The answer is MP-BGP (Multiprotocol BGP) with the VPNv4 address family, MPLS forwarding enabled on all core routers, and a Route Distinguisher (RD) and Route Target (RT) scheme. These three components are required for implementing MPLS L3VPN because MP-BGP carries VPNv4 routes between Provider Edge (PE) routers, using the RD to make overlapping customer prefixes unique and the RT to control route import and export across VPNs. MPLS forwarding on core routers is essential to transport labeled packets across the provider backbone without needing to know the customer routes. On the Cisco SPCOR 350-501 exam, this question tests your understanding of the control plane versus data plane separation: MP-BGP handles the control plane for VPN route distribution, while MPLS provides the data plane label switching. A common trap is confusing a routing protocol like OSPF or a tunnel interface as a required component—they are not. Remember the mnemonic “BGP Labels RDs” to recall that BGP, MPLS labels, and Route Distinguishers form the core triad.
350-501 Architecture Practice Question
This 350-501 practice question tests your understanding of architecture. 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.
Which THREE of the following are required components for implementing MPLS Layer 3 VPN (L3VPN) in a service provider network? (Choose three.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
MP-BGP between PE routers to exchange VPNv4 routes
Option A is correct because MP-BGP (Multiprotocol BGP) is essential for carrying VPNv4 routes between PE routers. It uses address family VPNv4 to transport customer IPv4 prefixes along with their Route Distinguisher (RD) and Route Target (RT) attributes, enabling the separation and distribution of multiple customer VPNs across the MPLS core.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
MP-BGP between PE routers to exchange VPNv4 routes
Why this is correct
MP-BGP carries VPNv4 routes with route distinguishers and route targets.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
VRF configuration on PE routers to separate customer routes
Why this is correct
VRFs create separate routing tables per customer on the PE.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
MPLS forwarding enabled on all core routers
Why this is correct
MPLS is required to forward labeled packets across the core.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
IBGP between PE and P routers for label distribution
P routers only forward MPLS packets; they do not need VRFs.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that P routers require VRF configuration or that IBGP is used for label distribution between PE and P routers, when in fact P routers only need MPLS forwarding and LDP for label exchange.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In an MPLS L3VPN, the VRF on each PE router maintains separate routing tables per customer, and MP-BGP advertises VPNv4 routes with RTs to control route import/export. The P routers only need MPLS forwarding enabled to swap labels based on the LDP-assigned labels, ensuring that traffic is tunneled across the core without awareness of the VPN payload.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 350-501 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Architecture — This question tests Architecture — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: MP-BGP between PE routers to exchange VPNv4 routes — Option A is correct because MP-BGP (Multiprotocol BGP) is essential for carrying VPNv4 routes between PE routers. It uses address family VPNv4 to transport customer IPv4 prefixes along with their Route Distinguisher (RD) and Route Target (RT) attributes, enabling the separation and distribution of multiple customer VPNs across the MPLS core.
What should I do if I get this 350-501 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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