350-501 Architecture Practice Question
An SP is managing a large MPLS network and needs to verify the MPLS forwarding entries for a specific VRF. Which command provides the most complete information for the VRF?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between control plane (BGP, CEF) and data plane (MPLS forwarding) commands, and the trap here is that candidates confuse 'show ip cef vrf' (which shows IP forwarding) with 'show mpls forwarding-table vrf' (which shows MPLS label forwarding), leading them to choose option A instead of the correct B.
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
✓
show mpls forwarding-table vrf <name>
The 'show mpls forwarding-table vrf <name>' command displays the complete MPLS forwarding entries for a specific VRF, including the incoming label, outgoing label, next-hop, and outgoing interface. This command is specifically designed to verify MPLS label-switched paths (LSPs) for a VRF, which is essential for troubleshooting MPLS VPN forwarding. It provides the most complete information for MPLS forwarding, as it shows both the label operations (swap, pop, push) and the VRF-specific forwarding details.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
show ip cef vrf <name>
Why it's wrong here
This shows IP CEF entries but not MPLS label information.
- ✓
show mpls forwarding-table vrf <name>
Why this is correct
Shows the complete LFIB for the VRF with inbound and outbound labels.
- ✗
show mpls vrf <name>
Why it's wrong here
This command does not exist in Cisco IOS-XE.
- ✗
show bgp vpnv4 unicast all labels
Why it's wrong here
Displays BGP label assignments, but not the actual forwarding table.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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