350-501 Architecture Practice Question
A service provider wants to implement Segment Routing in its MPLS core to simplify traffic engineering. What is the primary advantage of Segment Routing over traditional RSVP-TE?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the misconception that Segment Routing requires a central controller (like PCE) for path calculation, but in fact SR can use distributed IGP-based path computation or explicit SID lists without any controller.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
No per-flow state on transit routers
Segment Routing (SR) eliminates the need for per-flow state on transit routers by encoding the path as a list of segment identifiers (SIDs) directly in the packet header. In contrast, RSVP-TE requires each transit router to maintain soft-state for every LSP, consuming memory and CPU. This state reduction simplifies network operation and scales better in large MPLS cores.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
No per-flow state on transit routers
Why this is correct
SR uses source routing; transit routers only need label forwarding.
- ✗
Improved ECMP load balancing
Why it's wrong here
Both can use ECMP.
- ✗
Better support for Fast Reroute
Why it's wrong here
Both SR and RSVP-TE support FRR.
- ✗
Requires a central controller for path calculation
Why it's wrong here
SR can be deployed without a controller.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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