Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

Understanding Port Isolation in the Network

Network Setup Details:

The switch is Layer 3, with VLANIF10 configured as 10.1.1.1/24 (gateway for all PCs).

All PCs are in VLAN 10 and use 10.1.1.1 as the default gateway.

Port isolation is enabled on switch interfaces, dividing them into two groups:

Group 1 (PC1 & PC2): GigabitEthernet0/0/1 and GigabitEthernet0/0/2

Group 2 (PC3 & PC4): GigabitEthernet0/0/3 and GigabitEthernet0/0/4

Port Isolation Behavior:

Ports within the same isolation group CAN communicate with each other.

Ports from different isolation groups CANNOT communicate directly.

All devices CAN still communicate with the L3 switch (10.1.1.1), which acts as the gateway.

Ping Analysis from PC1 (10.1.1.2)

Destination IP

Device

Connected Port

Isolation Group

Ping Result from PC1

10.1.1.3

PC2

GigabitEthernet0/0/2

Group 1

✅ Can Ping

10.1.1.4

PC3

GigabitEthernet0/0/3

Group 2

❌ Cannot Ping

10.1.1.5

PC4

GigabitEthernet0/0/4

Group 2

❌ Cannot Ping

10.1.1.1

L3 Switch (Gateway)

N/A

Not Isolated

✅ Can Ping

Which IPs Cannot be Pinged from PC1?

PC3 (10.1.1.4) and PC4 (10.1.1.5) are in a different isolation group (Group 2), so PC1 cannot reach them directly.

PC2 (10.1.1.3) is in the same isolation group (Group 1), so PC1 can ping it.

PC1 can ping the gateway (10.1.1.1) because the switch is Layer 3 and forwards traffic.

Thus, the correct answers are: A. 10.1.1.3 and D. 10.1.1.4.

Final Conclusion:

✅ PC1 CAN ping:

10.1.1.3 (PC2, same isolation group)

10.1.1.1 (Gateway, L3 Switch)

❌ PC1 CANNOT ping:

10.1.1.4 (PC3, different isolation group)

10.1.1.5 (PC4, different isolation group)

Thus, the correct answer is: A. 10.1.1.3 and D. 10.1.1.4.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

1. Understanding DHCP Snooping

DHCP Snooping is a security feature that filters untrusted DHCP messages to prevent attacks such as:

Rogue DHCP servers distributing incorrect IP addresses.

DHCP starvation attacks.

In DHCP Snooping, switch ports are classified as:

Trusted Interfaces: Allow both DHCP requests and DHCP responses to pass through.

Untrusted Interfaces: Allow only DHCP requests but drop DHCP responses (to prevent rogue DHCP servers).

2. Analyzing Each Answer Option

Option A: "When receiving a DHCP response packet on GE0/0/2, the switch forwards the packet through GE0/0/1."

Correct.

GE0/0/2 is a trusted interface (connected to the DHCP server).

DHCP responses (ACK, NAK, OFFER) come from the DHCP Server.

Since DHCP responses are allowed on trusted interfaces, the switch forwards them to the client (PC1) via GE0/0/1.

Option B: "When receiving a DHCP request packet on GE0/0/2, the switch forwards the packet through GE0/0/3."

Incorrect.

DHCP requests originate from clients (PC1, attackers, etc.), not from the DHCP server.

The DHCP request should be forwarded to the DHCP server via a trusted interface (not GE0/0/3, which is untrusted).

Option C: "When receiving a DHCP response packet on GE0/0/3, the switch forwards the packet through GE0/0/1."

Incorrect.

GE0/0/3 is an untrusted interface (connected to the attacker).

DHCP responses (ACK, OFFER) from untrusted interfaces are dropped to prevent rogue DHCP attacks.

The switch will not forward the packet.

Option D: "When receiving a DHCP request packet on GE0/0/3, the switch forwards the packet through GE0/0/2."

Correct.

DHCP requests originate from clients (PC1 or attacker).

Since DHCP requests are allowed on untrusted interfaces, the switch forwards them to the DHCP server via the trusted interface (GE0/0/2).

Final Answer:

✅ A and D are correct.

