The answer is that RSVP-TE signaling protocol configuration, CSPF computation, and reservable bandwidth are the three key requirements for deploying MPLS Traffic Engineering with RSVP-TE. RSVP-TE handles the signaling to establish and maintain label-switched paths, while Constrained Shortest Path First (CSPF) calculates the optimal path based on traffic engineering constraints, and reservable bandwidth ensures that resources are explicitly allocated along the path. On the Cisco SPCOR 350-501 exam, this question tests your understanding of MPLS TE fundamentals, often appearing as a multiple-select item where LDP or OSPFv3 are common distractors—LDP is not required because RSVP-TE handles its own label distribution, and OSPFv3 is for IPv6, whereas RSVP-TE typically runs over IS-IS or OSPFv2. A helpful memory tip is to think of the three pillars: Signal, Compute, Reserve—RSVP-TE signals, CSPF computes, and bandwidth reserves.
350-501 Architecture Practice Question
This 350-501 practice question tests your understanding of architecture. 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.
Which THREE are requirements for deploying MPLS Traffic Engineering with RSVP-TE?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Links must have reservable bandwidth advertised
RSVP-TE signaling, CSPF computation, and reservable bandwidth are key. Options B, D, and E are correct. Option A is wrong because LDP is not required. Option C is wrong because OSPFv3 is for IPv6; RSVP-TE works with IS-IS or OSPFv2.
Key principle: OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
OSPFv3 must be the IGP
Why it's wrong here
RSVP-TE can work with IS-IS or OSPFv2; OSPFv3 not required.
✗
LDP must be enabled on all routers
Why it's wrong here
RSVP-TE does not require LDP; they can coexist but LDP is not mandatory.
✓
Links must have reservable bandwidth advertised
Why this is correct
Bandwidth reservations require links to advertise available bandwidth.
Common exam trap: OSPF can fail even when IP connectivity looks correct
OSPF neighbour formation depends on matching areas, timers, network type, authentication and passive-interface behaviour. Do not choose an answer only because the devices can ping.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
OSPF questions usually test the details that control adjacency and route selection. Read the neighbour state, area, router ID and interface configuration before deciding what is wrong.
KKey Concepts to Remember
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
Router ID selection can affect neighbour relationships and LSDB output.
OSPF cost influences the preferred path.
A route can appear in OSPF information but not become the installed route.
TExam Day Tips
→Check area mismatch first when OSPF adjacency fails.
→Review passive interfaces when a network is advertised but no neighbour forms.
→Use show ip ospf neighbor and show ip route clues carefully.
Key takeaway
OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A network engineer at a university connects two campus buildings via a fibre link. Both routers run OSPF, but no adjacency forms — even though both routers can ping each other. The engineer finds one router is in area 0 and the other in area 1. OSPF adjacency requires matching area numbers, hello/dead timers, and network type. IP reachability alone is not enough.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related 350-501 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
Architecture — This question tests Architecture — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Links must have reservable bandwidth advertised — RSVP-TE signaling, CSPF computation, and reservable bandwidth are key. Options B, D, and E are correct. Option A is wrong because LDP is not required. Option C is wrong because OSPFv3 is for IPv6; RSVP-TE works with IS-IS or OSPFv2.
What should I do if I get this 350-501 question wrong?
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related 350-501 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
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Question Discussion
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