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350-401 Practice Question: In BGP best path selection, which of the…
In BGP best path selection, which of the following is compared first?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the exact order of BGP path selection attributes, and the trap here is that candidates mistakenly think local preference or AS-path length is the first comparison, because those are more commonly discussed in multi-AS designs, but weight always comes first in Cisco's implementation.
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
✓
Highest weight
BGP best path selection begins by comparing the weight attribute, which is Cisco-proprietary and local to the router. The path with the highest weight is preferred first, making option A correct. Weight is evaluated before any other BGP attribute, including local preference, AS-path length, and MED.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Highest weight
Why this is correct
Weight is a Cisco-proprietary attribute evaluated before all other BGP path attributes, so the route with the highest weight wins immediately. This satisfies the stem's requirement for the first comparison in the best path algorithm, preceding local preference, AS path length and origin.
- ✗
Highest local preference
Why it's wrong here
Weight is compared before local preference in the BGP best path algorithm, so this is not first. Local preference is evaluated second, and it would be the deciding attribute when comparing routes within the same autonomous system.
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Shortest AS-path
Why it's wrong here
AS-path length is evaluated after weight and local preference, so it is not compared first. Shortest AS-path is the deciding attribute when two routes have equal weight and local preference but traverse different autonomous systems.
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Lowest MED
Why it's wrong here
Lowest MED is evaluated only after weight, local preference, locally originated, AS path length and origin have been compared, so it cannot be first. It is tempting because MED influences inbound path selection between multiple entry points into the same autonomous system, which would be the deciding attribute once those earlier steps tie.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 350-401 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 350-401 exam.