The answer is that the BGP route reflector leaves the next-hop attribute unchanged from the originating PE. This default behavior is rooted in the fundamental role of a route reflector: it reflects routes without altering their path attributes, ensuring that the next-hop remains the loopback address of the Provider Edge router that originally advertised the VPNv4 route. In an MPLS L3VPN network, this is critical because the receiving PE must have a label-switched path to that specific next-hop for proper traffic forwarding. On the Cisco SPCOR / CCNP Service Provider Core 350-501 exam, this concept tests your understanding of route reflector operation versus a full BGP mesh, and a common trap is assuming the reflector updates the next-hop to itself. Remember the memory tip: “Reflectors relay, they don’t rewrite”—the next-hop stays with the originator.
350-501 MPLS and Segment Routing Practice Question
This 350-501 practice question tests your understanding of mpls and segment routing. 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 an MPLS L3VPN network with route reflectors, what is the default behavior regarding the BGP next-hop attribute for reflected VPNv4 routes?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
It leaves the next-hop unchanged from the originating PE.
Route reflectors do not modify the next-hop attribute by default; it remains the originating PE's loopback.
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.
✗
It sets the next-hop to 0.0.0.0.
Why it's wrong here
Next-hop 0.0.0.0 is not used in route reflection.
✗
It removes the next-hop attribute.
Why it's wrong here
Removing next-hop would make the route unreachable.
✗
It sets the next-hop to the route reflector's loopback.
Why it's wrong here
Route reflectors do not change the next-hop; that would break reachability.
✓
It leaves the next-hop unchanged from the originating PE.
Why this is correct
Route reflectors preserve the next-hop attribute.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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.
MPLS and Segment Routing — This question tests MPLS and Segment Routing — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: It leaves the next-hop unchanged from the originating PE. — Route reflectors do not modify the next-hop attribute by default; it remains the originating PE's loopback.
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.
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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