The answer is the NVE interface, MP-BGP, and the VXLAN tunnel endpoint (VTEP). The NVE interface is the logical overlay interface on a switch that encapsulates and decapsulates VXLAN traffic, making it a fundamental component of any EVPN VXLAN fabric. MP-BGP serves as the control plane, using EVPN address families (L2VPN AFI/SAFI 70/128) to advertise MAC and VPN reachability between VTEPs, enabling dynamic learning and a loop-free overlay. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this question tests your understanding of the fabric’s data plane (NVE), control plane (MP-BGP), and the VTEP as the endpoint device—a common trap is confusing the underlay routing protocol (like OSPF or IS-IS) with the overlay control plane. Remember the memory tip: “NVE, MP-BGP, VTEP” are the three pillars—think of them as the tunnel, the map, and the door.
350-601 Network Practice Question
This 350-601 practice question tests your understanding of network. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
Which THREE components are part of an EVPN VXLAN fabric? (Choose three)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
MP-BGP
MP-BGP is the control plane protocol for EVPN VXLAN fabrics. It advertises MAC/VPN reachability information using EVPN address families (L2VPN AFI/SAFI 70/128) and enables overlay route distribution between VTEPs. Without MP-BGP, the fabric cannot dynamically learn remote MAC addresses or maintain a scalable, loop-free control plane.
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.
✗
IS-IS
Why it's wrong here
IS-IS is used for underlay routing but is not mandatory; OSPF or static routing can be used instead.
✓
MP-BGP
Why this is correct
MP-BGP is the standard control plane for EVPN, advertising MAC/IP routes and other attributes.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
VRF
Why this is correct
VRFs provide tenant isolation and are associated with VNIs for segmentation.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
NVE interface
Why this is correct
The NVE (Network Virtualization Edge) interface is the tunnel endpoint that encapsulates/decapsulates VXLAN packets.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
VPC
Why it's wrong here
VPC is a switch-level redundancy feature, not a component of the EVPN VXLAN architecture.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between underlay protocols (like IS-IS or OSPF) and overlay components (like MP-BGP, NVE, VRF), and candidates mistakenly select an underlay protocol as part of the EVPN VXLAN fabric.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In an EVPN VXLAN fabric, the NVE (Network Virtualization Edge) interface is the logical tunnel endpoint that encapsulates and decapsulates VXLAN frames, and it is configured under the NVE interface with a source loopback IP. VRF (Virtual Routing and Forwarding) instances are used to provide tenant separation in the overlay, with each VRF mapped to a specific L3VNI (Layer 3 VXLAN Network Identifier). The combination of MP-BGP for EVPN route exchange, NVE for data-plane encapsulation, and VRF for multi-tenancy forms the core overlay architecture.
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 practitioner preparing for the 350-601 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
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: MP-BGP — MP-BGP is the control plane protocol for EVPN VXLAN fabrics. It advertises MAC/VPN reachability information using EVPN address families (L2VPN AFI/SAFI 70/128) and enables overlay route distribution between VTEPs. Without MP-BGP, the fabric cannot dynamically learn remote MAC addresses or maintain a scalable, loop-free control plane.
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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Question Discussion
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