350-501 Networking Practice Question
In a Layer 3 MPLS VPN, a customer site that is part of VRF RED is unable to communicate with another site that is also in VRF RED. The 'show ip bgp vpnv4 vrf RED' command shows the routes, but the router does not install them in the routing table. Which configuration element is most likely missing?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between route-target import and export, and the trap here is that candidates see routes in the BGP table and assume they should be in the routing table, overlooking that import filtering is the final gatekeeper for VRF route installation.
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
✓
The route-target import on the receiving PE.
In a Layer 3 MPLS VPN, VRF RED routes are learned via MP-BGP between PEs. The 'show ip bgp vpnv4 vrf RED' command confirms the routes are present in the BGP table, but they are not installed in the routing table because the receiving PE lacks the correct route-target import configuration. The route-target import statement on the VRF determines which VPNv4 routes are accepted and installed into the VRF's RIB; without it, the routes remain in BGP but are not added to the routing table.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
A BGP session between PEs.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. BGP session exists if routes are visible in 'show ip bgp vpnv4'.
- ✗
The route-target export on the receiving PE.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Export is for routes sent from this PE.
- ✓
The route-target import on the receiving PE.
Why this is correct
Correct. Import is needed to accept routes into the VRF.
- ✗
An MPLS LDP session between PEs.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. LDP is for label distribution, not for VRF route installation.
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