXLAN EVPN, per-tenant isolation of control plane traffic is achieved through the use of VRFs (Virtual Routing and Forwarding instances). Each tenant is assigned a unique VRF, which maintains its own separate routing table and forwarding decisions, ensuring that control plane information (such as MAC/IP routes advertised via MP-BGP EVPN) is isolated between tenants. This is distinct from data plane isolation, which is provided by VXLAN Network Identifiers (VNIs).
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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