The answer is to use the 'path-option' with 'metric delay' under the RSVP-TE tunnel configuration. This object forces the MPLS Traffic Engineering path computation to select a route based on the lowest cumulative delay metric rather than the default IGP cost or hop count, directly enforcing a maximum delay constraint for sensitive voice traffic. On the Cisco SPCOR 350-501 exam, this tests your understanding of how RSVP-TE path-option metrics can override standard CSPF behavior to meet application-specific SLAs. A common trap is confusing this with the 'metric te' command, which optimizes for TE cost, not delay. Remember the mnemonic: "Delay for voice, TE for choice"—if latency is the priority, 'metric delay' is the only correct path-option.
350-501 MPLS and Segment Routing Practice Question
This 350-501 practice question tests your understanding of mpls and segment routing. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
An engineer is configuring an MPLS Traffic Engineering tunnel using RSVP-TE. The tunnel is intended to carry voice traffic with strict delay requirements. Which RSVP-TE object should be used to enforce a maximum delay path?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use the 'path-option' with 'metric delay' under the tunnel
The 'path-option with metric delay' command instructs RSVP-TE to compute a path that minimizes cumulative delay rather than IGP cost or hop count. This directly enforces a maximum delay constraint for voice traffic by selecting the path with the lowest measured or configured delay metric across the MPLS 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.
✗
Enable 'record-route' on the tunnel
Why it's wrong here
Record-route only records the actual path taken.
✗
Configure 'fast-reroute' protection
Why it's wrong here
Fast-reroute is for link/node protection, not path optimization.
✗
Specify an explicit-path (ERO) manually
Why it's wrong here
Manual ERO does not dynamically enforce delay constraints.
✓
Use the 'path-option' with 'metric delay' under the tunnel
Why this is correct
This allows CSPF to use delay as the metric for path computation.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between path selection tools (like metric types) and path recording or protection mechanisms, leading candidates to confuse 'record-route' or 'fast-reroute' with delay enforcement.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
RSVP-TE path computation uses the Traffic Engineering Database (TED) populated by OSPF-TE or IS-IS-TE link-state advertisements. When 'metric delay' is configured, the head-end router performs a Constrained Shortest Path First (CSPF) calculation using the delay metric (e.g., RFC 7810-defined unidirectional link delay) instead of the default TE metric or IGP cost. In real-world deployments, this is critical for voice traffic where jitter and latency must stay below 150 ms one-way; the delay metric can be dynamically advertised via OSPF-TE or IS-IS TE extensions to reflect current network conditions.
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 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
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: Use the 'path-option' with 'metric delay' under the tunnel — The 'path-option with metric delay' command instructs RSVP-TE to compute a path that minimizes cumulative delay rather than IGP cost or hop count. This directly enforces a maximum delay constraint for voice traffic by selecting the path with the lowest measured or configured delay metric across the MPLS 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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