350-501 Architecture Practice Question
Which TWO of the following are characteristics of MPLS L3VPN architecture? (Choose two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the misconception that LDP is mandatory for MPLS L3VPN, but in reality, any label distribution protocol (LDP, RSVP-TE, or SR-MPLS) can be used in the core.
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
✓
Each customer has a separate VRF on the PE router
In MPLS L3VPN, each customer is assigned a separate Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF) instance on the Provider Edge (PE) router. This VRF maintains a unique routing table and forwarding table per customer, ensuring complete isolation between different VPN customers on the same PE.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
All traffic is forwarded using MPLS label switching only
Why it's wrong here
Label switching is used but not exclusively; IP forwarding can also be used.
- ✓
Each customer has a separate VRF on the PE router
Why this is correct
VRF is essential for L3VPN isolation.
- ✗
LDP is required for label distribution in the core
Why it's wrong here
LDP is commonly used but not required; other methods exist.
- ✗
The P routers maintain a full routing table for each VPN
Why it's wrong here
P routers only have IGP and LDP; they do not have per-VPN tables.
- ✓
Customer IP prefixes are exchanged using MP-BGP VPNv4 updates
Why this is correct
MP-BGP carries VPNv4 routes with route distinguishers.
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