350-501 MPLS and Segment Routing Practice Question
Which tool can verify connectivity along an MPLS Label Switched Path (LSP) and detect label loops?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between control-plane tools (like ping/traceroute) and data-plane verification tools (like MPLS LSP ping), trapping candidates who assume that standard IP tools can verify MPLS label switching paths.
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
✓
MPLS LSP ping
MPLS LSP ping is the correct tool because it specifically tests connectivity along an MPLS Label Switched Path by sending MPLS echo request packets that follow the label stack, and it can detect label loops by checking the TTL field in the MPLS header. Unlike regular ICMP-based tools, MPLS LSP ping operates at the MPLS forwarding plane, verifying that the LSP is intact and that labels are correctly swapped at each hop.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
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.
- ✗
ping
Why it's wrong here
IP ping does not use MPLS labels and cannot verify LSP-specific issues.
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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.