- A
Narrow metrics are used only for L1 routes, while TE metrics are used for L2.
Why wrong: Both metric types can apply to L1 and L2; narrow metrics are not limited to L1.
- B
Wide metrics allow values up to 2^24 - 1, while narrow metrics allow up to 63.
Wide metrics use 24 bits (max 16777215), narrow use 6 bits (max 63).
- C
TE metrics override narrow metrics for SPF calculations.
Why wrong: TE metrics are not used for SPF; they are for TE path computation.
- D
TE metrics are used by default when metric-style wide is configured.
Why wrong: TE metrics are always separate; wide metric style does not automatically set TE metrics.
Question 867 of 1,000
350-501 Networking Practice Question
This 350-501 practice question tests your understanding of networking. 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.
An SP engineer is troubleshooting IS-IS routing. The network uses wide metrics, and some links have been configured with TE metrics. Which statement correctly describes the relationship between TE metrics and narrow metrics in IS-IS?
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
✓
Wide metrics allow values up to 2^24 - 1, while narrow metrics allow up to 63.
IS-IS supports both narrow (6-bit) and wide (24-bit) style metrics. TE metrics are separate TLVs that carry additional information for MPLS-TE and do not replace the standard metric used for SPF computation.
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.
- ✗
Narrow metrics are used only for L1 routes, while TE metrics are used for L2.
Why it's wrong here
Both metric types can apply to L1 and L2; narrow metrics are not limited to L1.
- ✓
Wide metrics allow values up to 2^24 - 1, while narrow metrics allow up to 63.
Why this is correct
Wide metrics use 24 bits (max 16777215), narrow use 6 bits (max 63).
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
TE metrics override narrow metrics for SPF calculations.
Why it's wrong here
TE metrics are not used for SPF; they are for TE path computation.
- ✗
TE metrics are used by default when metric-style wide is configured.
Why it's wrong here
TE metrics are always separate; wide metric style does not automatically set TE metrics.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- 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 practitioner preparing for the 350-501 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which 350-501 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-501 question test?
Networking — This question tests Networking — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Wide metrics allow values up to 2^24 - 1, while narrow metrics allow up to 63. — IS-IS supports both narrow (6-bit) and wide (24-bit) style metrics. TE metrics are separate TLVs that carry additional information for MPLS-TE and do not replace the standard metric used for SPF computation.
What should I do if I get this 350-501 question wrong?
Identify which 350-501 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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.
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