350-501 Networking Practice Question
Which THREE BGP path attributes are considered during the best path selection process after local preference? (Choose three.)
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the exact order of BGP path selection steps, and the trap here is that candidates mistakenly think MED is compared immediately after local preference, when in fact AS path length and origin code are evaluated before MED.
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
✓
Multi-exit discriminator (MED)
After local preference, the BGP best path selection process evaluates the AS path length. A shorter AS path is preferred because it indicates a less complex path to the destination network. This attribute is directly compared next, making option C correct.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Multi-exit discriminator (MED)
Why this is correct
Lower MED is preferred.
- ✗
Next-hop IP address
Why it's wrong here
Next-hop is considered but not after local pref; it's checked for reachability early.
- ✓
AS path length
Why this is correct
Shorter AS path is preferred.
- ✗
Router ID
Why it's wrong here
Router ID is used as tiebreaker much later.
- ✓
Origin code
Why this is correct
IGP < EGP < incomplete.
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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.