Quick Answer
The answer is VRF-aware NAT, which allows the PE router to translate traffic from a VRF customer into the global routing table for Internet access. This feature works by configuring the NAT outside interface in the global routing instance, enabling the router to perform address translation without leaking Internet routes into the MPLS L3VPN. On the Cisco SPCOR 350-501 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how to provide Internet access to VPN customers while maintaining strict VRF isolation—a common service provider requirement. A frequent trap is assuming route leaking or a VRF-aware firewall is needed, but the exam emphasizes that VRF-aware NAT is the standard Cisco solution for this exact use case. Remember the memory tip: “NAT outside in global, VRF inside stays local.”
This 350-501 practice question tests your understanding of services. 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 wants to provide Internet access to an MPLS L3VPN customer without leaking the Internet route into the VRF. Which feature allows the PE to forward traffic from the VRF to the global routing table?
Static default route from VRF to global
Why wrong: A static route could direct traffic but without NAT the return traffic won't know VRF.
Route leaking between VRF and global
Why wrong: Leaking routes would expose the global table to the customer.
VRF-Aware Firewall
Why wrong: Not a standard Cisco feature for this purpose.
NAT with VRF awareness
NAT translates VRF source IP to global IP and route via global table.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
NAT with VRF awareness
Option A is correct because VRF-Aware NAT with outside interface in global routing enables NAT. Option B is wrong because VRF-Aware Firewall is not a standard feature. Option C is wrong because route leaking is what they want to avoid. Option D is wrong because static routing does not provide Internet access without default route.
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
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Static default route from VRF to global
Why it's wrong here
A static route could direct traffic but without NAT the return traffic won't know VRF.
Route leaking between VRF and global
Why it's wrong here
Leaking routes would expose the global table to the customer.
VRF-Aware Firewall
Why it's wrong here
Not a standard Cisco feature for this purpose.
NAT with VRF awareness
Common exam traps
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
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.
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
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
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.
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FAQ
Services — This question tests Services — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
The correct answer is: NAT with VRF awareness — Option A is correct because VRF-Aware NAT with outside interface in global routing enables NAT. Option B is wrong because VRF-Aware Firewall is not a standard feature. Option C is wrong because route leaking is what they want to avoid. Option D is wrong because static routing does not provide Internet access without default route.
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.
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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