The answer is to configure backup tunnels with explicit paths that avoid high-latency links. This is correct because MPLS TE FRR backup tunnel latency is determined by the physical path the backup tunnel takes; by default, a backup tunnel may traverse suboptimal links, but using explicit path objects allows you to engineer the backup route to bypass high-latency segments, directly addressing voice quality degradation after a fiber cut. On the Cisco SPCOR / CCNP Service Provider Core 350-501 exam, this question tests your understanding that FRR protects against link failure but does not guarantee latency performance unless the backup tunnel is explicitly constrained—a common trap is confusing node protection (which only ensures a different next-hop) with path optimization. Remember the memory tip: “Explicit paths for explicit latency control” — if you want low latency in the backup, you must specify the path, not just the protection type.
350-501 Networking Practice Question
This 350-501 practice question tests your understanding of networking. 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.
A service provider's network uses MPLS TE with Fast Reroute (FRR) for link protection. After a fiber cut on a core link, the traffic is rerouted via a backup tunnel, but the backup tunnel's path suffers from high latency. The customer complains about poor voice quality. What can be done to avoid this scenario in future deployments?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Configure backup tunnels with explicit paths that avoid high-latency links
Option B is correct. By explicitly configuring the backup tunnel with a path specification (e.g., using explicit path objects) that avoids high-latency links, the backup path can be engineered to meet latency requirements. Option A (node protection) does not address latency. Option C (BGP PIC) is for edge convergence, not core protection. Option D (increasing bandwidth reservation) affects bandwidth but not latency.
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
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Configure backup tunnels with explicit paths that avoid high-latency links
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
Increase the bandwidth reservations on the backup tunnel
Why it's wrong here
Bandwidth reservation does not affect latency.
✗
Implement BGP PIC for edge routers
Why it's wrong here
BGP PIC improves convergence at the network edge, not in core MPLS TE.
✗
Use node protection instead of link protection
Why it's wrong here
Node protection protects against node failures, but does not guarantee low latency for the backup path.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
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.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
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.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
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
How this comes up in practice
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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.
Networking — This question tests Networking — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure backup tunnels with explicit paths that avoid high-latency links — Option B is correct. By explicitly configuring the backup tunnel with a path specification (e.g., using explicit path objects) that avoids high-latency links, the backup path can be engineered to meet latency requirements. Option A (node protection) does not address latency. Option C (BGP PIC) is for edge convergence, not core protection. Option D (increasing bandwidth reservation) affects bandwidth but not latency.
What should I do if I get this 350-501 question wrong?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Question Discussion
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