HCIP-Datacom-Advanced Routing & Switching Technology References:

DHCP Snooping and Port Trust Classification

How Trusted and Untrusted Ports Handle DHCP Packets

Preventing Rogue DHCP Servers Using DHCP Snooping

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

Understanding the LSA Table in the Figure

The LSDB (Link-State Database) of R4 displays an Intra-Area-Prefix-LSA for Area 0.0.0.1. The table contains:

Three LSAs originating from R4 (10.0.4.4)

Prefixes referencing both Router-LSAs and Network-LSAs

Different Sequence Numbers and Checksums, indicating multiple link-state changes

OSPFv3 LSA Types Relevant to the Question

Router-LSA (Type 1)

Generated by every router to describe its links within an area.

Network-LSA (Type 2)

Generated only by the Designated Router (DR) for multi-access networks (such as Ethernet).

Advertises all routers connected to the same segment.

Intra-Area-Prefix-LSA (Type 9)

Advertises IPv6 prefixes associated with a Router-LSA (Type 1) or Network-LSA (Type 2).

Analysis of Each Statement

A. The three LSAs belong to area 1. ✅ (True)

The table explicitly shows "Intra-Area-Prefix-LSA (Area 0.0.0.1)", meaning all LSAs are for Area 1.

The Link State IDs also indicate intra-area advertisements.

✅ Statement A is correct.

B. Area 1 is a stub area. ❌ (False)

There is no indication that Area 1 is a stub area.

Stub areas do not receive Type 5 (External) LSAs, and the LSDB does not show Type 3 (Inter-Area) LSAs either.

Network-LSAs (Type 2) are not typically seen in stub areas unless explicitly configured.

❌ Statement B is incorrect.

C. No OSPFv3 neighbor relationship is established on at least one link of R4. ✅ (True)

One LSA references a Router-LSA, while two reference Network-LSAs.

A Router-LSA alone suggests that R4 has at least one point-to-point or unnumbered link with no OSPFv3 adjacency.

This means R4 has an interface with no neighbor (e.g., a passive interface or down link).

✅ Statement C is correct.

D. R4 is the DR on a link. ✅ (True)

The presence of Network-LSAs (Type 2) indicates that a multi-access link exists.

Since R4 is the origin of the Network-LSA, it must be the DR (Designated Router) for that link.

✅ Statement D is correct.

Final Conclusion:

✅ A. The three LSAs belong to area 1. (True)❌ B. Area 1 is a stub area. (False)✅ C. No OSPFv3 neighbor relationship is established on at least one link of R4. (True)✅ D. R4 is the DR on a link. (True)

Thus, the correct answers are: A, C, D.

A = 50

B = 10

C = 20

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

Understanding OSPF Path Selection and Cost Calculation:

OSPF selects the shortest path (lowest cost) to the destination.

The OSPF cost is determined by the cumulative sum of interface costs along a path.

By assigning specific costs to A, B, and C, we can influence OSPF’s path selection to meet the desired routing behavior.

Step-by-Step Analysis of Required Traffic Flow:

1. Traffic from PC1 to PC2 must take the route:

PC1 -> R1 -> R3 -> R2 -> PC2

To force traffic through R3, the cost of the direct link R1 -> R2 (Cost-A) must be higher than the alternative path via R3.

We assign Cost-A = 50 (high cost) to discourage direct routing from R1 -> R2.

The cost of R1 -> R3 (Cost-C) should be lower, so we assign Cost-C = 20.

The cost of R3 -> R2 (default Cost-20) remains unchanged.

Total cost via R3: 20 (R1->R3) + 20 (R3->R2) = 40, which is less than the direct link of 50, so OSPF prefers this path.

✅ Traffic follows: PC1 -> R1 -> R3 -> R2 -> PC2

2. Traffic from PC2 to PC1 must take the route:

PC2 -> R2 -> R1 -> PC1

We need to make R2 -> R1 (Cost-B) the best (lowest cost) route for return traffic.

Assign Cost-B = 10 (low cost).

This ensures that R2 prefers the direct path R2 -> R1 instead of R2 -> R3 -> R1 (which costs 20+20=40).

