- A
A route with a higher LOCAL_PREF is preferred over a route with a lower LOCAL_PREF.
Correct because BGP prefers higher local preference.
- B
A route learned via eBGP is preferred over a route learned via iBGP, all else being equal.
Correct because BGP prefers eBGP over iBGP in the decision process.
- C
A route with a longer AS_PATH is preferred over a route with a shorter AS_PATH.
Why wrong: Incorrect because BGP prefers the shortest AS_PATH.
- D
The MED attribute is always compared regardless of the AS of the neighbor.
Why wrong: Incorrect because MED is compared only when routes are from the same neighboring AS.
- E
The IGP metric to the next hop is the first criterion in BGP path selection.
Why wrong: Incorrect because the IGP metric is compared later in the process (step 8), not first.
Quick Answer
The answer is that a route learned via eBGP is preferred over a route learned via iBGP, all else being equal. This is correct because the BGP path selection algorithm prioritizes eBGP over iBGP at step seven, reflecting the administrative trust placed in external routes learned directly from a neighboring autonomous system. For the ENCOR 350-401 exam, understanding this hierarchy is critical, as the BGP route selection criteria are tested in multiple-choice and scenario-based questions, often with traps like confusing MED or AS_PATH length. A common memory tip is to remember the BGP best-path decision steps with the mnemonic "We Love Oranges AS Oranges Mean Pure Refreshment" — where the "O" in "Oranges" stands for "Origin" and the second "O" for "eBGP over iBGP" — ensuring you recall that eBGP wins over iBGP before comparing IGP metrics.
350-401 BGP Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of bgp. 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 selection are true? (Choose two.)
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
A route with a higher LOCAL_PREF is preferred over a route with a lower LOCAL_PREF.
BGP prefers a route with a higher LOCAL_PREF (local preference) over a lower one. A route learned via eBGP is preferred over iBGP because eBGP routes have a lower administrative distance in the BGP decision process (step 7: prefer eBGP over iBGP). The MED is compared only if the routes are from the same neighboring AS. The shortest AS_PATH is preferred, not the longest. The IGP metric to the next hop is compared only after many other steps.
Key principle: OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
A route with a higher LOCAL_PREF is preferred over a route with a lower LOCAL_PREF.
- ✓
A route learned via eBGP is preferred over a route learned via iBGP, all else being equal.
- ✗
A route with a longer AS_PATH is preferred over a route with a shorter AS_PATH.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because BGP prefers the shortest AS_PATH.
- ✗
The MED attribute is always compared regardless of the AS of the neighbor.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because MED is compared only when routes are from the same neighboring AS.
- ✗
The IGP metric to the next hop is the first criterion in BGP path selection.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because the IGP metric is compared later in the process (step 8), not first.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: OSPF can fail even when IP connectivity looks correct
OSPF neighbour formation depends on matching areas, timers, network type, authentication and passive-interface behaviour. Do not choose an answer only because the devices can ping.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
OSPF questions usually test the details that control adjacency and route selection. Read the neighbour state, area, router ID and interface configuration before deciding what is wrong.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
- Router ID selection can affect neighbour relationships and LSDB output.
- OSPF cost influences the preferred path.
- A route can appear in OSPF information but not become the installed route.
TExam Day Tips
- Check area mismatch first when OSPF adjacency fails.
- Review passive interfaces when a network is advertised but no neighbour forms.
- Use show ip ospf neighbor and show ip route clues carefully.
Key takeaway
OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A network engineer at a university connects two campus buildings via a fibre link. Both routers run OSPF, but no adjacency forms — even though both routers can ping each other. The engineer finds one router is in area 0 and the other in area 1. OSPF adjacency requires matching area numbers, hello/dead timers, and network type. IP reachability alone is not enough.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related 350-401 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-401 question test?
BGP — This question tests BGP — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: A route with a higher LOCAL_PREF is preferred over a route with a lower LOCAL_PREF. — BGP prefers a route with a higher LOCAL_PREF (local preference) over a lower one. A route learned via eBGP is preferred over iBGP because eBGP routes have a lower administrative distance in the BGP decision process (step 7: prefer eBGP over iBGP). The MED is compared only if the routes are from the same neighboring AS. The shortest AS_PATH is preferred, not the longest. The IGP metric to the next hop is compared only after many other steps.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related 350-401 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
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Same concept, more angles
2 more ways this is tested on 350-401
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Drag and drop each BGP attribute on the left to its preferred value (highest or lowest) on the right.
medium- ✓ P1.WEIGHT: Highest
- ✓ P2.LOCAL_PREF: Highest
- ✓ P3.MED: Lowest
- ✓ P4.AS_PATH length: Lowest
- ✓ P5.IGP metric to next-hop: Lowest
Why P1: Higher WEIGHT and LOCAL_PREF are preferred; lower MED, AS_PATH length, and IGP metric to next-hop are preferred.
Variation 2. Drag and drop each BGP attribute on the left to the value that is preferred (highest or lowest) during path selection on the right.
medium- ✓ P1.Weight: Highest
- ✓ P2.Local preference: Highest
- ✓ P3.AS_PATH length: Lowest
- ✓ P4.MULTI_EXIT_DISC: Lowest
- ✓ P5.IGP metric to next-hop: Lowest
Why P1: Higher weight is preferred; higher LOCAL_PREF is preferred; shorter AS_PATH length is preferred; lower MULTI_EXIT_DISC is preferred; lower IGP metric to next-hop is preferred.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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