350-501 Architecture Practice Question
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: Anycast RP uses the same IP address on multiple RPs, providing redundancy and load balancing. Option C: MSDP peering is required between the anycast RPs to exchange active source information. Option E: IGMPv3 is needed on last-hop routers to support Source-Specific Multicast (SSM) if used together with Anycast RP. Option B is incorrect: Auto-RP is not required; Anycast RP can work with static RP assignments. Option D is incorrect: MSDP is used for Anycast RP, not specifically for SSM; SSM does not require MSDP.
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.
- ✗
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.
- ✗
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.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.