350-501 Services Practice Question
Which three of the following are valid methods for protecting a pseudowire in an MPLS network?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between fault detection tools (like LSP ping or Ethernet OAM) and actual protection mechanisms (like FRR or PW redundancy), leading candidates to mistakenly select detection methods as valid protection answers.
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-segment PW with backup
Multi-segment PW (MS-PW) with backup is a valid protection method because it allows a pseudowire to be established across multiple MPLS segments, with a backup PW path that can take over if the primary MS-PW fails. This provides end-to-end pseudowire redundancy by using a secondary switched path, ensuring service continuity in multi-domain or multi-area MPLS 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.
- ✓
Multi-segment PW with backup
Why this is correct
Correct. Multi-segment pseudowires can be configured with a backup path for redundancy.
- ✗
Ethernet OAM CFM
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Ethernet OAM detects link issues but does not provide pseudowire protection.
- ✓
RSVP FRR for link protection
Why this is correct
Correct. Fast Reroute can protect the underlying MPLS TE tunnel carrying the pseudowire.
- ✓
PW redundancy with active/standby
Why this is correct
Correct. PW redundancy provides a backup pseudowire that is used upon failure.
- ✗
LSP ping for fault detection
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. LSP ping is used for connectivity verification, not protection switching.
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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.