The answer is that Segment Routing reduces the number of protocols required in the core. This is accurate because SR-MPLS eliminates the need for a separate label distribution protocol such as LDP or RSVP-TE, deriving MPLS labels directly from IGP extensions like IS-IS or OSPF. By integrating label distribution into the existing IGP, control-plane simplicity is achieved while still supporting traffic engineering through SR-TE policies and flexible path computation. On the Cisco SPCOR 350-501 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how SR streamlines the MPLS control plane versus traditional architectures; a common trap is assuming SR still requires LDP for label exchange. Remember the memory tip: “SR kills the LDP—labels live in the IGP.”
350-501 MPLS and Segment Routing Practice Question
This 350-501 practice question tests your understanding of mpls and segment routing. 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 is designing a greenfield MPLS core and wants to minimize control-plane complexity while still supporting traffic engineering. They plan to use Segment Routing with MPLS. Which statement about Segment Routing in this context is accurate?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "minimum / minimize"
Why it matters: Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Segment Routing reduces the number of protocols required in the core.
Option C is correct because Segment Routing (SR-MPLS) eliminates the need for a separate label distribution protocol like LDP or RSVP-TE. The MPLS labels are derived directly from the IGP (IS-IS or OSPF) extensions, reducing control-plane complexity while still enabling traffic engineering via SR-TE policies and flexible path computation.
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.
✗
Segment Routing only works with IPv6 data plane.
Why it's wrong here
Segment Routing can operate with both MPLS and IPv6 data planes; SR-MPLS uses MPLS encapsulation.
✗
Segment Routing uses RSVP-TE for label distribution.
Why it's wrong here
Segment Routing relies on IGP to distribute segment IDs, not RSVP-TE.
✓
Segment Routing reduces the number of protocols required in the core.
Why this is correct
SR eliminates LDP and RSVP-TE, relying only on an IGP with SR extensions, thus reducing protocol complexity.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Segment Routing requires TI-LFA to be enabled for traffic engineering.
Why it's wrong here
TI-LFA is a fast-reroute mechanism that can be used with SR but is not a requirement for traffic engineering.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that Segment Routing requires a separate label distribution protocol like LDP or RSVP-TE, when in fact it uses IGP extensions (IS-IS or OSPF) to distribute labels, reducing protocol complexity.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In SR-MPLS, each node is assigned a Node-SID (prefix-SID) that is globally unique within the SR domain, and adjacency-SIDs are locally significant. Traffic engineering is achieved by stacking SIDs to create explicit paths (segment lists), which can be computed by a centralized controller (e.g., PCE) or on the headend router. This eliminates the need for LDP and RSVP-TE state in the core, simplifying operations and scaling.
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.
TExam Day Tips
→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 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.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
MPLS and Segment Routing — This question tests MPLS and Segment Routing — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Segment Routing reduces the number of protocols required in the core. — Option C is correct because Segment Routing (SR-MPLS) eliminates the need for a separate label distribution protocol like LDP or RSVP-TE. The MPLS labels are derived directly from the IGP (IS-IS or OSPF) extensions, reducing control-plane complexity while still enabling traffic engineering via SR-TE policies and flexible path computation.
What should I do if I get this 350-501 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "minimum / minimize". Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
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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