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300-410 Configures iBGP within a VRF-Lite environment Practice Question
A network engineer configures iBGP within a VRF-Lite environment. The VRF has an IGP (OSPF) running, and BGP is used to exchange customer routes. The engineer notices that BGP routes are not being installed in the VRF routing table, even though they are present in the BGP table. The 'bgp redistribute-internal' command is not configured. Which is the most likely explanation?
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 next-hop of the iBGP route is not reachable via any route in the VRF routing table, so the route is not installed.
In iBGP, the next-hop for a route learned from an iBGP peer must be reachable via an IGP or static route. If the next-hop is not reachable, the route is not installed in the routing table. Additionally, if the IGP does not carry the next-hop route (e.g., because it is a loopback not advertised), the route remains hidden. This is a common edge case where synchronization is not the issue, but next-hop reachability is.
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 BGP synchronization rule is enabled, and the IGP does not have a route for the prefix, so BGP does not advertise the route.
Why it's wrong here
Synchronization affects BGP advertisement, not installation of received routes. The route is already in the BGP table.
- ✓
The next-hop of the iBGP route is not reachable via any route in the VRF routing table, so the route is not installed.
Why this is correct
iBGP requires the next-hop to be reachable. If the next-hop (e.g., a loopback) is not in the IGP, the route is not installed.
- ✗
The 'maximum-paths' command is set to 1, and there is already a route with a lower administrative distance.
Why it's wrong here
Maximum-paths affects load balancing, not installation. If the route is not installed, it is not due to path count.
- ✗
The BGP table shows the route as 'rR' (rIBGP and RIB-failure), indicating a RIB failure due to a higher metric.
Why it's wrong here
RIB-failure is due to administrative distance or route type, not next-hop unreachability. Next-hop unreachability shows as 'r' (not installed).
Visual reference
Quick reference
Routing Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Metric | Max Hops | Algorithm | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RIP v2 | Hop count | 15 | Bellman-Ford | Distance vector |
| OSPF | Cost (bandwidth) | Unlimited | Dijkstra (SPF) | Link state |
| EIGRP | Composite metric | Unlimited | DUAL | Hybrid |
| IS-IS | Cost | Unlimited | Dijkstra | Link state |
| BGP | Policy / attributes | Unlimited | Path vector | Path vector |
RIP's 15-hop limit makes it unsuitable for large networks. OSPF and EIGRP dominate modern enterprise deployments.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Introduction to ENARSI Exam and Network Fundamentals
Key term
MPLS Layer 3 VPN
A technology that uses Multiprotocol Label Switching to create secure, scalable virtual private networks that connect multiple sites at the network layer, where the service provider manages routing between customer sites.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 300-410 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 300-410 exam.