The answer is the route-target import configuration on the receiving PE router. In a Layer 3 MPLS VPN, when the 'show ip bgp vpnv4 vrf RED' command displays the remote routes but they are not installed in the VRF routing table, it indicates that the VPNv4 routes are being received via BGP but are failing the route-target import filter. The route-target import statement on the VRF definition tells the router which exported routes to accept and install into the local routing table; without it, the router sees the routes in BGP but does not consider them valid for the VRF. This scenario directly tests your understanding of the separation between BGP route advertisement and VRF route installation, a common pitfall on the Cisco SPCOR 350-501 exam. Many candidates mistakenly check LDP or BGP sessions, but the routes are already in BGP—the missing piece is the import policy. Memory tip: think of route-target export as "sending a package" and route-target import as "accepting it at your door"—without the import, the package sits in the truck (BGP table) but never enters your house (routing table).
350-501 Networking Practice Question
This 350-501 practice question tests your understanding of networking. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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 a Layer 3 MPLS VPN, a customer site that is part of VRF RED is unable to communicate with another site that is also in VRF RED. The 'show ip bgp vpnv4 vrf RED' command shows the routes, but the router does not install them in the routing table. Which configuration element is most likely missing?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The route-target import on the receiving PE.
Option B is correct because route-target import on the receiving PE is required to install VPNv4 routes into the VRF. Option A is incorrect; export is for sending routes. Option C is incorrect; LDP is used for label exchange but not for VRF route installation. Option D is incorrect; BGP sessions between PEs are usually in place if routes are seen.
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.
✗
A BGP session between PEs.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. BGP session exists if routes are visible in 'show ip bgp vpnv4'.
✗
The route-target export on the receiving PE.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Export is for routes sent from this PE.
✓
The route-target import on the receiving PE.
Why this is correct
Correct. Import is needed to accept routes into the VRF.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
An MPLS LDP session between PEs.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. LDP is for label distribution, not for VRF route installation.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Incorrect. BGP session exists if routes are visible in 'show ip bgp vpnv4'.
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.
Networking — This question tests Networking — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The route-target import on the receiving PE. — Option B is correct because route-target import on the receiving PE is required to install VPNv4 routes into the VRF. Option A is incorrect; export is for sending routes. Option C is incorrect; LDP is used for label exchange but not for VRF route installation. Option D is incorrect; BGP sessions between PEs are usually in place if routes are seen.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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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