The answer is `show mpls forwarding-table vrf VPN-A 10.1.1.0`. This command is correct because it displays the complete MPLS forwarding path for VPN traffic, including both the inner VPN label and the outer transport label (whether from LDP or Segment Routing), directly showing the label stack and next-hop used to reach the remote CE. On the Cisco SPCOR 350-501 exam, this question tests your ability to differentiate between control-plane verification and data-plane forwarding—a common trap is using `show ip route vrf`, which only shows the IP route without any label information, or `show bgp vpnv4 unicast labels`, which reveals only the VPN label but not the transport label needed for core forwarding. The exam expects you to know that for actual per-prefix label forwarding verification, you must specify the VRF and prefix under the MPLS forwarding table. Memory tip: think “MPLS forwarding-table vrf” as the one-stop shop for the full label stack—if you need to see how the packet actually gets forwarded across the core, this is your command.
350-501 MPLS and Segment Routing Practice Question
This 350-501 practice question tests your understanding of mpls and segment routing. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 company is connecting two sites using MPLS L3VPN. The PE routers are running both LDP and Segment Routing (SR-MPLS) in the core. The CE router at Site A cannot reach the CE at Site B. On the PEs, the VRF routes are present. Which command would you use to verify the MPLS forwarding path for the VPN traffic?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
show mpls forwarding-table vrf VPN-A 10.1.1.0
To verify the MPLS forwarding path, including the label stack used for VPN traffic, the command `show mpls forwarding-table vrf <vrf-name> <prefix>` shows the outgoing labels and next hop. `show ip route vrf` only shows the IP route without labels. `show mpls ldp bindings` shows LDP bindings but not per-prefix forwarding. `show bgp vpnv4 unicast labels` shows the VPN labels but not the transport labels.
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.
✗
show mpls ldp bindings
Why it's wrong here
Shows LDP label bindings, not per-VPN-prefix forwarding.
✗
show ip route vrf VPN-A 10.1.1.0
Why it's wrong here
Shows only the IP route, not the MPLS labels or forwarding.
✓
show mpls forwarding-table vrf VPN-A 10.1.1.0
Why this is correct
Displays the MPLS forwarding entry including the outgoing label stack and next hop.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
show bgp vpnv4 unicast labels
Why it's wrong here
Shows BGPVPN labels but not the transport labels or forwarding.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Shows LDP label bindings, not per-VPN-prefix forwarding.
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.
MPLS and Segment Routing — This question tests MPLS and Segment Routing — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: show mpls forwarding-table vrf VPN-A 10.1.1.0 — To verify the MPLS forwarding path, including the label stack used for VPN traffic, the command `show mpls forwarding-table vrf <vrf-name> <prefix>` shows the outgoing labels and next hop. `show ip route vrf` only shows the IP route without labels. `show mpls ldp bindings` shows LDP bindings but not per-prefix forwarding. `show bgp vpnv4 unicast labels` shows the VPN labels but not the transport labels.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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