350-601 Network Practice Question
Which two BGP features are commonly used in a Cisco Data Center spine-leaf fabric to achieve optimal ECMP load balancing? (Choose two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between features that enable ECMP (add-path and multipath) versus features that affect path selection or IBGP topology (confederation, next-hop-self), leading candidates to confuse operational necessity with load-balancing capability.
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
✓
BGP add-path
BGP add-path (A) allows the advertisement of multiple paths for the same prefix to a peer, enabling the spine to install multiple equal-cost paths in its routing table for ECMP load balancing. BGP multipath (C) instructs the router to install multiple equal-cost BGP paths into the routing table, which is essential for distributing traffic across multiple spine links in a Clos fabric.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
BGP add-path
Why this is correct
Enables advertisement of multiple paths for load balancing.
- ✗
BGP confederation
Why it's wrong here
Used for large AS, not for ECMP.
- ✓
BGP multipath
Why this is correct
Allows use of multiple equal-cost paths.
- ✗
BGP next-hop-self
Why it's wrong here
Changes next-hop, not directly for ECMP.
- ✗
BGP bestpath tie-break
Why it's wrong here
Used for path selection, not load balancing.
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JA
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.