The answer is a route target mismatch with the VRF import map. A VPNv4 route received from a route reflector will only be installed into the VRF table if its Route Target (RT) matches an import statement configured under the VRF, either via a direct route-target import list or an import map. Without this match, the PE router holds the route in the BGP VPNv4 table but never imports it into the VRF, which is why the route appears in the BGP table but is missing from the routing table. On the Cisco SPCOR 350-501 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how MPLS L3VPN route distribution is controlled by RTs, often appearing as a troubleshooting scenario where a route is learned but not active. A common trap is assuming the route reflector automatically distributes all routes to all VRFs, but the import filter is the gatekeeper. Remember the mnemonic: "RT In = Route In; RT Out = Route Out."
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 an MPLS network, a PE router receives a VPNv4 route from a route reflector. The route is not being installed in the VRF table. Which condition could cause this?
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 does not match the VRF import map.
A VPNv4 route is installed into a VRF table only if its Route Target (RT) matches an import statement in the VRF's route-target import list or import map. If the RT does not match, the PE router will not import the route into the VRF, even though the route is valid in the BGP VPNv4 table. This is the most common cause for a VPNv4 route being present in BGP but missing from the VRF.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
The route target does not match the VRF import map.
Why this is correct
VRF import filters based on route targets; if mismatch, the route is not installed.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The MPLS label is missing.
Why it's wrong here
Missing label would prevent forwarding but the route can still be installed.
✗
The route distinguisher is incorrect.
Why it's wrong here
RD is used to make routes unique, not for import filtering.
✗
The next-hop is unreachable.
Why it's wrong here
While unreachable next-hop prevents forwarding, the route may still be installed in the VRF table if the import is successful.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between the Route Distinguisher (which makes prefixes unique) and the Route Target (which controls import/export), leading candidates to incorrectly blame the RD when the RT is the actual filter.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, the PE uses the BGP VPNv4 table to store all received VPNv4 routes, then applies the VRF's import RT list (configured via `route-target import` or `import map`) to filter routes into the VRF. The RD is only used to distinguish overlapping prefixes from different VRFs and does not affect import filtering. In real-world scenarios, misconfigured RTs are a frequent cause of MPLS L3VPN connectivity issues, often due to typos or mismatched extended community values.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Networking — This question tests Networking — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The route target does not match the VRF import map. — A VPNv4 route is installed into a VRF table only if its Route Target (RT) matches an import statement in the VRF's route-target import list or import map. If the RT does not match, the PE router will not import the route into the VRF, even though the route is valid in the BGP VPNv4 table. This is the most common cause for a VPNv4 route being present in BGP but missing from the VRF.
What should I do if I get this 350-501 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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