The answer is that each PE router independently selects the best path based on BGP attributes, ensuring only one route is installed in the VRF. This works because BGP path selection operates within the VRF context, evaluating attributes like local preference and IGP metric to the next-hop to choose the optimal path; route targets only control which prefixes are imported or exported, not the selection logic itself. On the Cisco SPCOR 350-501 exam, this concept tests your understanding that dual-homed CE scenarios rely on standard BGP best-path selection per PE, not on route target filtering—a common trap is assuming RTs influence path preference. Remember the memory tip: “RTs for import/export, BGP attributes for best path.”
350-501 Networking Practice Question
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.
In a Layer 3 MPLS VPN, a CE router is dual-homed to two different PE routers. The PE routers advertise the same prefix to the route reflector with different route targets. What ensures that only the best path is installed in the VRF?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Each PE router independently selects the best path based on BGP attributes.
BGP path selection applies within the VRF. The route with higher local preference or shorter IGP metric to the next-hop determines the best path. Route targets are used for import/export only.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Each PE router independently selects the best path based on BGP attributes.
Why this is correct
BGP best path selection runs in the VRF context on each PE, using standard attributes.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
The route reflector discards duplicate prefixes.
Why it's wrong here
Route reflectors only reflect routes; they do not perform best path selection for VRFs.
The CE router must advertise the same route to only one PE.
Why it's wrong here
CE can advertise to both; the PE selects best path.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 350-501 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Networking — This question tests Networking — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Each PE router independently selects the best path based on BGP attributes. — BGP path selection applies within the VRF. The route with higher local preference or shorter IGP metric to the next-hop determines the best path. Route targets are used for import/export only.
What should I do if I get this 350-501 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 350-501 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Question Discussion
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