350-501 Architecture Practice Question
An ISP is deploying EVPN-VXLAN for its data center interconnect. Which statement about control-plane learning is correct?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between control-plane learning (EVPN via BGP) and data-plane learning (traditional VXLAN flood-and-learn), and candidates mistakenly associate VXLAN with data-plane learning even when EVPN is specified.
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
✓
MAC addresses are learned via BGP MP-BGP EVPN address family
In EVPN-VXLAN deployments for data center interconnect, MAC address learning occurs via the control plane using BGP with the MP-BGP EVPN address family (AFI 25 / SAFI 70). This eliminates the need for traditional data-plane flooding and learning, providing better scalability and control. The correct statement is that MAC addresses are learned via BGP MP-BGP EVPN address family.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
MAC addresses are learned via IRB
Why it's wrong here
IRB handles routing, not MAC learning.
- ✗
MAC addresses are learned via OSPF
Why it's wrong here
OSPF does not carry MAC information.
- ✓
MAC addresses are learned via BGP MP-BGP EVPN address family
Why this is correct
EVPN uses BGP for MAC route advertisement.
- ✗
MAC addresses are learned via VXLAN data plane
Why it's wrong here
VXLAN only encapsulates; learning is control-plane.
Quick reference
Access Control Model Comparison
| Model | Acronym | Who Controls Access? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discretionary Access Control | DAC | Resource owner | Small teams, file shares |
| Mandatory Access Control | MAC | System / security labels | Classified govt / military |
| Role-Based Access Control | RBAC | Administrator (via roles) | Enterprise environments |
| Attribute-Based Access Control | ABAC | Policy engine (user + resource attributes) | Fine-grained, dynamic policies |
| Rule-Based Access Control | RuBAC | System rules / ACLs | Firewall rules, network ACLs |
Go deeper
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 350-501 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 350-501 exam.