Quick Answer
The correct XPath is /native/router/bgp/scope/global/always-compare-med because the Cisco IOS-XE native YANG model enforces a strict hierarchical structure where BGP settings are nested under the 'scope' container to separate global and VRF contexts. The 'always-compare-med' leaf exists only within the global scope, making this path the precise target for automation scripts using the cisco-native YANG model. On the Cisco SPCOR / CCNP Service Provider Core 350-501 exam, this question tests your ability to navigate YANG models for NETCONF/RESTCONF automation, a common topic in the automation and programmability section. A frequent trap is choosing paths that omit the 'scope' container or incorrectly place 'always-compare-med' under a VRF subtree, so remember that global BGP parameters always require the /scope/global prefix. Memory tip: think "scope global" as the mandatory gateway before any global BGP leaf.
This 350-501 practice question tests your understanding of automation and assurance. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 network engineer is automating BGP configuration using the Cisco IOS-XE YANG model. They want to enable the 'always-compare-med' feature under BGP. Which XPath expression correctly targets this leaf?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "always"
Why it matters: Absolute qualifier. An answer using 'always' is only correct if there are genuinely no exceptions — absolute statements are often wrong in networking.
/bgp/global/always-compare-med
Why wrong: Missing the 'native/router' prefix.
/native/router/bgp/scope/global/always-compare-med
Correct path according to Cisco IOS-XE YANG model.
/native/router/bgp/always-compare-med
Why wrong: Missing the 'scope/global' containers.
/router/bgp/global/always-compare-med
Why wrong: Missing 'native' container.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
/native/router/bgp/scope/global/always-compare-med
Option B is correct because the Cisco IOS-XE native YANG model (urn:cisco:params:xml:ns:yang:cisco-native) structures BGP configuration under /native/router/bgp/scope/global/always-compare-med. The 'scope' container is required to differentiate between global and VRF-specific BGP settings, and 'always-compare-med' is a leaf within the global scope. This path accurately reflects the hierarchical model used by Cisco for BGP automation.
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.
/bgp/global/always-compare-med
Why it's wrong here
Missing the 'native/router' prefix.
/native/router/bgp/scope/global/always-compare-med
Why this is correct
Correct path according to Cisco IOS-XE YANG model.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "always" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
/native/router/bgp/always-compare-med
Why it's wrong here
Missing the 'scope/global' containers.
/router/bgp/global/always-compare-med
Why it's wrong here
Missing 'native' container.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the exact hierarchical path in the native YANG model, and the trap here is that candidates assume a simplified path like /bgp/global/always-compare-med or forget the mandatory 'scope' container, leading them to choose an incomplete or incorrect XPath expression.
Detailed technical explanation
The Cisco IOS-XE native YANG model uses the 'scope' container to separate global BGP parameters from address-family or VRF-specific parameters, ensuring that automation scripts do not inadvertently modify the wrong context. The 'always-compare-med' leaf, when set to true, forces BGP to compare the Multi-Exit Discriminator (MED) values from different autonomous systems, overriding the default behavior defined in RFC 4271 where MED is only compared among paths from the same AS. In real-world scenarios, this is critical for traffic engineering in multi-homed environments where consistent path selection is required across different providers.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Automation and Assurance — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Automation and Assurance — This question tests Automation and Assurance — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: /native/router/bgp/scope/global/always-compare-med — Option B is correct because the Cisco IOS-XE native YANG model (urn:cisco:params:xml:ns:yang:cisco-native) structures BGP configuration under /native/router/bgp/scope/global/always-compare-med. The 'scope' container is required to differentiate between global and VRF-specific BGP settings, and 'always-compare-med' is a leaf within the global scope. This path accurately reflects the hierarchical model used by Cisco for BGP automation.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "always". Absolute qualifier. An answer using 'always' is only correct if there are genuinely no exceptions — absolute statements are often wrong in networking.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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