The correct answer is SR-TE (Segment Routing Traffic Engineering) because it leverages a centralized or distributed controller to compute optimal paths using IGP link attributes like metric, TE metric, and affinity, while respecting bandwidth constraints—all encoded as a segment list in the packet header. Unlike RSVP-TE, SR-TE eliminates per-flow state in core routers, making it far more scalable for bandwidth optimization in an MPLS Segment Routing network. On the Cisco SPCOR 350-501 exam, this question tests your understanding of how SR-TE achieves traffic engineering without the signaling overhead of RSVP, often appearing in scenarios where the provider needs to maximize link utilization without maintaining state on every router. A common trap is confusing SR-TE with RSVP-TE or assuming a distributed IGP alone can handle bandwidth constraints; remember that SR-TE’s segment list approach is stateless in the core. Memory tip: “SR-TE: State-less Routing, Traffic Engineering without tears.”
350-501 MPLS and Segment Routing Practice Question
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 using Segment Routing with MPLS data plane. They require traffic engineering capabilities to optimize bandwidth utilization. Which technology should be used to compute optimal paths based on IGP link attributes and bandwidth constraints?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
SR-TE (Segment Routing Traffic Engineering)
SR-TE (Segment Routing Traffic Engineering) is the correct choice because it uses a centralized or distributed controller to compute optimal paths based on IGP link attributes (such as metric, TE metric, affinity) and bandwidth constraints, encoding the path as a segment list in the packet header. Unlike RSVP-TE, SR-TE does not require per-flow state in the core routers, making it more scalable for bandwidth optimization in an MPLS Segment Routing network.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
RSVP-TE with FRR
Why it's wrong here
RSVP-TE can do traffic engineering but is not specific to Segment Routing; the question asks for a technology that works with SR.
✗
LDP over SR
Why it's wrong here
LDP is not used for traffic engineering; it distributes labels for IGP shortest paths.
✓
SR-TE (Segment Routing Traffic Engineering)
Why this is correct
SR-TE computes paths using segment lists and can enforce bandwidth constraints.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
OSPF with MPLS-TE extensions
Why it's wrong here
OSPF-TE provides link attributes but does not compute paths; a separate path computation element is needed.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that OSPF with MPLS-TE extensions alone provides traffic engineering, but in reality, it only advertises link attributes and requires a separate path computation mechanism like SR-TE or RSVP-TE to enforce TE paths.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SR-TE can use a Path Computation Element (PCE) or a headend router to compute a strict or loose segment list that satisfies bandwidth and affinity constraints, dynamically adjusting paths based on IGP topology changes. Under the hood, SR-TE leverages the IGP's extended link attributes (e.g., maximum reservable bandwidth, unreserved bandwidth) flooded via OSPF TE opaque LSAs or IS-IS TE TLVs, and the segment list is pushed as an MPLS label stack, avoiding per-flow state in transit nodes. In real-world deployments, SR-TE with a PCE enables centralized optimization of large-scale networks, reducing congestion without the signaling overhead of RSVP-TE.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A network engineer at a university connects two campus buildings via a fibre link. Both routers run OSPF, but no adjacency forms — even though both routers can ping each other. The engineer finds one router is in area 0 and the other in area 1. OSPF adjacency requires matching area numbers, hello/dead timers, and network type. IP reachability alone is not enough.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
MPLS and Segment Routing — This question tests MPLS and Segment Routing — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: SR-TE (Segment Routing Traffic Engineering) — SR-TE (Segment Routing Traffic Engineering) is the correct choice because it uses a centralized or distributed controller to compute optimal paths based on IGP link attributes (such as metric, TE metric, affinity) and bandwidth constraints, encoding the path as a segment list in the packet header. Unlike RSVP-TE, SR-TE does not require per-flow state in the core routers, making it more scalable for bandwidth optimization in an MPLS Segment Routing network.
What should I do if I get this 350-501 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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