Quick Answer
The answer is to use Anycast-RP, as it is the most scalable solution for distributing the RP load across multiple routers in a PIM-SM domain. This works because Anycast-RP allows several RPs to share the same IP address; sources register with the nearest RP based on unicast routing, and receivers join toward that same anycast address, which is routed to the closest physical RP. This naturally balances the registration and join processing load without altering the PIM-SM protocol itself. On the Cisco SPCOR 350-501 exam, this concept tests your understanding of multicast scaling techniques, often appearing in a scenario where a single RP is overwhelmed by IPTV traffic—the common trap is to suggest MSDP or BSR, but Anycast-RP is the correct, lightweight solution. Remember the memory tip: “Anycast-RP: one IP, many RPs—load spreads like a fan.”
This 350-501 practice question tests your understanding of networking. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
A service provider is deploying multicast service for IPTV using PIM-SM with a single RP. During high traffic periods, the RP becomes overloaded. What is the most scalable solution to distribute the load across multiple RPs?
Use Anycast-RP
Anycast-RP allows multiple RPs under a single RP address, distributing the load.
Use Bidirectional PIM
Why wrong: BIDIR-PIM is more suitable for many-to-many multicast, not IPTV (source-specific).
Increase the RP's memory and CPU
Why wrong: This is a short-term fix, not a scalable solution.
Use PIM-DM
Why wrong: PIM-DM uses flood-and-prune, which is inefficient for large-scale networks.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Use Anycast-RP
Anycast-RP allows multiple RPs to share the same IP address, enabling load distribution and redundancy. In PIM-SM, sources register with the nearest RP via unicast routing, and receivers join toward the same Anycast-RP address, which is routed to the closest physical RP. This distributes the registration and join processing load across multiple RPs without requiring protocol changes.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Use Anycast-RP
Why this is correct
Anycast-RP allows multiple RPs under a single RP address, distributing the load.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Use Bidirectional PIM
Why it's wrong here
BIDIR-PIM is more suitable for many-to-many multicast, not IPTV (source-specific).
Increase the RP's memory and CPU
Why it's wrong here
This is a short-term fix, not a scalable solution.
Use PIM-DM
Why it's wrong here
PIM-DM uses flood-and-prune, which is inefficient for large-scale networks.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the misconception that Bidirectional PIM or simply upgrading hardware can solve RP overload, but the key is that Anycast-RP is the only option that distributes the RP load across multiple devices while maintaining a single RP address for the multicast domain.
Detailed technical explanation
Anycast-RP works by configuring the same IP address on multiple RPs and using MSDP (Multicast Source Discovery Protocol) or PIM Anycast-RP (RFC 4610) to synchronize source information between RPs. In a real-world IPTV deployment, this allows different sources to register with different physical RPs based on unicast routing, while receivers join the Anycast-RP address and are directed to the closest RP, effectively load-balancing the control plane traffic.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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FAQ
Networking — This question tests Networking — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Use Anycast-RP — Anycast-RP allows multiple RPs to share the same IP address, enabling load distribution and redundancy. In PIM-SM, sources register with the nearest RP via unicast routing, and receivers join toward the same Anycast-RP address, which is routed to the closest physical RP. This distributes the registration and join processing load across multiple RPs without requiring protocol changes.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 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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