Quick Answer
The answer is the preferred algorithm. This is correct because the preferred algorithm in Segment Routing uses the standard IGP metric-based SPF computation to automatically calculate the best path, aligning directly with the engineer’s goal of using IGP metrics for path selection. On the Cisco SPCOR 350-501 exam, this concept tests your understanding of SR algorithm options and their default behaviors; a common trap is confusing preferred with strict-spf, which enforces a strict shortest path and rejects any ECMP or load-balancing, or with delay and te algorithms that use latency or traffic engineering constraints instead. To remember, think of preferred as the “plain vanilla” SPF—it simply follows the IGP metric without extra restrictions or constraints.
This 350-501 practice question tests your understanding of mpls and segment routing. 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 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?
strict-spf
Why wrong: Strict SPF enforces the exact shortest path; it is not the default preferred method.
delay
Why wrong: Delay-based algorithm is used for latency optimization.
te
Why wrong: Traffic engineering algorithm uses bandwidth constraints.
preferred
The 'preferred' algorithm uses the IGP metric-based shortest path.
Answer choices
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 in SR-MPLS uses IGP metric-based SPF computation. Option A is incorrect because 'strict-spf' enforces strict shortest path. Option C is incorrect because 'delay' uses latency, not IGP metric. Option D is incorrect because 'te' uses traffic engineering constraints.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
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
Common exam traps
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 350-501 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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FAQ
MPLS and Segment Routing — This question tests MPLS and Segment Routing — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
The correct answer is: preferred — The 'preferred' algorithm in SR-MPLS uses IGP metric-based SPF computation. Option A is incorrect because 'strict-spf' enforces strict shortest path. Option C is incorrect because 'delay' uses latency, not IGP metric. Option D is incorrect because 'te' uses traffic engineering constraints.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 350-501 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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