350-501 MPLS and Segment Routing Practice Question
In an MPLS L3VPN network with route reflectors, what is the default behavior regarding the BGP next-hop attribute for reflected VPNv4 routes?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the misconception that route reflectors behave like route servers or that they must update the next-hop to themselves to ensure reachability, but in MPLS L3VPN, the next-hop must remain unchanged to preserve the MPLS forwarding path.
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 leaves the next-hop unchanged from the originating PE.
In an MPLS L3VPN network with route reflectors, the default behavior for VPNv4 routes is that the route reflector does not modify the BGP next-hop attribute. This is because the next-hop should remain the address of the originating PE router to ensure proper MPLS label switching and reachability. Changing the next-hop would break the MPLS forwarding path, as the P routers rely on the IGP to reach the PE's loopback, not the route reflector's.
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.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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