The answer is that the route is not matching any import map. Even when the route-target import 100:1 matches the RT sent by the CE, an import map applied to the VRF acts as a final filter—if the map does not explicitly permit the route, the route will be discarded regardless of the matching RT. This scenario tests your understanding of the VRF route import process on the Cisco SPCOR / CCNP Service Provider Core 350-501 exam, where a common trap is assuming a matching RT alone guarantees installation. The exam often presents a working BGP session with correct RTs but omits the import map check, leading to the misconception that the route should appear. Remember: RT matching is necessary but not sufficient when an import map is present. A helpful memory tip is “RT opens the door, but the import map decides who walks through.”
350-501 Architecture Practice Question
This 350-501 practice question tests your understanding of architecture. 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 engineer notices that BGP routes from a CE are not being installed in the VRF routing table, although the BGP session is established. The VRF configuration includes route-target import 100:1. The CE is sending routes with RT 100:1. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The route is not matching any import map
Even with matching RT, an import map can block routes. If no import map is configured, routes with matching RT should be imported. However, if an import map is applied but doesn't permit the route, it will not be installed. Option A is irrelevant; Option B: RD is required for VRF but usually configured; Option C: suppression due to delay is not typical; Option D is the most likely.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
The BGP route is suppressed due to route update delay
Why it's wrong here
BGP update delay is not a common cause for routes not being installed.
✓
The route is not matching any import map
Why this is correct
If an import map is configured, only routes matching the map are imported.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
The VRF name does not match
Why it's wrong here
VRF name misconfiguration would prevent session establishment, but session is up.
✗
The RD is not configured
Why it's wrong here
RD is required for VRF, but its absence would cause other issues; session might not establish.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
The first matching ACL entry is used.
There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
→Check inbound versus outbound direction.
→Read the ACL from top to bottom.
→Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related 350-501 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Architecture — This question tests Architecture — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The route is not matching any import map — Even with matching RT, an import map can block routes. If no import map is configured, routes with matching RT should be imported. However, if an import map is applied but doesn't permit the route, it will not be installed. Option A is irrelevant; Option B: RD is required for VRF but usually configured; Option C: suppression due to delay is not typical; Option D is the most likely.
What should I do if I get this 350-501 question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related 350-501 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
About these practice questions
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These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Based on the exhibit, why is the route 10.10.10.0/24 from remote PE not installed in the VRF Customer-A on PE1?
hard
A.The localpref is too low (100)
✓ B.The VRF imports route-target 200:200, but the route has RT 100:100
C.The MPLS label allocation failed on the remote PE
D.The route distinguisher on the VRF (100:1) does not match the remote RD
Why B: Option B is correct: The route has RT 100:100, but VRF Customer-A imports RT 200:200. Thus, the route is not imported. Option A is wrong because the localpref is 100, which is default and not an issue. Option C is wrong because the RD mismatch is between VRFs, but RD does not affect import; RT does. Option D is wrong because label allocation is working fine (vpn-label:24000).
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
Question Discussion
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