Quick Answer
The answer is MP-BGP EVPN and VXLAN VTEPs, as these two components form the essential control and data plane of VXLAN EVPN operation. VTEPs, typically configured on leaf switches, handle the encapsulation and decapsulation of VXLAN frames, creating the overlay tunnels that carry Layer 2 traffic across a Layer 3 underlay fabric. Without VTEPs, there is no mechanism to establish the tunnels themselves. MP-BGP EVPN, meanwhile, provides the control plane by distributing MAC and IP reachability information between VTEPs, enabling efficient, loop-free forwarding and host mobility. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how VXLAN decouples the control plane from the data plane; a common trap is to assume that multicast or OSPF alone can replace MP-BGP EVPN, but they only assist the underlay. Remember the memory tip: “VTEPs do the wrap, MP-BGP does the map.”
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 Cisco Nexus switches with VXLAN EVPN. Which two components are essential for VXLAN EVPN operation? (Choose two.)
VXLAN VTEPs on leaf switches.
VTEPs encapsulate and decapsulate VXLAN frames.
OSPF as underlay routing protocol.
Why wrong: Any routing protocol can be used; OSPF is not essential.
MP-BGP EVPN control plane.
Provides MAC/VTEP advertisement.
VPC for host-facing links.
Why wrong: VPC is optional for host redundancy.
PIM-SM for multicast replication.
Why wrong: Head-end replication can be used instead of multicast.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
VXLAN VTEPs on leaf switches.
VXLAN VTEPs (VXLAN Tunnel Endpoints) on leaf switches are essential because they perform the encapsulation and decapsulation of VXLAN frames, enabling Layer 2 overlay networks over a Layer 3 underlay. Without VTEPs, there is no mechanism to create the VXLAN tunnels that carry traffic between endpoints across the IP fabric.
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.
VXLAN VTEPs on leaf switches.
Why this is correct
VTEPs encapsulate and decapsulate VXLAN frames.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
OSPF as underlay routing protocol.
Why it's wrong here
Any routing protocol can be used; OSPF is not essential.
MP-BGP EVPN control plane.
Why this is correct
Provides MAC/VTEP advertisement.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
VPC for host-facing links.
Why it's wrong here
VPC is optional for host redundancy.
PIM-SM for multicast replication.
Why it's wrong here
Head-end replication can be used instead of multicast.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between mandatory components (VTEPs and MP-BGP EVPN) and optional features (vPC, specific underlay protocols, or replication modes) to see if candidates understand that the underlay can be any IP-routed network and that multicast is not a requirement for VXLAN EVPN.
Detailed technical explanation
VXLAN EVPN relies on MP-BGP EVPN (Option C) to distribute MAC/VTEP reachability information, allowing VTEPs to build a distributed anycast gateway and perform ARP suppression. The underlay routing protocol (e.g., OSPF, IS-IS, or eBGP) only needs to provide IP connectivity between VTEP loopbacks; the overlay control plane is entirely separate and uses BGP EVPN address families (L2VPN/EVPN).
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: VXLAN VTEPs on leaf switches. — VXLAN VTEPs (VXLAN Tunnel Endpoints) on leaf switches are essential because they perform the encapsulation and decapsulation of VXLAN frames, enabling Layer 2 overlay networks over a Layer 3 underlay. Without VTEPs, there is no mechanism to create the VXLAN tunnels that carry traffic between endpoints across the IP fabric.
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
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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