350-501 MPLS and Segment Routing Practice Question
A network engineer is configuring Segment Routing on an IOS-XR router. They want to use the preferred algorithm for automatically computing paths based on IGP metrics. Which algorithm should be configured under the SR segment list?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between 'preferred' (which defaults to IGP metric-based SPF) and 'strict-spf' (which disables ECMP), leading candidates to mistakenly choose 'strict-spf' when the question asks for standard IGP metric-based path computation.
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
✓
preferred
The 'preferred' algorithm is the correct choice because it instructs the router to automatically select the best algorithm for path computation based on IGP metrics. In Segment Routing, the 'preferred' algorithm uses the default SPF (Shortest Path First) algorithm, which computes paths based solely on IGP link metrics, ensuring optimal routing without additional constraints.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
strict-spf
Why it's wrong here
Strict SPF enforces the exact shortest path; it is not the default preferred method.
- ✗
delay
Why it's wrong here
Delay-based algorithm is used for latency optimization.
- ✗
te
Why it's wrong here
Traffic engineering algorithm uses bandwidth constraints.
- ✓
preferred
Why this is correct
The 'preferred' algorithm uses the IGP metric-based shortest path.
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JA
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.