350-501 Networking Practice Question
Which TWO BGP path attributes are considered before AS-path length in the default best-path selection process?
⚠ Common exam trap
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.
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
✓
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.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
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.
- ✓
Local Preference
Why this is correct
Local Preference is the second tie-breaker.
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on 350-501
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.)
hard- ✓ A.Multi-exit discriminator (MED)
- B.Next-hop IP address
- ✓ C.AS path length
- D.Router ID
- ✓ E.Origin code
Why A: After local preference, the BGP best path selection process evaluates the AS path length. A shorter AS path is preferred because it indicates a less complex path to the destination network. This attribute is directly compared next, making option C correct.
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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