✅ Traffic follows: PC2 -> R2 -> R1 -> PC1

Final Cost Assignments for Correct Routing Behavior:

Cost

Assigned Value

Reason

Cost-A (R1 -> R2)

50

High to discourage direct R1->R2 routing

Cost-B (R2 -> R1)

10

Low to ensure PC2->PC1 prefers direct R2->R1

Cost-C (R1 -> R3)

20

Medium to encourage R1->R3->R2 path

Key Takeaways:

Higher OSPF cost discourages path selection.

Lower OSPF cost encourages path selection.

By manipulating OSPF cost values, we achieve asymmetric routing between PC1 and PC2.

This aligns with OSPF path selection principles covered in HCIP-Datacom certification.

HCIP-Datacom-Advanced Routing & Switching Technology References:

Huawei HCIP-Datacom Official Certification Guide, Chapter on OSPF Cost Calculation and Path Selection.

Huawei Enterprise Networking Training Materials, OSPF Path Optimization Techniques.

Huawei Datacom Configuration Guide, OSPF Cost and Traffic Engineering.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

To determine which statements are false, we need to understand how OSPFv3 and IS-IS work together, and how Inter-Area-Router LSAs (Type 3 LSAs) are generated in OSPF:

1. Understanding OSPF Inter-Area LSAs (Type 3)

OSPF generates Type 3 LSAs (Inter-Area-Prefix LSAs) to advertise networks between areas.

Only Area Border Routers (ABRs) generate Inter-Area LSAs.

Type 3 LSAs allow routes to be advertised from one OSPF area to another (e.g., from Area 0 to Area 1 or Area 2).

2. Analysis of Each Answer Option:

✅ A. "R3 generates an Inter-Area-Router-LSA in Area 0." → TRUE

R3 is an ABR (connecting IS-IS and OSPF Area 0).

Since R3 is importing IS-IS routes into OSPFv3, it must generate Type 3 LSAs to advertise those routes in Area 0.

This statement is correct.

✅ B. "R2 generates an Inter-Area-Router-LSA in Area 0." → TRUE

R2 is also an ABR (connecting IS-IS and OSPF Area 0).

Like R3, R2 imports IS-IS routes into OSPFv3 and advertises them into Area 0 using Type 3 LSAs.

This statement is correct.

❌ C. "R1 generates an Inter-Area-Router-LSA in Area 2." → FALSE

R1 is not an ABR.

Only ABRs generate Type 3 LSAs, and R1 is not an ABR between Area 2 and Area 0.

This statement is false.

❌ D. "R2 generates an Inter-Area-Router-LSA in Area 1." → FALSE

Area 1 is a stub area, and stub areas do not allow Inter-Area-Router LSAs (Type 3 LSAs) for external routes.

R2 does not generate Inter-Area LSAs in Area 1 because OSPF prevents this in stub areas.

This statement is false.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

1. Understanding OSPF Neighbor Relationships

OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) forms neighbor relationships based on these key conditions:

Routers must be in the same OSPF area.

The subnet mask and network type must match.

The Hello/Dead timers must match.

Authentication (if enabled) must match.

2. Analyzing the Given Scenario

R1 and R2 are in Area 0 (Backbone Area).

R3 and R4 are in Area 1 (Non-Backbone Area).

R4 was configured incorrectly using R3’s backup configuration, which could cause issues.

3. Evaluating Each Answer Option

Option A: "The OSPF neighbor relationship between R1 and R2 is not affected."

Correct.

R1 and R2 are both in Area 0 and their configuration was not changed.

Since R4 was added only between R2 and R3, it does not impact R1 and R2.

✅ A is correct.

Option B: "An OSPF neighbor relationship can be established between R2 and R4."

Incorrect.

R2 is in Area 0, but R4 is incorrectly configured using R3’s backup, which likely placed it in Area 1.

OSPF neighbors cannot form across different areas unless an Area Border Router (ABR) is properly configured.

Since there is no indication of an ABR setup, the adjacency will fail.

❌ B is incorrect.

Option C: "An OSPF neighbor relationship can be established between R3 and R4."

Correct.

R3 and R4 are both in Area 1, and R4's backup configuration comes from R3, meaning they likely have identical settings.

Since they share the same area and are directly connected, an OSPF adjacency is possible.

✅ C is correct.

Option D: "An OSPF neighbor relationship can be established between R1 and R3."

Incorrect.

R1 is in Area 0, and R3 is in Area 1.

