Quick Answer
The answer is MPLS forwarding and an IGP that supports segment routing, such as OSPF or IS-IS. These two are the fundamental requirements because Segment Routing operates by encoding paths as sequences of MPLS labels, which are distributed via IGP extensions rather than relying on a separate signaling protocol like LDP. This design allows the network to build a label-switched path directly from the IGP’s link-state database, eliminating the need for LDP or RSVP-TE in the core. On the Cisco SPCOR 350-501 exam, this question tests your understanding of the minimal prerequisites for deploying Segment Routing in a service provider network, often appearing as a trap where candidates mistakenly include BGP or TE tunnels. A common memory tip is to remember the acronym “MIG” — MPLS forwarding, IGP (OSPF or IS-IS), and no LDP or BGP required for the core. This helps you avoid the distractor choices that list unnecessary protocols.
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 two are requirements for deploying Segment Routing in a service provider network? (Choose two.)
TE tunnels must be configured
Why wrong: TE tunnels are optional.
IGP supporting segment routing (OSPF or IS-IS)
The IGP must support SR extensions.
LDP must be enabled
Why wrong: LDP is not required; SR replaces LDP.
All routers must run BGP
Why wrong: BGP is not required for core SR.
MPLS forwarding
SR uses MPLS data plane.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
IGP supporting segment routing (OSPF or IS-IS)
Segment Routing requires MPLS forwarding and an IGP that supports segment routing (OSPF or IS-IS). LDP is not required, BGP is not required for core, and TE tunnels are not mandatory.
Key principle: OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
TE tunnels must be configured
Why it's wrong here
TE tunnels are optional.
IGP supporting segment routing (OSPF or IS-IS)
Why this is correct
The IGP must support SR extensions.
Related concept
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
LDP must be enabled
Why it's wrong here
LDP is not required; SR replaces LDP.
All routers must run BGP
Why it's wrong here
BGP is not required for core SR.
MPLS forwarding
Why this is correct
SR uses MPLS data plane.
Related concept
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
Common exam traps
OSPF neighbour formation depends on matching areas, timers, network type, authentication and passive-interface behaviour. Do not choose an answer only because the devices can ping.
Detailed technical explanation
OSPF questions usually test the details that control adjacency and route selection. Read the neighbour state, area, router ID and interface configuration before deciding what is wrong.
Key takeaway
OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Real-world example
A network engineer at a university connects two campus buildings via a fibre link. Both routers run OSPF, but no adjacency forms — even though both routers can ping each other. The engineer finds one router is in area 0 and the other in area 1. OSPF adjacency requires matching area numbers, hello/dead timers, and network type. IP reachability alone is not enough.
What to study next
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related 350-501 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
Architecture — study guide chapter
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Architecture practice questions
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Cisco SPCOR / CCNP Service Provider Core 350-501 study guide
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Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
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FAQ
Architecture — This question tests Architecture — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
The correct answer is: IGP supporting segment routing (OSPF or IS-IS) — Segment Routing requires MPLS forwarding and an IGP that supports segment routing (OSPF or IS-IS). LDP is not required, BGP is not required for core, and TE tunnels are not mandatory.
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related 350-501 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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