350-401 Infrastructure Practice Question
A network engineer is configuring a Cisco IOS router to support PIM Sparse Mode (PIM-SM) for multicast traffic. The engineer needs to ensure that the router can dynamically discover Rendezvous Points (RPs). Which two mechanisms can be used to achieve this? (Choose two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse RP redundancy mechanisms like Anycast RP and MSDP with dynamic RP discovery, which are distinct functions.
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
✓
Bootstrap Router (BSR)
Auto-RP and Bootstrap Router (BSR) are the two primary mechanisms for dynamic RP discovery in PIM-SM. Auto-RP is Cisco proprietary and uses a mapping agent, while BSR is an open standard. Both allow routers to automatically learn which RP to use for multicast groups, eliminating the need for manual configuration on every router. These methods enhance scalability and simplify multicast network management.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
MSDP
Why it's wrong here
MSDP is used for inter-domain multicast routing and RP redundancy, allowing RPs to share source information. It does not dynamically discover RPs; rather, it facilitates communication between RPs in different domains. MSDP is not a mechanism for a router to learn the RP address automatically. Thus, it is not correct for dynamic RP discovery.
- ✗
Anycast RP
Why it's wrong here
Anycast RP is a technique where multiple RPs share the same IP address, providing redundancy and load balancing. However, it does not provide dynamic discovery; the RP address must still be statically configured on all routers. Anycast RP is often used in conjunction with MSDP for RP redundancy, but it is not a discovery mechanism itself. Therefore, it is not correct for this requirement.
- ✓
Bootstrap Router (BSR)
Why this is correct
BSR is a standards-based mechanism for dynamic RP discovery. It uses candidate RPs and a Bootstrap Router to distribute RP information to all routers in the PIM domain. Routers receive BSR messages and automatically learn the RP mappings. This is a valid method for dynamic RP discovery, making BSR correct.
- ✓
Auto-RP
Why this is correct
Auto-RP is a Cisco proprietary mechanism for dynamic RP discovery. It uses a mapping agent and candidate RPs to announce and learn RP information. Routers listen to Auto-RP announcements to determine the RP for each multicast group. This is a valid method for dynamic RP discovery in PIM-SM. Therefore, Auto-RP is correct.
- ✗
Static RP configuration
Why it's wrong here
Static RP configuration requires manually specifying the RP address on each router, which does not provide dynamic discovery. While it is a valid method to configure an RP, it does not meet the requirement for dynamic discovery. The question asks for mechanisms that allow the router to dynamically discover RPs, so static configuration is not correct.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Cisco exam blueprint
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