Quick Answer
The answer is Segment Routing (SR-MPLS), which enables source-routed paths with explicit path control without requiring a centralized controller. This works by encoding the entire forwarding path as an ordered list of segment IDs directly in the packet header, allowing the source node to steer traffic along any desired path through the MPLS core. On the Cisco SPCOR 350-501 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how SR-MPLS simplifies traffic engineering compared to older protocols—LDP only follows the IGP shortest path, BGP-LU handles inter-domain labels, and RSVP-TE demands a controller for signaling. A common trap is confusing SR-MPLS with RSVP-TE, but remember: SR is stateful at the source only, not in the network. Memory tip: “SR stacks the path; RSVP books the path.”
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 service provider is designing a new MPLS core network and wants to simplify traffic engineering without deploying a centralized controller. Which technology should be used to enable source-routed paths with explicit path control?
BGP-LU
Why wrong: BGP-LU is used for inter-domain label distribution, not for source-routed traffic engineering.
LDP
Why wrong: LDP distributes labels for shortest-path forwarding only.
RSVP-TE
Why wrong: RSVP-TE requires a centralized controller for path computation.
Segment Routing (SR-MPLS)
SR-MPLS enables source routing with segment lists, supporting traffic engineering without a controller.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Segment Routing (SR-MPLS)
Segment Routing (SR-MPLS) allows source routing by encoding paths as a list of segment IDs, enabling traffic engineering without a centralized controller. LDP only distributes labels for shortest-path forwarding. BGP-LU is for inter-domain label distribution. RSVP-TE requires a centralized controller.
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.
BGP-LU
Why it's wrong here
BGP-LU is used for inter-domain label distribution, not for source-routed traffic engineering.
LDP
Why it's wrong here
LDP distributes labels for shortest-path forwarding only.
RSVP-TE
Why it's wrong here
RSVP-TE requires a centralized controller for path computation.
Segment Routing (SR-MPLS)
Why this is correct
SR-MPLS enables source routing with segment lists, supporting traffic engineering without a controller.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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.
MPLS and Segment Routing — study guide chapter
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MPLS and Segment Routing practice questions
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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: Segment Routing (SR-MPLS) — Segment Routing (SR-MPLS) allows source routing by encoding paths as a list of segment IDs, enabling traffic engineering without a centralized controller. LDP only distributes labels for shortest-path forwarding. BGP-LU is for inter-domain label distribution. RSVP-TE requires a centralized controller.
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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