- A
Anycast RP allows multiple RPs to share the same IP address, providing redundancy and load balancing
The same IP is configured as RP on multiple routers; MSDP ensures consistency.
- B
Auto-RP must be used to distribute the RP information to all routers
Why wrong: Auto-RP is one method, but static configuration or BSR can also be used.
- C
MSDP peering is required between the anycast RP routers to exchange active source information
MSDP allows RPs to share source announcements for groups they are responsible for.
- D
MSDP is only required if the network uses Source-Specific Multicast (SSM)
Why wrong: SSM does not need MSDP because there is no shared tree.
- E
IGMPv3 is needed on the last-hop routers to support SSM if used together with Anycast RP
SSM requires IGMPv3 so hosts can specify sources.
Quick Answer
The correct statements are that MSDP exchanges active source information between anycast RPs, Anycast RP provides automatic load balancing and redundancy, and IGMPv3 is needed on last-hop routers to support SSM when used with Anycast RP. MSDP enables multiple RPs to share the same IP address while informing each other about active sources, which is the core of an Anycast RP with MSDP design. This design inherently distributes the RP load and offers failover without manual intervention. On the Cisco SPCOR 350-501 exam, this topic tests your understanding of how PIM-SM scales in service provider networks; a common trap is assuming Auto-RP is required for Anycast RP (it is not), or that MSDP is needed for SSM (it is not, since SSM bypasses the RP entirely). Remember the mnemonic “MARS” – MSDP for Anycast RP, Auto-RP not required, Redundancy automatic, SSM needs IGMPv3.
350-501 Architecture Practice Question
This 350-501 practice question tests your understanding of architecture. 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 multicast service provider is designing an IPv4 PIM Sparse Mode (PIM-SM) network with multiple RPs. The network must support Anycast RP using MSDP. Which THREE statements are correct regarding this design?
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
Anycast RP allows multiple RPs to share the same IP address, providing redundancy and load balancing
Options A, C, and E are correct. Option A: MSDP is used to exchange active source information between anycast RPs. Option C: Anycast RP provides load balancing and redundancy automatically. Option E: Source-specific multicast (SSM) can be used with PIM-SM and Anycast RP if IGMPv3 is supported. Option B is wrong: Anycast RP works with both static and dynamic RP assignments, but Auto-RP is not required. Option D is wrong: MSDP is not needed for SSM because SSM uses (S,G) channels and does not rely on an RP.
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.
- ✓
Anycast RP allows multiple RPs to share the same IP address, providing redundancy and load balancing
Why this is correct
The same IP is configured as RP on multiple routers; MSDP ensures consistency.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Auto-RP must be used to distribute the RP information to all routers
Why it's wrong here
Auto-RP is one method, but static configuration or BSR can also be used.
- ✓
MSDP peering is required between the anycast RP routers to exchange active source information
Why this is correct
MSDP allows RPs to share source announcements for groups they are responsible for.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
MSDP is only required if the network uses Source-Specific Multicast (SSM)
Why it's wrong here
SSM does not need MSDP because there is no shared tree.
- ✓
IGMPv3 is needed on the last-hop routers to support SSM if used together with Anycast RP
Why this is correct
SSM requires IGMPv3 so hosts can specify sources.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- 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 350-501 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 350-501 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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Architecture — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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Cisco SPCOR / CCNP Service Provider Core 350-501 study guide
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350-501 practice test guide
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-501 question test?
Architecture — This question tests Architecture — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Anycast RP allows multiple RPs to share the same IP address, providing redundancy and load balancing — Options A, C, and E are correct. Option A: MSDP is used to exchange active source information between anycast RPs. Option C: Anycast RP provides load balancing and redundancy automatically. Option E: Source-specific multicast (SSM) can be used with PIM-SM and Anycast RP if IGMPv3 is supported. Option B is wrong: Anycast RP works with both static and dynamic RP assignments, but Auto-RP is not required. Option D is wrong: MSDP is not needed for SSM because SSM uses (S,G) channels and does not rely on an RP.
What should I do if I get this 350-501 question wrong?
Identify which 350-501 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This 350-501 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 350-501 exam.
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