OSPF does not form neighbor relationships between different areas unless configured as an ABR, which is not mentioned.

❌ D is incorrect.

Final Answer:

✅ A and C are correct.

HCIP-Datacom-Advanced Routing & Switching Technology References:

OSPF Neighbor Formation and Area Design Principles

Troubleshooting OSPF Area Mismatches and Configuration Issues

OSPF Backbone Area (Area 0) and Inter-Area Communication

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

Understanding the BGP and OSPF Network Topology in the Question:

External Route Importation

R1, R2, and R3 import 192.168.1.0/24 into BGP from an external source.

This means R1, R2, and R3 will advertise this route to their EBGP and iBGP peers.

BGP Route Selection Criteria

BGP follows specific rules to determine the best path for a route. The most relevant factors here are:

Highest Local Preference (LOCAL_PREF) → Preferred

Shortest AS Path → Preferred

Lowest Origin Type (IGP < EGP < Incomplete) → Preferred

Lowest MED (Multi-Exit Discriminator) → Preferred

Oldest eBGP route (if paths are equal) → Preferred

Route Selection Analysis for Each Statement:

A. For 192.168.1.0/24, R5 preferentially selects the route received from R2. ✅ (Correct)

R5 is in AS 65456 and peers with R6 using iBGP.

Since R2 is a central router with direct connectivity to R5, it is the most preferred path compared to indirect paths from R1 or R3.

By default, R5 will prefer the path from R2 over others unless explicitly influenced by BGP attributes.

✅ Statement A is correct.

B. For 192.168.1.0/24, R4 preferentially selects the route received from R1. ❌ (Incorrect)

R4 and R5 use Loopback0 to establish iBGP with R6, meaning they receive BGP routes from multiple sources.

BGP prefers the shortest AS path, and there is no specific information indicating that R1’s path is the shortest for R4.

R4 may actually prefer another router's advertisement (e.g., R2 or R3) depending on AS path length and other attributes.

❌ Statement B is incorrect.

C. For 192.168.1.0/24, if the default local-preference 150 command is configured on R3, R5 preferentially selects the route received from R3. ✅ (Correct)

By default, BGP assigns a local-preference of 100.

If R3 sets local-preference to 150, it is higher than other routes (R1, R2).

BGP prefers the highest local-preference value, so R5 will prefer the route received from R3 if this attribute is set.

✅ Statement C is correct.

D. For 192.168.1.0/24, R6 preferentially selects the route received from R4. ❌ (Incorrect)

R6 is an iBGP peer of both R4 and R5.

BGP best-path selection depends on attributes like local-preference, AS-path, and MED.

There is no explicit information suggesting that R4’s advertisement is preferred over R5’s.

R6 may prefer R5’s route depending on attributes.

❌ Statement D is incorrect.

Final Conclusion:

✅ A. R5 preferentially selects the route received from R2.❌ B. R4 does not necessarily prefer R1’s route.✅ C. If R3 sets local-preference 150, R5 will prefer the route from R3.❌ D. R6 does not necessarily prefer R4’s route.

Thus, the correct answers are: A, C.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

Understanding the BGP and IS-IS Network Topology in the Question:

IS-IS Areas:

Area 49.0001 (Level-1 IS-IS): Contains R1, R2, R4, R5.

Area 49.0002 (Level-2 IS-IS): Contains R3, R6.

R2 acts as an ABR (Area Border Router) and redistributes routes between Level-1 and Level-2 using import-route isis level-2 into level-1.

BGP Route Reflection & Peering:

R2 and R5 are Route Reflectors (RRs).

iBGP peering is established among all routers (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6).

R1 and R4 import 192.168.1.0/24 into BGP, meaning this prefix will be advertised to all iBGP peers.

R3 and R6 import 192.168.2.0/24 into BGP, meaning this prefix will also be advertised to all iBGP peers.

Route Distribution Analysis:

A. The route 192.168.2.0/24 in the routing table of R4 has two next hops. ✅ (Correct)

R3 and R6 import 192.168.2.0/24 into BGP.

R2 and R5 (Route Reflectors) learn this route and reflect it to their clients (R1, R3, R4, R6).

R4 receives two valid paths to 192.168.2.0/24 via R2 and R5 (both iBGP peers).

Since both routes have the same BGP attributes and cost, they are installed as equal-cost paths in R4's routing table.

