The answer is that both Auto-RP and BSR are configured, causing multiple RP mappings. This conclusion is drawn directly from the show ip pim rp mapping output, which reveals two distinct RPs for the same 224.0.0.0/4 group range: one learned via Auto-RP (10.0.0.2) and another via BSR (10.0.0.3). The router itself also identifies as an RP for both protocols, confirming that both mechanisms are active simultaneously, which creates conflicting RP information for multicast groups. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this scenario tests your ability to interpret PIM RP mapping output and recognize that running both Auto-RP and BSR on the same network is a common misconfiguration that leads to instability. A frequent trap is assuming the router only uses one RP election method, but the output explicitly shows two elected RPs with separate info sources. Remember the memory tip: “Two RPs, two sources, one problem” — if you see both Auto-RP and BSR in the same mapping, expect conflict.
350-401 IP Multicast Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of ip multicast. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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.
A network engineer runs the following command on Router R4:
R4# show ip pim rp mapping
PIM Group-to-RP Mappings
This system is an RP (Auto-RP)
This system is an RP (BSR)
Group(s) 224.0.0.0/4
RP 10.0.0.2 (?), v2v1
Info source: 10.0.0.2 (?), elected via Auto-RP, expires in 00:01:30
RP 10.0.0.3 (?), v2v1
Info source: 10.0.0.3 (?), elected via BSR, expires in 00:02:00
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Both Auto-RP and BSR are configured, causing multiple RP mappings.
The output shows that this router is configured as an RP for both Auto-RP and BSR. There are two RPs for the same group range: one learned via Auto-RP (10.0.0.2) and one via BSR (10.0.0.3). The router itself is also an RP. This indicates that both Auto-RP and BSR are configured, which can cause conflicts. The correct answer is that both Auto-RP and BSR are active, leading to multiple RP mappings.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Only Auto-RP is being used for RP mapping.
Why it's wrong here
BSR is also present as indicated by the 'elected via BSR' line.
✗
Only BSR is being used for RP mapping.
Why it's wrong here
Auto-RP is also present as indicated by the 'elected via Auto-RP' line.
✓
Both Auto-RP and BSR are configured, causing multiple RP mappings.
Why this is correct
The output shows two different RPs for the same group range, learned from different protocols.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The router is not an RP.
Why it's wrong here
The output explicitly states 'This system is an RP' for both Auto-RP and BSR.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The output explicitly states 'This system is an RP' for both Auto-RP and BSR.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 350-401 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 350-401 question in full detail.
Identify which 350-401 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
IP Multicast — This question tests IP Multicast — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Both Auto-RP and BSR are configured, causing multiple RP mappings. — The output shows that this router is configured as an RP for both Auto-RP and BSR. There are two RPs for the same group range: one learned via Auto-RP (10.0.0.2) and one via BSR (10.0.0.3). The router itself is also an RP. This indicates that both Auto-RP and BSR are configured, which can cause conflicts. The correct answer is that both Auto-RP and BSR are active, leading to multiple RP mappings.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Identify which 350-401 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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