hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
350-401 Practice Question: Is configuring PIM sparse mode in a network that…
A network engineer is configuring PIM sparse mode in a network that uses a Bootstrap Router (BSR) for RP discovery. The engineer has configured a candidate BSR and candidate RPs. However, some routers in the network are not learning the RP set. The engineer checks the BSR and sees that it is receiving candidate RP advertisements, but the BSR messages are not being forwarded to all routers. What is the most likely cause?
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
✓
PIM is not enabled on all interfaces between the BSR and the other routers.
BSR messages are flooded hop-by-hop using PIM. If PIM is not enabled on all interfaces between the BSR and the other routers, the BSR messages will not be forwarded, preventing RP discovery.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
PIM is not enabled on all interfaces between the BSR and the other routers.
Why this is correct
Correct because BSR messages rely on PIM to flood; without PIM on intermediate interfaces, the messages are dropped.
- ✗
The candidate BSR priority is set too low.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because priority affects BSR election, not the flooding of BSR messages.
- ✗
The candidate RPs are not in the same OSPF area as the BSR.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because BSR messages are flooded regardless of OSPF areas, as long as PIM is enabled.
- ✗
The BSR is not configured as a candidate RP.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because the BSR does not need to be an RP; its role is to distribute RP information.
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JA
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.