Quick Answer
The answer is MPLS echo request and MPLS traceroute, which together form the core MPLS OAM tools for troubleshooting label switching paths. These tools are correct because they operate by sending MPLS echo request packets—essentially a specialized form of ICMP echo—along the LSP to verify label correctness and reachability at each hop; the echo request is the foundation of LSP ping, while MPLS traceroute uses a sequence of echo requests with incrementing TTL values to map the entire path. On the Cisco SPCOR / CCNP Service Provider Core 350-501 exam, this question tests your understanding of MPLS Operations, Administration, and Maintenance (OAM) as defined in RFC 4379, and it often appears as a straightforward two-answer selection where common traps include confusing these with BGP path verification tools or generic IP ping. A reliable memory tip is to remember that MPLS OAM always starts with an echo request—think “echo first, trace later”—and that both tools rely on the same underlying UDP-based probe mechanism, not ICMP.
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.
Which two MPLS OAM tools can be used to troubleshoot label switching paths? (Choose two)
traceroute
Why wrong: IP traceroute shows layer 3 hops, not MPLS LSP details.
show ip route
Why wrong: This command shows the routing table, not MPLS OAM tools.
MPLS LSP ping
MPLS LSP ping sends MPLS echo request to verify LSP connectivity.
ping
Why wrong: IP ping does not use MPLS labels and cannot test LSPs.
MPLS echo request
MPLS echo request is the underlying packet type used by LSP ping and traceroute.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
MPLS LSP ping
MPLS LSP ping (echo request) and MPLS traceroute are the primary OAM tools for LSP verification.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
traceroute
Why it's wrong here
IP traceroute shows layer 3 hops, not MPLS LSP details.
show ip route
Why it's wrong here
This command shows the routing table, not MPLS OAM tools.
MPLS LSP ping
Why this is correct
MPLS LSP ping sends MPLS echo request to verify LSP connectivity.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
ping
Why it's wrong here
IP ping does not use MPLS labels and cannot test LSPs.
MPLS echo request
Why this is correct
MPLS echo request is the underlying packet type used by LSP ping and traceroute.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
Common exam traps
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
IP traceroute shows layer 3 hops, not MPLS LSP details.
Detailed technical explanation
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 350-501 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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 — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
The correct answer is: MPLS LSP ping — MPLS LSP ping (echo request) and MPLS traceroute are the primary OAM tools for LSP verification.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 350-501 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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 24, 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.