Quick Answer
The answer is the Map-Server. This LISP component is responsible for storing the mapping of Endpoint Identifiers (EIDs) to Routing Locators (RLOCs), acting as the central repository that Egress Tunnel Routers (ETRs) register their EID prefixes with, and that Ingress Tunnel Routers (ITRs) ultimately query through a Map-Resolver to obtain the authoritative binding. On the Cisco SPCOR 350-501 exam, this concept tests your understanding of the LISP control plane’s separation of location and identity; a common trap is confusing the Map-Server with the Map-Resolver, which only handles query forwarding, not storage. Remember that the Map-Server is the database that “serves” the mapping, while the Map-Resolver simply “resolves” the query path. A useful memory tip: think of the Map-Server as the phone book that holds the EID-to-RLOC entries, and the Map-Resolver as the operator who looks up the number for you.
This 350-501 practice question tests your understanding of services. 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 using LISP to provide host mobility. Which LISP component is responsible for storing the mapping of EID to RLOC?
Map-Server
Correct. The Map-Server maintains the mapping database for the LISP site.
Altitude
Why wrong: Incorrect. Altitude is not a LISP component; it is a term in networking concepts.
Tunnel Router
Why wrong: Incorrect. Tunnel routers (ITR/ETR) encapsulate/decapsulate packets but do not store mappings.
Map-Resolver
Why wrong: Incorrect. The Map-Resolver receives queries and forwards them to Map-Servers.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Map-Server
In LISP (RFC 6830), the Map-Server (MS) is the central repository that stores the mapping of Endpoint Identifiers (EIDs) to Routing Locators (RLOCs). When an Ingress Tunnel Router (ITR) needs to forward traffic to a destination EID, it queries the Map-Resolver, which in turn contacts the Map-Server to retrieve the authoritative mapping. The Map-Server also accepts registration from Egress Tunnel Routers (ETRs) on behalf of their EID prefixes, making it the definitive source for EID-to-RLOC bindings.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Map-Server
Why this is correct
Correct. The Map-Server maintains the mapping database for the LISP site.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Altitude
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Altitude is not a LISP component; it is a term in networking concepts.
Tunnel Router
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Tunnel routers (ITR/ETR) encapsulate/decapsulate packets but do not store mappings.
Map-Resolver
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. The Map-Resolver receives queries and forwards them to Map-Servers.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between the Map-Server (which stores the mapping) and the Map-Resolver (which only proxies requests), so the trap here is confusing the resolver's forwarding role with the server's storage role, leading candidates to incorrectly select Map-Resolver.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, the Map-Server implements the LISP mapping database using a distributed hash table or a centralized database, and it authenticates ETR registrations via a shared secret (e.g., using LISP-SEC for integrity). In a real-world service provider network, the Map-Server can be deployed in a redundant pair to ensure high availability; if an ITR receives a stale or missing mapping, it sends a map-request to the Map-Resolver, which then queries the Map-Server for the authoritative RLOC set, including priority and weight values for traffic engineering.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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
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Services — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Services — This question tests Services — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Map-Server — In LISP (RFC 6830), the Map-Server (MS) is the central repository that stores the mapping of Endpoint Identifiers (EIDs) to Routing Locators (RLOCs). When an Ingress Tunnel Router (ITR) needs to forward traffic to a destination EID, it queries the Map-Resolver, which in turn contacts the Map-Server to retrieve the authoritative mapping. The Map-Server also accepts registration from Egress Tunnel Routers (ETRs) on behalf of their EID prefixes, making it the definitive source for EID-to-RLOC bindings.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
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