The answer is to configure an SR-TE policy with an explicit path using segment lists. This is correct because segment routing traffic engineering allows you to define a precise sequence of nodes or links—encoded as segment lists—that traffic must follow, enabling you to steer traffic away from high-latency links without relying on dynamic IGP paths. On the Cisco SPCOR 350-501 exam, this question tests your understanding that explicit paths in SR-TE are locally configured policies, not dependent on external components like PCE or legacy protocols such as LDP. A common trap is assuming PCE is mandatory for explicit paths, but the policy can be instantiated directly on the headend router. Remember the memory tip: “Explicit paths need segment lists, not PCE assists.”
350-501 MPLS and Segment Routing Practice Question
This 350-501 practice question tests your understanding of mpls and segment routing. 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.
An SP network engineer is designing a new segment routing traffic engineering deployment within a single IGP area. The network consists of 50 core routers running IS-IS and MPLS. The engineer needs to steer traffic from Router A to Router D over a path that avoids high latency links. Which technology should be used to define and instantiate the explicit path?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Configure an SR-TE policy with an explicit path using segment lists.
Option A is correct: SR-TE policies with explicit paths allow steering traffic over a specific sequence of nodes or links using segment lists. Option B is wrong because PCE can be used but is not required for explicit paths; the policy can be configured locally. Option C is wrong because LDP is label distribution, not path steering. Option D is wrong because BGP-LU distributes labels for BGP prefixes, not TE.
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.
✗
Use LDP to distribute labels and rely on IGP shortest path.
Why it's wrong here
LDP follows IGP shortest path and cannot enforce an explicit path.
✗
Set up a Path Computation Element (PCE) and delegate path computation.
Why it's wrong here
PCE is an option but not the simplest; explicit paths can be configured directly without PCE.
✗
Implement BGP LU to create an explicit path via local policies.
Why it's wrong here
BGP-LU is for label distribution across domains, not for steering traffic within a domain.
✓
Configure an SR-TE policy with an explicit path using segment lists.
Why this is correct
SR-TE policies provide explicit path steering via segment lists specifying nodes or adjacency SIDs.
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 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 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.
MPLS and Segment Routing — This question tests MPLS and Segment Routing — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure an SR-TE policy with an explicit path using segment lists. — Option A is correct: SR-TE policies with explicit paths allow steering traffic over a specific sequence of nodes or links using segment lists. Option B is wrong because PCE can be used but is not required for explicit paths; the policy can be configured locally. Option C is wrong because LDP is label distribution, not path steering. Option D is wrong because BGP-LU distributes labels for BGP prefixes, not TE.
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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