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350-401 Practice Question: Which two statements about PIM sparse mode are…
Which two statements about PIM sparse mode 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
✓
PIM sparse mode uses an explicit join model to receive multicast traffic.
PIM sparse mode uses an explicit join model where routers send PIM Join messages toward the RP to join a multicast group. It builds a shared tree (RP-tree) initially, and optionally switches to a source tree (SPT) when traffic exceeds a threshold. PIM dense mode uses flood-and-prune, not sparse mode. PIM-BSR is one method for RP distribution, but not a requirement for sparse mode operation.
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 sparse mode uses an explicit join model to receive multicast traffic.
Why this is correct
Correct because in PIM sparse mode, receivers must explicitly join via PIM Join messages toward the RP.
- ✗
PIM sparse mode routers always use the shortest path tree (SPT) immediately after the first packet is received.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because the default behavior is to use the shared tree (RP-tree) until the SPT threshold is exceeded; the SPT switchover is not immediate.
- ✓
PIM sparse mode builds a shared tree rooted at the rendezvous point (RP).
Why this is correct
Correct because the RP is the root of the shared distribution tree for all sources in the group.
- ✗
PIM sparse mode uses a flood-and-prune mechanism to distribute multicast traffic.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because flood-and-prune is characteristic of PIM dense mode, not sparse mode.
- ✗
PIM sparse mode requires the use of a bootstrap router (BSR) to operate.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because BSR is one method for RP distribution, but PIM sparse mode can operate with static RP, Auto-RP, or BSR.
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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.