The answer is that the route reflector must include the originator ID attribute to prevent loops when propagating VPNv4 routes from one client to another. This is because the originator ID identifies the router that originally injected the route into the BGP network, allowing the route reflector to avoid reflecting the same route back to its originator, which would create a routing loop. On the Cisco SPCOR 350-501 exam, this concept tests your understanding of BGP route reflection mechanics in a service provider core environment, where VPNv4 address families are common. A frequent trap is confusing the originator ID with the cluster ID; while the cluster ID prevents loops within a cluster, the originator ID is specifically required for proper reflection between clients. Remember the mnemonic: “Originator IDs the source, Cluster IDs the course.”
350-501 Architecture Practice Question
This 350-501 practice question tests your understanding of architecture. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
Refer to the exhibit. The router is configured as a route reflector for VPNv4. What is the requirement for the route reflector to propagate VPNv4 routes received from a client to other clients?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The route reflector must include the originator ID attribute to prevent loops
The route reflector must have the originator ID and cluster ID set appropriately to avoid loops. Option A is correct because the originator ID ensures that routes from different clients are reflected correctly. Option B is wrong because the route reflector does not modify next-hop by default. Option C is wrong because the RT is used for import/export, not propagation. Option D is wrong because the cluster ID prevents loops, but the originator ID is required for proper reflection.
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 reflector must filter routes based on route-target communities
Why it's wrong here
RT filtering is done on the PE, not on the route reflector.
✗
The route reflector must use the same cluster ID for all clients
Why it's wrong here
Cluster ID is used for loop prevention, but originator ID is also needed.
✓
The route reflector must include the originator ID attribute to prevent loops
Why this is correct
The originator ID identifies the original advertiser; the route reflector must not modify it.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
The route reflector must set the next-hop to itself for all reflected routes
Why it's wrong here
Next-hop is typically unchanged unless explicit policy is applied.
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.
Architecture — This question tests Architecture — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The route reflector must include the originator ID attribute to prevent loops — The route reflector must have the originator ID and cluster ID set appropriately to avoid loops. Option A is correct because the originator ID ensures that routes from different clients are reflected correctly. Option B is wrong because the route reflector does not modify next-hop by default. Option C is wrong because the RT is used for import/export, not propagation. Option D is wrong because the cluster ID prevents loops, but the originator ID is required for proper reflection.
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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