✅ Statement A is correct: The routing table of R4 has two next hops for 192.168.2.0/24.

B. The routing table of R1 contains two equal-cost default routes. ❌ (Incorrect)

In an IS-IS Level-1-2 setup, default routes are usually provided to Level-1 routers from an ABR (like R2).

However, the question does not mention that R1 is receiving two default routes or that it is in an equal-cost multipath (ECMP) scenario.

R1 may have only one default route, depending on route preference and cost.

❌ Statement B is incorrect: The routing table of R1 does not necessarily contain two equal-cost default routes.

C. The routing table of R4 contains two equal-cost default routes. ❌ (Incorrect)

Similar to R1, R4 is also a Level-1 router in IS-IS.

If R4 were receiving default routes from multiple ABRs (R2 and R5), then it could have equal-cost paths.

However, there is no indication that R4 is receiving two default routes in this scenario.

❌ Statement C is incorrect: The routing table of R4 does not necessarily contain two equal-cost default routes.

D. The routing table of R1 contains the route 192.168.2.0/24. ✅ (Correct)

R3 and R6 import 192.168.2.0/24 into BGP.

R2 and R5 (Route Reflectors) reflect this route to their iBGP peers, including R1.

Since R1 is an iBGP client of R2 and R5, it will receive 192.168.2.0/24 and install it in its routing table.

✅ Statement D is correct: The routing table of R1 contains the route 192.168.2.0/24.

Final Conclusion:

✅ A. The route 192.168.2.0/24 in the routing table of R4 has two next hops.❌ B. The routing table of R1 does not necessarily contain two equal-cost default routes.❌ C. The routing table of R4 does not necessarily contain two equal-cost default routes.✅ D. The routing table of R1 contains the route 192.168.2.0/24.

Thus, the correct answers are: A, D.

To determine the correct answer, we need to analyze how OSPFv3 handles Router LSAs (Type 1 LSAs) in a simple Area 0 topology like the one shown in the figure.

1. Understanding OSPFv3 Router LSAs (Type 1 LSAs)

Router LSAs (Type 1 LSAs) are generated by each router within an OSPF area to describe its own directly connected links.

Each router in an OSPF area generates exactly one Type 1 LSA.

The Link-State Database (LSDB) on a router contains LSAs from all routers in the same area.

2. Analyzing the Network in the Figure

There are 3 routers: R1, R2, and R3.

All routers are in OSPFv3 Area 0 (which is a single area).

Each of these routers generates one Router LSA (Type 1 LSA).

Since R2 is in the same area as R1 and R3, its LSDB contains the Router LSAs from itself, R1, and R3.

3. Conclusion

The LSDB of R2 contains 3 Router LSAs (one from each router: R1, R2, and R3).

Final Answer: 3

1. Understanding Router-LSAs in OSPFv3

Router-LSA (Type 1 LSA) is generated by every OSPFv3 router to describe its own links and connected networks within the same area.

Each router in an OSPF area generates exactly one Router-LSA to advertise its own topology information.

Router-LSAs are flooded throughout the area but do not cross area boundaries.

2. Analyzing the Given OSPFv3 Network

The topology consists of three routers: R1, R2, and R3, all connected in OSPFv3 Area 0.

Since all three routers participate in OSPFv3, each router generates its own Router-LSA (Type 1 LSA).

R2, as an OSPF router, will have its own Router-LSA and also receive the Router-LSAs from R1 and R3.

3. Counting the Number of Router-LSAs in R2’s LSDB

R1 generates 1 Router-LSA (for itself).

R2 generates 1 Router-LSA (for itself).

R3 generates 1 Router-LSA (for itself).

Total Router-LSAs in R2’s LSDB = 3 (one from each router).

Final Answer:

Answer: 3

HCIP-Datacom-Advanced Routing & Switching Technology References:

OSPFv3 LSA Types and Their Roles

Understanding Router-LSA (Type 1) and Its Function in LSDB

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

Understanding the OSPF Network Structure in the Question:

OSPF Areas & Routers:

Area 3: Contains R5 (which has loopback 10.0.5.5/32).

Area 1: Contains R6.

Area 2: Contains R4.

Area 0 (Backbone Area): Contains R1, R2, and R3 (which interconnect the other areas).

