The answer is that the prefix 192.168.3.0/24 has two paths, with the best path selected based on some attribute. This is correct because the BGP table shows two entries for that prefix—one marked with the '>' symbol, indicating the best path, and one without—while all other prefixes have only a single path. In BGP best path selection with multiple paths, the router evaluates attributes like weight, local preference, and AS path length to choose the best route; here, the path with the shorter AS path (300) is preferred over the longer one (300 400). On the Cisco SPCOR 350-501 exam, this scenario tests your ability to read the BGP table output and understand that the '?' symbol denotes incomplete origin, not an error, and that lower local preference does not automatically make a route best. A common trap is confusing the '?' with a path selection failure, but it only indicates the origin code. Memory tip: remember that '>' always beats 'no arrow' for the same prefix, and AS path length is a tiebreaker after local preference.
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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
Router# show ip bgp
BGP table version is 123, local router ID is 10.1.1.1
Status codes: s suppressed, d damped, h history, * valid, > best, i - internal,
r RIB-failure, S Stale, m multipath, b backup-path, f RT-Filter,
x best-external, a additional-path, c RIB-compressed,
Origin codes: i - IGP, e - EGP, ? - incomplete
Network Next Hop Metric LocPrf Weight Path
*> 192.168.1.0/24 10.2.2.2 0 100 0 100 i
*> 192.168.2.0/24 10.3.3.3 0 150 0 200 i
* 192.168.3.0/24 10.4.4.4 0 100 0 300 i
*> 192.168.3.0/24 10.5.5.5 0 100 0 300 400 ?
Refer to the exhibit. Which of the following is true about the BGP table?
Refer to the exhibit.
Router# show ip bgp
BGP table version is 123, local router ID is 10.1.1.1
Status codes: s suppressed, d damped, h history, * valid, > best, i - internal,
r RIB-failure, S Stale, m multipath, b backup-path, f RT-Filter,
x best-external, a additional-path, c RIB-compressed,
Origin codes: i - IGP, e - EGP, ? - incomplete
Network Next Hop Metric LocPrf Weight Path
*> 192.168.1.0/24 10.2.2.2 0 100 0 100 i
*> 192.168.2.0/24 10.3.3.3 0 150 0 200 i
* 192.168.3.0/24 10.4.4.4 0 100 0 300 i
*> 192.168.3.0/24 10.5.5.5 0 100 0 300 400 ?
A
The route to 192.168.3.0/24 with path 300 400 has an origin of IGP.
Why wrong: Incorrect. The origin is incomplete ('?').
B
The prefix 192.168.3.0/24 has two paths, with the best path selected based on some attribute.
Correct. There are two entries, one is best.
C
The prefix 192.168.2.0/24 is not the best path because it has a lower local preference.
Why wrong: Incorrect. It has local preference 150, which is higher than 100.
D
The route to 192.168.3.0/24 via 10.4.4.4 is the best path because it has a shorter AS path.
Why wrong: Incorrect. The best path is via 10.5.5.5, which has longer AS path.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The prefix 192.168.3.0/24 has two paths, with the best path selected based on some attribute.
Option A is correct because only the prefix 192.168.3.0/24 has two paths, one marked with '>' (best) and one without. Options B, C, and D are incorrect: the '?' indicates incomplete origin, the route with lower local preference is not always best, and AS path 300 400 is longer.
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.
✗
The route to 192.168.3.0/24 with path 300 400 has an origin of IGP.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. The origin is incomplete ('?').
✓
The prefix 192.168.3.0/24 has two paths, with the best path selected based on some attribute.
Why this is correct
Correct. There are two entries, one is best.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
The prefix 192.168.2.0/24 is not the best path because it has a lower local preference.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. It has local preference 150, which is higher than 100.
✗
The route to 192.168.3.0/24 via 10.4.4.4 is the best path because it has a shorter AS path.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. The best path is via 10.5.5.5, which has longer AS 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: The prefix 192.168.3.0/24 has two paths, with the best path selected based on some attribute. — Option A is correct because only the prefix 192.168.3.0/24 has two paths, one marked with '>' (best) and one without. Options B, C, and D are incorrect: the '?' indicates incomplete origin, the route with lower local preference is not always best, and AS path 300 400 is longer.
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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