350-501 Architecture Practice Question
When deploying IS-IS in a large service provider core, what is the recommended network type on Ethernet interfaces to improve scalability?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the misconception that broadcast is the only valid network type for Ethernet interfaces in IS-IS, but the trap is that point-to-point is the recommended type for scalability because it eliminates DIS overhead, even though the physical medium is Ethernet.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
point-to-point
In a large service provider core, configuring IS-IS interfaces as point-to-point (network type point-to-point) improves scalability by eliminating the need for Designated Router (DIS) election and the associated pseudonode LSPs. This reduces the number of LSPs in the link-state database, lowers CPU and memory overhead, and speeds up convergence, which is critical in dense core networks.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
loopback
Why it's wrong here
Loopback is not used for point-to-point links.
- ✓
point-to-point
Why this is correct
Point-to-point avoids DIS election and simplifies flooding, enhancing scalability.
- ✗
point-to-multipoint
Why it's wrong here
Point-to-multipoint is not typically used on Ethernet interfaces.
- ✗
non-broadcast
Why it's wrong here
Non-broadcast is used for Frame Relay or ATM, not Ethernet.
- ✗
broadcast
Why it's wrong here
Broadcast type requires DIS election and more LSP flooding, reducing scalability.
Visual reference
Go deeper
Related to this question
About these practice questions
This 350-501 question is part of Courseiva's 971-question bank — original exam-style content with full explanations and wrong-answer analysis, never real exam questions or exam dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 350-501 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 350-501 exam.