Quick Answer
The correct command is show ip route bgp, because when a CE receives a VPN route but the PE cannot forward packets, the root cause is typically a failure in BGP next-hop resolution. In MPLS L3VPN troubleshooting, the PE must recursively resolve the BGP next-hop of the VPN route through an IGP like OSPF or IS-IS; if that next-hop is missing from the global routing table, packets will be dropped even though the VPN label is assigned. This command filters the routing table to display only BGP-learned routes, letting you instantly verify whether the next-hop address is reachable and whether recursive routing is successful. On the Cisco SPCOR 350-501 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the control-plane versus data-plane split in MPLS VPNs—a common trap is assuming the VPN label alone guarantees forwarding, when in fact the IGP route to the next-hop is mandatory. Memory tip: think “BGP gives the destination, IGP gives the path”—if show ip route bgp shows no route to the next-hop, the path is broken.
This 350-501 practice question tests your understanding of mpls and segment routing. 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 MPLS L3VPN issue where a CE router is receiving the VPN route from the PE but cannot ping the remote CE's loopback. The PE shows that the VPN label is assigned but cannot route the packets. Which command would help determine if the remote PE is correctly resolving the BGP next-hop via IGP?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
show ip route bgp
Shows the BGP route and its next-hop reachability (via IGP).
show mpls ldp neighbor
Why wrong: Shows LDP session status, not the BGP next-hop.
show ip route vrf CUST
Why wrong: Shows VRF routes but not the underlying IGP path to the BGP next-hop.
show mpls forwarding-table vrf CUST
Why wrong: Shows label forwarding, not IGP reachability.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
show ip route bgp
Option A, 'show ip route bgp', is correct because the issue is that the remote PE cannot route packets to the BGP next-hop of the VPN route. The CE receives the route, but the PE cannot forward packets, indicating a missing or incorrect IGP route to the next-hop address. This command displays BGP routes in the global routing table, allowing you to verify if the next-hop is reachable via IGP (e.g., OSPF or IS-IS) and if the recursive routing is successful.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
show ip route bgp
Why this is correct
Shows the BGP route and its next-hop reachability (via IGP).
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
show mpls ldp neighbor
Why it's wrong here
Shows LDP session status, not the BGP next-hop.
show ip route vrf CUST
Why it's wrong here
Shows VRF routes but not the underlying IGP path to the BGP next-hop.
show mpls forwarding-table vrf CUST
Why it's wrong here
Shows label forwarding, not IGP reachability.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between VRF-specific commands and global routing table commands; the trap here is that candidates assume 'show ip route vrf CUST' will show the next-hop reachability, but it only shows the VPN route itself, not the underlying IGP route required for recursive forwarding.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Shows LDP session status, not the BGP next-hop.
Detailed technical explanation
In MPLS L3VPN, the PE uses recursive route resolution: the BGP next-hop (remote PE's loopback) must be reachable via an IGP route in the global routing table. If the IGP route is missing or incorrect, the PE cannot impose the transport label (LDP label) for the next-hop, causing packets to be dropped. The 'show ip route bgp' command filters for BGP routes and shows the next-hop and its reachability status, helping isolate whether the IGP has a route to the next-hop or if a redistribution issue exists.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A network engineer at a university connects two campus buildings via a fibre link. Both routers run OSPF, but no adjacency forms — even though both routers can ping each other. The engineer finds one router is in area 0 and the other in area 1. OSPF adjacency requires matching area numbers, hello/dead timers, and network type. IP reachability alone is not enough.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
MPLS and Segment Routing — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
MPLS and Segment Routing practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All 350-501 questions
500 questions across all exam domains
Cisco SPCOR / CCNP Service Provider Core 350-501 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
350-501 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise 350-501 questions linked to Architecture.
Practise 350-501 questions linked to Networking.
Practise 350-501 questions linked to MPLS and Segment Routing.
Practise 350-501 questions linked to Automation and Quality of Service.
Practise 350-501 questions linked to Services.
Practise 350-501 questions linked to Automation and Assurance.
Practise 350-501 questions linked to 350-501 fundamentals.
Practise 350-501 questions linked to 350-501 scenario.
Practise 350-501 questions linked to 350-501 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
MPLS and Segment Routing — This question tests MPLS and Segment Routing — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: show ip route bgp — Option A, 'show ip route bgp', is correct because the issue is that the remote PE cannot route packets to the BGP next-hop of the VPN route. The CE receives the route, but the PE cannot forward packets, indicating a missing or incorrect IGP route to the next-hop address. This command displays BGP routes in the global routing table, allowing you to verify if the next-hop is reachable via IGP (e.g., OSPF or IS-IS) and if the recursive routing is successful.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jun 25, 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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.