Quick Answer
The answer is to compare the AS path length. After BGP path selection evaluates local preference, the next tie-breaking step is to prefer the route with the shortest AS path length, as this typically indicates a more direct path to the destination network. On the Juniper Networks Certified Associate Junos JNCIA-Junos exam, this sequence is a frequent topic, testing your understanding of the BGP path selection algorithm order. A common trap is confusing the order of local preference and AS path length, or jumping ahead to metrics like MED or IGP cost. To remember the correct sequence, use the mnemonic "We Love Oranges AS Oranges Mean Pure Refreshment," where the "AS" stands for AS path length, coming right after local preference.
This JNCIA-JUNOS practice question tests your understanding of routing fundamentals. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 is troubleshooting a BGP routing issue. The router receives a route to 172.16.0.0/16 from two BGP peers with different local preferences. The route from peer A has local preference 200, and from peer B has local preference 100. The router selects the route from peer A. What is the next step in BGP path selection if the local preferences were equal?
Compare the MED.
Why wrong: MED is compared after AS path length.
Compare the AS path length.
After local preference, BGP selects the path with the shortest AS path.
Compare the IGP metric to the next-hop.
Why wrong: IGP metric is compared after MED and before BGP ID.
Compare the origin code.
Why wrong: Origin code is compared after AS path length and MED.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Compare the AS path length.
Option D is correct because after local preference, BGP compares AS path length. Options A, B, and C are compared later in the BGP path selection process.
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.
Compare the MED.
Why it's wrong here
MED is compared after AS path length.
Compare the AS path length.
Compare the IGP metric to the next-hop.
Compare the origin code.
Why it's wrong here
Origin code is compared after AS path length and MED.
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 JNCIA-JUNOS NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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FAQ
Routing Fundamentals — This question tests Routing Fundamentals — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
The correct answer is: Compare the AS path length. — Option D is correct because after local preference, BGP compares AS path length. Options A, B, and C are compared later in the BGP path selection process.
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 JNCIA-JUNOS NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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