JNCIP-ENT BGP Advanced Practice Question
A network engineer is configuring a Junos routing device to use BGP Prefix-Independent Convergence (PIC) edge for faster failover. What is the fundamental mechanism that enables BGP PIC to achieve sub-second convergence upon primary path failure?
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
✓
It pre-installs a backup loop-free alternate (LFA) next hop in the forwarding plane for rapid hardware switching.
BGP PIC pre-computes a backup loop-free alternate next hop and installs it in the forwarding table alongside the primary next hop, allowing hardware-based failover.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
It bypasses the routing table entirely and queries the BGP route reflector directly upon failure.
Why it's wrong here
Querying a reflector during failure would introduce unacceptable latency.
- ✓
It pre-installs a backup loop-free alternate (LFA) next hop in the forwarding plane for rapid hardware switching.
Why this is correct
PIC pre-computes backup paths in the forwarding table, decoupling convergence time from the number of prefixes.
- ✗
It forces the IGP to recalculate shortest paths immediately using fast-reroute without BGP participation.
Why it's wrong here
PIC specifically targets BGP convergence independence from the IGP scale.
- ✗
It increases the BGP keepalive and hold timers to prevent session tearing during link flaps.
Why it's wrong here
Timers affect session state, not fast convergence of forwarding paths.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed August 2026 · checked against the official Juniper Networks exam blueprint
This JNCIP-ENT practice question is part of Courseiva's free Juniper Networks 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 JNCIP-ENT exam.