350-501 Networking Practice Question
Which TWO MPLS VPN features are used to provide Layer 3 VPN services in a service provider network?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between the control plane protocols (MP-BGP) and data plane mechanisms (MPLS labels) versus supporting protocols like LDP or RSVP-TE, leading candidates to mistakenly include LDP as a VPN service feature.
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 labels
MP-BGP (Option E) is used to exchange VPNv4 routes between Provider Edge (PE) routers, carrying both the route and its corresponding MPLS label. MPLS labels (Option C) are used to forward packets across the provider core via label-switched paths (LSPs), enabling the separation of customer traffic. Together, MP-BGP and MPLS labels form the foundation of Layer 3 MPLS VPN services.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
LDP
Why it's wrong here
LDP distributes labels for LSPs but is not specific to VPNs; it is used for any MPLS forwarding.
- ✗
VRF
Why it's wrong here
VRF is a configuration element to maintain per-VPN routing tables, but is not a protocol or feature that by itself provides the VPN service.
- ✓
MPLS labels
Why this is correct
MPLS labels are used to encapsulate and forward VPN traffic across the provider core.
- ✗
RSVP-TE
Why it's wrong here
RSVP-TE is used for traffic engineering, not for basic L3VPN operation.
- ✓
MP-BGP
Why this is correct
MP-BGP carries VPNv4 routes with route distinguishers and route targets to separate VPNs.
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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.