The answer is to verify the MTU consistency on the pseudowire and check for a VC ID mismatch. When the pseudowire status shows as ‘up’ but the CE cannot ping the remote CE, the L2VPN control plane is functional, but the data plane is failing—typically due to a configuration mismatch that prevents traffic from traversing the pseudowire. An MTU inconsistency causes the pseudowire to encapsulate frames that exceed the path MTU, silently dropping them, while a mismatched VC ID means the two endpoints are not actually connected to the same virtual circuit, even though each side reports ‘up’ independently. On the Cisco SPCOR 350-501 exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish between control-plane success and data-plane failure; a common trap is assuming ‘up’ means end-to-end connectivity is working. Remember the memory tip: “Up is not enough—check the VC and the MTU stuff.”
350-501 Architecture Practice Question
This 350-501 practice question tests your understanding of architecture. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
A service provider is troubleshooting an L2VPN where a CE is unable to ping the remote CE. The PE-CE interfaces are up, and the pseudowire status shows 'up'. Which two actions should be taken to further isolate the issue? (Choose two.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Verify the VC ID match on both PEs
VC ID mismatch (A) and MTU inconsistency (C) are common causes when pseudowire is up but traffic fails. LDP session (B) is already up because pseudowire is up. MAC address table (D) is not relevant for point-to-point L2VPN. VFI (E) is for VPLS, not point-to-point.
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.
✗
Check the MAC address table on the CE
Why it's wrong here
MAC address table is not used in point-to-point L2VPN; it's transparent.
✗
Check the LDP session between PEs
Why it's wrong here
The LDP session is already established because pseudowire is up.
✗
Verify the VFI configuration on the PE
Why it's wrong here
VFI is used for VPLS, not for point-to-point L2VPN.
✓
Verify the VC ID match on both PEs
Why this is correct
Mismatched VC IDs can cause traffic to be dropped despite pseudowire being up.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Verify the MTU consistency on the pseudowire
Why this is correct
MTU mismatch can cause packet drops, especially if end-to-end MTU is not aligned.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 350-501 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Architecture — This question tests Architecture — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Verify the VC ID match on both PEs — VC ID mismatch (A) and MTU inconsistency (C) are common causes when pseudowire is up but traffic fails. LDP session (B) is already up because pseudowire is up. MAC address table (D) is not relevant for point-to-point L2VPN. VFI (E) is for VPLS, not point-to-point.
What should I do if I get this 350-501 question wrong?
Identify which 350-501 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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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