350-501 Networking Practice Question
Which TWO statements about BGP route reflectors are true?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the misconception that route reflectors modify the AS_PATH or that they pass routes between non-clients, when in fact they preserve the AS_PATH and only reflect routes from non-clients to clients, not between non-clients.
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
✓
The cluster ID is used to detect routing loops.
BGP route reflectors use the cluster ID to detect and prevent routing loops. When a route reflector receives an update containing its own cluster ID in the cluster-list attribute, it discards the route, breaking the loop. This mechanism is defined in RFC 4456 and is essential for loop-free route propagation in non-full-mesh iBGP topologies.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
The cluster ID is used to detect routing loops.
Why this is correct
Multiple RRs in the same cluster use the cluster ID to avoid loops.
- ✓
A route reflector does not modify the next-hop attribute.
Why this is correct
By default, the next-hop is unchanged when reflected.
- ✗
Route reflectors modify the AS_PATH attribute.
Why it's wrong here
AS_PATH is not modified by a route reflector.
- ✗
Route reflectors must be fully meshed.
Why it's wrong here
Route reflectors eliminate the need for full iBGP mesh.
- ✗
A route reflector passes routes from non-client to non-client.
Why it's wrong here
Route reflectors only pass routes from clients to non-clients and vice versa.
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Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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