The answer is to check the BGP EVPN route table for IMET (route-type 3) routes using the command 'show bgp l2vpn evpn route-type 3'. This is correct because IMET routes are the specific BGP EVPN route type responsible for advertising the originating VTEP’s IP address and the Ethernet tag for a given EVI, enabling the creation of an inclusive multicast tunnel for BUM traffic forwarding. Without a valid IMET route on the receiving PE, the remote VTEP is unknown, and broadcast frames cannot be flooded across the overlay. On the Cisco SPCOR 350-501 exam, this question tests your ability to differentiate EVPN route types under pressure—a common trap is confusing route-type 2 (MAC/IP advertisement) with route-type 3 (IMET). Remember the memory tip: “BUM needs three” (route-type 3 for Broadcast, Unknown unicast, Multicast).
350-501 Architecture Practice Question
This 350-501 practice question tests your understanding of architecture. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 implementing EVPN for its VPLS replacement. They have configured BGP EVPN on all PEs and have set up an EVPN instance for a customer requiring broadcast, unknown unicast, and multicast (BUM) traffic. The customer reports that broadcast traffic from one site is not being received at another site. The engineer checks the EVPN configuration and finds that the EVI is configured correctly, the route-target matches, and the BGP sessions are established. The engineer also checks the MAC address table on the receiving PE and sees that the source MAC of the broadcast frame is learned on the local interface, but not from the remote VTEP. The engineer suspects an issue with the IMET (Inclusive Multicast Ethernet Tag) route. Which action should the engineer take to verify the IMET route?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Check the BGP EVPN route table for IMET (route-type 3) routes using 'show bgp l2vpn evpn route-type 3'.
Option A is correct because the 'show bgp l2vpn evpn route-type 3' command displays IMET routes, which are needed for BUM traffic forwarding. Option B is wrong because route-type 2 is for MAC/IP advertisement. Option C is wrong because 'show evpn instance detail' shows local configuration but not remote routes. Option D is wrong because 'show l2vpn vfi' is for VPLS, not EVPN.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Use 'show evpn instance detail' to check the EVI configuration.
Why it's wrong here
This shows local EVPN instance details but does not validate remote IMET routes.
✓
Check the BGP EVPN route table for IMET (route-type 3) routes using 'show bgp l2vpn evpn route-type 3'.
Why this is correct
IMET routes are route-type 3 in EVPN; checking their presence and reachability is essential for BUM traffic.
Use 'show bgp l2vpn evpn route-type 2' to verify MAC/IP routes.
Why it's wrong here
Route-type 2 is for MAC/IP advertisement, not for BUM flooding.
✗
Use 'show l2vpn vfi' to verify the VPLS forwarding instance.
Why it's wrong here
VFI is used for VPLS, not EVPN.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This shows local EVPN instance details but does not validate remote IMET routes.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
→Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
→Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
→Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A network engineer segments a warehouse floor into three subnets: 20 scanners, 5 printers, and 2 management hosts. Picking the wrong mask wastes addresses or leaves too few usable hosts. Exam questions test whether you can apply CIDR notation, calculate block size, and identify the correct usable-host range for a given prefix.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related 350-501 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
Architecture — This question tests Architecture — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Check the BGP EVPN route table for IMET (route-type 3) routes using 'show bgp l2vpn evpn route-type 3'. — Option A is correct because the 'show bgp l2vpn evpn route-type 3' command displays IMET routes, which are needed for BUM traffic forwarding. Option B is wrong because route-type 2 is for MAC/IP advertisement. Option C is wrong because 'show evpn instance detail' shows local configuration but not remote routes. Option D is wrong because 'show l2vpn vfi' is for VPLS, not EVPN.
What should I do if I get this 350-501 question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related 350-501 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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