The correct answer is that a route reflector does not modify the next-hop attribute. This is because the route reflector’s primary role is to reflect routes from one iBGP peer to another while preserving the original next-hop information, ensuring that the receiving router can reach the next-hop address via its IGP. The cluster ID, on the other hand, is used to prevent routing loops: when a route reflector sees its own cluster ID in the cluster-list attribute of an incoming update, it discards the route, as defined in RFC 4456. On the Cisco SPCOR 350-501 exam, this topic tests your understanding of iBGP scalability and the specific behaviors that differentiate a route reflector from a full-mesh design. A common trap is assuming the route reflector changes the next-hop to itself, similar to an eBGP speaker—it does not. Memory tip: think “reflector reflects, never deflects the next-hop.”
350-501 Networking Practice Question
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 statements about BGP route reflectors are true?
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.
Option A is correct because 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.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
A route reflector does not modify the next-hop attribute.
Why this is correct
By default, the next-hop is unchanged when reflected.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
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.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, the route reflector's behavior is governed by the 'non-client' and 'client' peer groups. When a route is received from a client, it is reflected to all other clients and non-clients; when received from a non-client, it is only sent to clients. The cluster-list attribute is an ordered list of cluster IDs that accumulates as the route passes through reflectors, enabling loop detection even in hierarchical reflector deployments. In real-world scenarios, multiple route reflectors in the same cluster share the same cluster ID to prevent intra-cluster loops.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Networking — This question tests Networking — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The cluster ID is used to detect routing loops. — Option A is correct because 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.
What should I do if I get this 350-501 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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