Quick Answer
The answer is Local Preference, along with Weight, as the two BGP path attributes considered before AS-path length in the default best-path selection process. This is because the BGP decision algorithm follows a strict hierarchical order: Weight (Cisco-proprietary) is checked first, then Local Preference, and only after these does the router evaluate AS-path length. On the Cisco SPCOR / CCNP Service Provider Core 350-501 exam, this sequence is a frequent trap—candidates often mistakenly think AS-path length comes earlier, but both Weight and Local Preference override it. Understanding this order is critical for designing traffic engineering policies, as manipulating Local Preference influences outbound path selection across an AS. A reliable memory tip is the mnemonic “We Love Oranges AS Oranges” for Weight, Local Preference, Originate, AS-path, Origin, which reinforces that Weight and Local Preference always precede AS-path length in the decision process.
This 350-501 practice question tests your understanding of networking. 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 BGP path attributes are considered before AS-path length in the default best-path selection process?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Origin code
Why wrong: Origin is considered after MED.
Community
Why wrong: Community is not directly part of the selection process.
MED
Why wrong: MED is considered after AS-path length.
Weight
Weight is the first tie-breaker.
Local Preference
Local Preference is the second tie-breaker.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Weight
Weight (D) is a Cisco-proprietary attribute that is checked first in the BGP best-path selection process, before AS-path length. Local Preference (E) is the second attribute evaluated, also preceding AS-path length. Both are considered before the AS-path length comparison in the default BGP decision process.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Origin code
Why it's wrong here
Origin is considered after MED.
Community
Why it's wrong here
Community is not directly part of the selection process.
MED
Why it's wrong here
MED is considered after AS-path length.
Weight
Why this is correct
Weight is the first tie-breaker.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Local Preference
Why this is correct
Local Preference is the second tie-breaker.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the exact order of BGP path selection attributes, and the trap here is that candidates mistakenly think MED or Origin are evaluated before AS-path length, when in fact they come later in the decision process.
Detailed technical explanation
The BGP best-path selection algorithm follows a strict order: Weight (highest), Local Preference (highest), then locally originated routes, then AS-path length (shortest). Weight is local to the router and not advertised, while Local Preference is exchanged within the AS via UPDATE messages. In real-world scenarios, manipulating Weight or Local Preference can override longer AS-path routes to influence outbound traffic without changing MED or Origin.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Networking — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Networking practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All 350-501 questions
500 questions across all exam domains
Cisco SPCOR / CCNP Service Provider Core 350-501 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
350-501 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise 350-501 questions linked to Architecture.
Practise 350-501 questions linked to Networking.
Practise 350-501 questions linked to MPLS and Segment Routing.
Practise 350-501 questions linked to Automation and Quality of Service.
Practise 350-501 questions linked to Services.
Practise 350-501 questions linked to Automation and Assurance.
Practise 350-501 questions linked to 350-501 fundamentals.
Practise 350-501 questions linked to 350-501 scenario.
Practise 350-501 questions linked to 350-501 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Networking — This question tests Networking — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Weight — Weight (D) is a Cisco-proprietary attribute that is checked first in the BGP best-path selection process, before AS-path length. Local Preference (E) is the second attribute evaluated, also preceding AS-path length. Both are considered before the AS-path length comparison in the default BGP decision process.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which THREE BGP path attributes are considered during the best path selection process after local preference? (Choose three.)
hardWhy A: After local preference, BGP considers: AS path length, origin type, MED (multi-exit discriminator). Next-hop is considered earlier? Actually order: weight, local pref, local (originate), AS path, origin, MED, etc. So correct: AS path, origin, MED.
Keep practising
Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.