Quick Answer
The answer is strict. When configuring RSVP-TE explicit paths for traffic engineering in an MPLS core, the strict option enforces that each specified hop must be directly adjacent to the previous one, ensuring the tunnel path strictly follows the predefined sequence without any intermediate routers. This is critical for precise traffic steering and bandwidth guarantees, as any deviation would break the explicit path constraint. On the Cisco SPCOR / CCNP Service Provider Core 350-501 exam, this concept tests your understanding of explicit path options under RSVP-TE, often appearing in scenario-based questions where you must choose between strict, loose, or dynamic. A common trap is confusing loose (which allows non-adjacent hops) with strict, or inventing a keyword like exact. Remember the mnemonic: "Strict sticks to neighbors; loose lets you leap."
This 350-501 practice question tests your understanding of mpls and segment routing. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 operator is configuring RSVP-TE tunnels for traffic engineering in an MPLS core. They want to enforce that the tunnel path strictly follows a predefined set of hops. Which explicit path option should be used?
Exact
Why wrong: Exact is not a keyword; correct term is strict or loose.
Loose
Why wrong: Loose allows the path to include non-adjacent hops.
Strict
Strict explicit path requires each hop to be adjacent.
Dynamic
Why wrong: Dynamic path is computed by CSPF, not manually specified.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Strict
The 'strict' keyword enforces that each hop is directly connected. Option B is incorrect because 'loose' allows intermediate hops. Option C is incorrect because 'dynamic' computes path automatically. Option D is incorrect because 'exact' is not a standard keyword for explicit paths.
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.
Exact
Why it's wrong here
Exact is not a keyword; correct term is strict or loose.
Loose
Why it's wrong here
Loose allows the path to include non-adjacent hops.
Strict
Why this is correct
Strict explicit path requires each hop to be adjacent.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
Dynamic
Why it's wrong here
Dynamic path is computed by CSPF, not manually specified.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Keyword trap
Exact is not a keyword; correct term is strict or loose.
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.
MPLS and Segment Routing — study guide chapter
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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: Strict — The 'strict' keyword enforces that each hop is directly connected. Option B is incorrect because 'loose' allows intermediate hops. Option C is incorrect because 'dynamic' computes path automatically. Option D is incorrect because 'exact' is not a standard keyword for explicit paths.
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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