350-501 Architecture Practice Question
An SP is deploying MPLS in the core/backbone to support L3VPN services. What is the purpose of MP-BGP in an MPLS VPN architecture?
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
✓
To exchange customer VPN routes and VPN labels between PE routers
MP-BGP (Multiprotocol BGP) carries VPNv4 routes between PE routers, including the VPN label, enabling customer isolation and reachability across the MPLS core.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
To exchange customer VPN routes and VPN labels between PE routers
Why this is correct
MP-BGP carries VPNv4 routes with route distinguishers and VPN labels.
- ✗
To forward data packets across the MPLS core
Why it's wrong here
Data forwarding uses MPLS labels, not BGP.
- ✗
To establish IGP adjacencies between PE and CE routers
Why it's wrong here
IGP adjacencies are separate; MP-BGP runs between PEs.
- ✗
To distribute MPLS labels for LSPs
Why it's wrong here
MPLS labels are distributed by LDP or RSVP-TE, not MP-BGP.
Quick reference
VPN Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Port | Encryption | Authentication | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IKEv2 / IPsec | UDP 500 / 4500 | AES-256 | Certificates / PSK | Site-to-site & remote access |
| SSL / TLS VPN | TCP 443 | TLS 1.3 | Certificates / MFA | Clientless remote access |
| L2TP / IPsec | UDP 1701 | AES (IPsec) | PSK / Certificates | Legacy remote access |
| WireGuard | UDP 51820 | ChaCha20 | Public keys | Modern high-performance VPN |
| PPTP | TCP 1723 | MPPE (weak) | MS-CHAPv2 | Legacy — avoid in production |
PPTP is considered insecure. IKEv2/IPsec and SSL VPN are the current recommended options.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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