Quick Answer
The answer is MPLS LSP ping. This tool is the correct choice because it sends MPLS echo request packets that are forwarded hop-by-hop along the exact label switched path, allowing you to verify label forwarding at each transit LSR and detect label loops by checking the TTL and return code in the echo reply. On the Cisco SPCOR / CCNP Service Provider Core 350-501 exam, this question tests your understanding of MPLS OAM tools and often appears alongside a trap where candidates confuse LSP ping with a standard IP ping—remember that LSP ping uses UDP port 3503 and follows the MPLS label stack, not the IP routing table. A common memory tip is to think of LSP ping as a "label-aware traceroute" that validates the data-plane path, not just the control-plane.
This 350-501 practice question tests your understanding of mpls and segment routing. 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 tool can verify connectivity along an MPLS Label Switched Path (LSP) and detect label loops?
SNMP
Why wrong: SNMP is a management protocol, not an active OAM tool for LSPs.
traceroute
Why wrong: IP traceroute shows layer 3 hops, not MPLS label switches.
MPLS LSP ping
This is the dedicated OAM tool for LSP connectivity verification.
ping
Why wrong: IP ping does not use MPLS labels and cannot verify LSP-specific issues.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
MPLS LSP ping
MPLS LSP ping sends MPLS echo request packets that traverse the LSP, verifying label forwarding and detecting loops.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
SNMP
Why it's wrong here
SNMP is a management protocol, not an active OAM tool for LSPs.
traceroute
Why it's wrong here
IP traceroute shows layer 3 hops, not MPLS label switches.
MPLS LSP ping
Why this is correct
This is the dedicated OAM tool for LSP connectivity verification.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
ping
Why it's wrong here
IP ping does not use MPLS labels and cannot verify LSP-specific issues.
Common exam traps
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
IP traceroute shows layer 3 hops, not MPLS label switches.
Detailed technical explanation
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 350-501 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
MPLS and Segment Routing — study guide chapter
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MPLS and Segment Routing practice questions
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FAQ
MPLS and Segment Routing — This question tests MPLS and Segment Routing — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
The correct answer is: MPLS LSP ping — MPLS LSP ping sends MPLS echo request packets that traverse the LSP, verifying label forwarding and detecting loops.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 350-501 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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