Quick Answer
The answer is MULTI_EXIT_DISC (MED), the BGP attribute preferred with the lowest value. MED is an optional non-transitive attribute used to influence inbound traffic from a neighboring AS, where a lower MED value indicates a more preferred entry point into the local AS. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this concept tests your understanding of BGP path selection order, specifically that MED is evaluated after LOCAL_PREF and AS_PATH, and it is the only major attribute where a lower numeric value wins. A common trap is confusing MED with LOCAL_PREF or WEIGHT, both of which prefer higher values; remember that MED is the “lowest wins” metric for external path selection. To lock it in, think “MED is the low man on the totem pole”—the lowest MED gets the traffic.
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of ansible automation. 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 BGP attribute is preferred with the lowest value?
MULTI_EXIT_DISC (MED)
Correct. MED is used to influence inbound traffic and lower values are preferred.
LOCAL_PREF
Why wrong: Incorrect. LOCAL_PREF prefers higher values.
AS_PATH
Why wrong: Incorrect. AS_PATH prefers shorter paths, not lower values.
WEIGHT
Why wrong: Incorrect. WEIGHT prefers higher values.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
MULTI_EXIT_DISC (MED)
In BGP path selection, the LOCAL_PREF attribute is used to prefer paths within an AS. A higher LOCAL_PREF is preferred, but the question asks for the attribute preferred with the lowest value. The WEIGHT attribute is Cisco-specific and is preferred with the highest value. The MULTI_EXIT_DISC (MED) attribute is preferred with the lowest value.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
MULTI_EXIT_DISC (MED)
Why this is correct
Correct. MED is used to influence inbound traffic and lower values are preferred.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
LOCAL_PREF
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. LOCAL_PREF prefers higher values.
AS_PATH
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. AS_PATH prefers shorter paths, not lower values.
WEIGHT
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. WEIGHT prefers higher values.
Common exam traps
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
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
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 350-401 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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FAQ
Ansible Automation — This question tests Ansible Automation — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
The correct answer is: MULTI_EXIT_DISC (MED) — In BGP path selection, the LOCAL_PREF attribute is used to prefer paths within an AS. A higher LOCAL_PREF is preferred, but the question asks for the attribute preferred with the lowest value. The WEIGHT attribute is Cisco-specific and is preferred with the highest value. The MULTI_EXIT_DISC (MED) attribute is preferred with the lowest value.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 350-401 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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