- A
Cluster ID
Why wrong: Cluster ID is used to avoid loops between clusters.
- B
AS_PATH
Why wrong: AS_PATH prevents loops between ASes.
- C
Originator ID
Originator ID identifies the originator of a route within an AS.
- D
NEXT_HOP
Why wrong: NEXT_HOP does not prevent loops.
Question 488 of 1,000
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 BGP, which attribute is used to prevent routing loops when route reflectors are deployed?
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
✓
Originator ID
Originator ID is used by route reflectors to prevent loops. If a router receives a route with its own router ID as originator, it discards it.
Key principle: OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Cluster ID
Why it's wrong here
Cluster ID is used to avoid loops between clusters.
- ✗
AS_PATH
Why it's wrong here
AS_PATH prevents loops between ASes.
- ✓
Originator ID
Why this is correct
Originator ID identifies the originator of a route within an AS.
Related concept
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
- ✗
NEXT_HOP
Why it's wrong here
NEXT_HOP does not prevent loops.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: OSPF can fail even when IP connectivity looks correct
OSPF neighbour formation depends on matching areas, timers, network type, authentication and passive-interface behaviour. Do not choose an answer only because the devices can ping.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
OSPF questions usually test the details that control adjacency and route selection. Read the neighbour state, area, router ID and interface configuration before deciding what is wrong.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
- Router ID selection can affect neighbour relationships and LSDB output.
- OSPF cost influences the preferred path.
- A route can appear in OSPF information but not become the installed route.
TExam Day Tips
- Check area mismatch first when OSPF adjacency fails.
- Review passive interfaces when a network is advertised but no neighbour forms.
- Use show ip ospf neighbor and show ip route clues carefully.
Key takeaway
OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
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. OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough. 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.
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related 350-501 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-501 question test?
Networking — This question tests Networking — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Originator ID — Originator ID is used by route reflectors to prevent loops. If a router receives a route with its own router ID as originator, it discards it.
What should I do if I get this 350-501 question wrong?
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related 350-501 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This 350-501 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 350-501 exam.
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