- A
RESTCONF
Why wrong: RESTCONF is for data access, not path computation.
- B
PCEP
PCEP is the standard protocol for PCE-PCC interactions.
- C
NETCONF
Why wrong: NETCONF is for configuration management, not path computation.
- D
BGP-LS
Why wrong: BGP-LS distributes link-state topology, not path computation.
Question 784 of 1,000
350-501 Automation and Quality of Services Practice Question
This 350-501 practice question tests your understanding of automation and quality of services. 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 SR-PCE architecture, which protocol is used for communication between the Path Computation Element (PCE) and the Path Computation Client (PCC) to request and report SR-TE paths?
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
✓
PCEP
B is correct because the Path Computation Element Protocol (PCEP), defined in RFC 5440 and extended for Segment Routing in RFC 8664, is the dedicated protocol used between a PCE and a PCC to request, report, and delegate SR-TE paths. PCEP carries explicit path computation requests (PCReq) and replies (PCRep), as well as state reporting (PCRpt) and delegation (PCUpd) messages, making it the standard control-plane protocol for SR-PCE architectures.
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.
- ✗
RESTCONF
Why it's wrong here
RESTCONF is for data access, not path computation.
- ✓
PCEP
Why this is correct
PCEP is the standard protocol for PCE-PCC interactions.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
NETCONF
Why it's wrong here
NETCONF is for configuration management, not path computation.
- ✗
BGP-LS
Why it's wrong here
BGP-LS distributes link-state topology, not path computation.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between protocols that carry topology information (BGP-LS) versus protocols that carry path computation requests (PCEP), so candidates mistakenly choose BGP-LS because they associate it with Segment Routing, but it does not handle the PCE-PCC signaling.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
PCEP for SR-TE uses the SR-ERO (Explicit Route Object) subobject to encode segment lists (label stacks) in the path reply, and the LSP object to carry the candidate path state. In a stateful PCE deployment, the PCC reports its LSP database via PCRpt messages, and the PCE can update or initiate paths using PCUpd or PCInitiate messages, enabling dynamic optimization of SR-TE policies. A real-world scenario is a service provider using a centralized PCE to compute disjoint paths for dual-homed services, where PCEP ensures the PCC receives the exact segment list to enforce the computed path.
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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-501 question test?
Automation and Quality of Services — This question tests Automation and Quality of Services — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: PCEP — B is correct because the Path Computation Element Protocol (PCEP), defined in RFC 5440 and extended for Segment Routing in RFC 8664, is the dedicated protocol used between a PCE and a PCC to request, report, and delegate SR-TE paths. PCEP carries explicit path computation requests (PCReq) and replies (PCRep), as well as state reporting (PCRpt) and delegation (PCUpd) messages, making it the standard control-plane protocol for SR-PCE architectures.
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.
About these practice questions
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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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