350-501 Architecture Practice Question
A network engineer needs to design a multicast solution for IPTV distribution across a service provider network. Which protocol is best suited for building a shared distribution tree where the RP is dynamically elected?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between Auto-RP and BSR, where candidates mistakenly think Auto-RP dynamically elects the RP, but Auto-RP only advertises RP information from a statically configured RP or mapping agent, whereas BSR provides true dynamic RP election through a distributed bootstrap process.
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
✓
PIM-SM with BSR
PIM-SM with BSR (Bootstrap Router) is the correct choice because it provides a dynamic, automated mechanism for electing an RP (Rendezvous Point) within a PIM-SM domain. BSR uses a distributed election process where candidate BSRs exchange bootstrap messages to elect a single BSR, which then collects candidate-RP advertisements and distributes the RP-set to all routers, enabling shared distribution trees without manual RP configuration.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
PIM-DM
Why it's wrong here
PIM-DM is dense mode, not shared tree and no RP.
- ✗
PIM-SM with Auto-RP
Why it's wrong here
Auto-RP is Cisco proprietary, not standard.
- ✗
MSDP
Why it's wrong here
MSDP is used to connect multiple PIM-SM domains.
- ✓
PIM-SM with BSR
Why this is correct
BSR provides dynamic RP election in a standards-based way.
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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.