Quick Answer
The answer is MP-BGP EVPN and multicast-based control plane. VXLAN on Nexus 9000 switches relies on these two options to manage endpoint learning and BUM traffic forwarding: multicast uses IGMP and PIM to flood broadcast, unknown unicast, and multicast frames across the underlay, while MP-BGP EVPN (RFC 7432) provides a more scalable, standards-based approach by distributing MAC and VTEP reachability via BGP, enabling host route advertisement and multi-tenancy. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this question tests your understanding of VXLAN control plane evolution, often appearing as a direct multiple-choice item where the trap is selecting only EVPN or only multicast—remember that both are supported, but EVPN is the modern, preferred method for large-scale fabrics. A helpful memory tip: think “EVPN for smarts, multicast for floods”—EVPN handles the intelligence, multicast handles the noise.
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.
Which two VXLAN control plane options are supported on Cisco Nexus 9000 switches? (Choose two.)
Multicast
Traditional VXLAN uses multicast for BUM traffic and MAC learning.
OTV
Why wrong: OTV is a different overlay technology, not VXLAN.
Static VXLAN tunnel
Why wrong: Not a control plane; manual tunnel setup.
OpenFlow
Why wrong: Not used for VXLAN control plane on Nexus.
MP-BGP EVPN
Standard control plane for VXLAN.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Multicast
VXLAN on Cisco Nexus 9000 switches supports both multicast-based control plane (using IGMP/PIM to flood BUM traffic) and MP-BGP EVPN (RFC 7432) as the control plane for distributing MAC/VTEP reachability. Multicast is the traditional method for handling BUM traffic in VXLAN fabrics, while MP-BGP EVPN provides a more scalable, standards-based control plane with host route advertisement and multi-tenancy.
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.
Multicast
Why this is correct
Traditional VXLAN uses multicast for BUM traffic and MAC learning.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
OTV
Why it's wrong here
OTV is a different overlay technology, not VXLAN.
Static VXLAN tunnel
Why it's wrong here
Not a control plane; manual tunnel setup.
OpenFlow
Why it's wrong here
Not used for VXLAN control plane on Nexus.
MP-BGP EVPN
Why this is correct
Standard control plane for VXLAN.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between VXLAN control plane options and other overlay technologies (like OTV) or configuration methods (like static tunnels), leading candidates to confuse supported control planes with unrelated features.
Detailed technical explanation
In a multicast-based VXLAN control plane, the underlay network uses Protocol Independent Multicast (PIM) to build distribution trees for BUM traffic, and each VTEP joins a multicast group per VNI. With MP-BGP EVPN, Type 2 (MAC/IP) and Type 3 (IMET) routes are exchanged over BGP sessions, allowing VTEPs to learn remote MAC addresses and avoid flooding, which improves scalability in large fabrics. A real-world scenario where EVPN is preferred is in multi-tenant data centers requiring fast convergence and host mobility.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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FAQ
Network — This question tests Network — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Multicast — VXLAN on Cisco Nexus 9000 switches supports both multicast-based control plane (using IGMP/PIM to flood BUM traffic) and MP-BGP EVPN (RFC 7432) as the control plane for distributing MAC/VTEP reachability. Multicast is the traditional method for handling BUM traffic in VXLAN fabrics, while MP-BGP EVPN provides a more scalable, standards-based control plane with host route advertisement and multi-tenancy.
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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