350-501 MPLS and Segment Routing Practice Question
In RSVP-TE, which message is sent by the headend router along the explicit route to reserve resources and establish an LSP?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between the direction of PATH (headend to tailend) and RESV (tailend to headend), trapping candidates who confuse which message initiates the reservation versus which message actually reserves resources.
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
✓
PATH
In RSVP-TE, the headend router sends a PATH message along the explicit route to signal the desired LSP. This message carries the label request, traffic parameters, and the explicit route object (ERO) to each downstream router, which then forwards it hop-by-hop toward the destination. Only after the PATH message reaches the tailend does the tailend respond with a RESV message to actually reserve resources and establish the LSP.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
RESV
Why it's wrong here
RESV is the response message from the tailend.
- ✓
PATH
Why this is correct
Correct. PATH carries the ERO and requests resources.
- ✗
RSVP Hello
Why it's wrong here
Used for neighbor liveness detection.
- ✗
RSVP Tear
Why it's wrong here
Teardown message.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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