350-501 Networking Practice Question
An SP network is implementing BGP PIC (Prefix Independent Convergence) for fast failover. What is the primary mechanism used by BGP PIC to achieve sub-second convergence?
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
✓
It pre-computes and installs a backup path in the FIB for each prefix
BGP PIC uses a backup path (often a pre-computed alternate path) that is installed in the FIB along with the primary path. Upon failure of the primary path, traffic is switched to the backup path without waiting for BGP convergence.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
It pre-computes and installs a backup path in the FIB for each prefix
Why this is correct
Correct. BGP PIC installs a backup path so that upon failure, traffic is immediately switched to the backup.
- ✗
It uses route summarization to reduce the number of prefixes
Why it's wrong here
Summarization reduces table size but does not provide fast convergence.
- ✗
It implements BGP multipath to load balance traffic
Why it's wrong here
Multipath is for load balancing, not fast failover.
- ✗
It relies on BFD to detect failures quickly
Why it's wrong here
BFD is used for fast failure detection, but BGP PIC uses pre-installed backup paths.
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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.