350-501 Architecture Practice Question
Which THREE of the following are key characteristics of Cisco IOS XR operating system?
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
✓
Each routing protocol runs as a separate process.
Cisco IOS XR uses a microkernel operating system where each routing protocol runs as a separate process (A). It features a two-phase commit configuration model with atomic commit and rollback (B). It also supports non-stop forwarding (NSF) with graceful restart for high availability (C). Option D is incorrect because IOS XR does not have a monolithic kernel; it uses a microkernel. Option E is incorrect because while IOS XR separates control and data planes, it is not a distributed OS architecture; it is a microkernel-based OS designed for a single router.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Each routing protocol runs as a separate process.
Why this is correct
Each routing protocol runs as a separate process, which is a key characteristic of IOS XR's microkernel architecture.
- ✓
Atomic commit and rollback configuration model.
Why this is correct
Atomic commit and rollback configuration is a key feature of IOS XR.
- ✓
Supports non-stop forwarding (NSF) with graceful restart.
Why this is correct
Non-stop forwarding with graceful restart is a key high-availability feature of IOS XR.
- ✗
Monolithic kernel where all processes run in a single memory space.
Why it's wrong here
IOS XR does not have a monolithic kernel; it uses a microkernel with modular processes.
- ✗
Distributed OS architecture with separate control and data planes.
Why it's wrong here
IOS XR is not a distributed OS architecture; it is a microkernel-based OS on a single router, although it separates control and data planes.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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