ACL 2000 Filtering Rule:

The ACL rule 2000 explicitly denies 10.0.5.5/32 from being imported.

The filter 2000 import command applies this filter to Area 0, preventing routes from Area 3 (including R5's loopback) from being learned by Area 0 routers (R1, R2, and R3).

Route Distribution Analysis:

R5 (Area 3):

R5 has 10.0.5.5/32 configured on its Loopback0.

Since OSPF is enabled, R5 advertises the route to R6 in Area 1.

R6 (Area 1) → R2 (Area 0, Backbone Router):

Without filtering, R6 would normally propagate 10.0.5.5/32 to R2 (since R2 is a backbone router in Area 0).

However, since ACL 2000 is applied in Area 0, R2 blocks this route from being imported.

Therefore, R2 does not learn 10.0.5.5/32.

R2 → R1 and R3 (Both in Area 0):

R2 would typically share any learned routes with R1 and R3 in Area 0.

But since R2 itself does not have 10.0.5.5/32, neither R1 nor R3 can receive it.

Thus, R1 and R3 also do not have 10.0.5.5/32 in their routing tables.

R4 (Area 2) is Unaffected:

Since R4 is in Area 2, it is not directly impacted by the filter applied in Area 0.

It can still receive the route via another path if redistribution is configured properly.

Final Conclusion:

R1, R2, and R3 do not have the 10.0.5.5/32 route due to the filter 2000 import command applied in Area 0.

R4 may still have the route since it is not affected by the filtering in Area 0.

Thus, the correct answer is:✅ R1, R3, R2 do not have the route 10.0.5.5/32 in their routing tables.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

1. Understanding the Routing Issue

R1 and R4 are BGP routers and have an IBGP connection.

R2 and R3 are OSPF-only routers (they do not run BGP).

Networks 10.1.1.0/24 and 10.4.4.0/24 are advertised into BGP but not OSPF.

PC1 (10.1.1.1) and PC2 (10.4.4.1) need communication, but their networks are not known to OSPF routers R2 and R3.

To fix this, we need a method that ensures R2 and R3 learn the routes for 10.1.1.0/24 and 10.4.4.0/24.

2. Evaluating Each Answer Option

Option A: "Deploy policy-based routing on R1 and specify R2 as the next hop for traffic from PC1 to PC2."

Incorrect.

Policy-Based Routing (PBR) does not solve the issue of missing routes in OSPF.

Even if R1 forwards traffic to R2, R2 does not know how to reach 10.4.4.0/24, causing packet drops.

A proper routing protocol solution is required instead of PBR.

Option B: "Deploy MPLS and LDP on R1 to R4 and establish LSPs for routes 1.1.1.1/32 and 4.4.4.4/32."

Incorrect.

MPLS requires label-switched paths (LSPs) but does not distribute routing information itself.

The real problem is that R2 and R3 do not have routing entries for 10.1.1.0/24 and 10.4.4.0/24.

MPLS does not fix the missing route advertisement issue.

Option C: "Run BGP on R2 and R3, and establish full-mesh IBGP connections in AS 123."

Correct.

If R2 and R3 run BGP, they can form IBGP sessions with R1 and R4 and learn routes 10.1.1.0/24 and 10.4.4.0/24 via BGP.

R2 and R3 would then be able to forward traffic correctly between PC1 and PC2.

This is a valid method to fix the issue.

Option D: "On R1 and R4, import routes 10.1.1.0/24 and 10.4.4.0/24 into OSPF."

Correct.

By redistributing BGP routes into OSPF, R1 and R4 can ensure that R2 and R3 learn the missing networks (10.1.1.0/24 and 10.4.4.0/24) via OSPF.

This allows full reachability without running BGP on R2 and R3.

This is another valid method to fix the issue.

Final Answer:

✅ C and D are correct.

HCIP-Datacom-Advanced Routing & Switching Technology References:

BGP and OSPF Route Redistribution

IBGP Full-Mesh Requirement and Route Propagation

How Policy-Based Routing Works and Its Limitations

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

To verify the correct answers, let's analyze how BGP/MPLS IP VPN is used for secure communication and isolation in an enterprise network.

1. Understanding BGP/MPLS IP VPN Concepts

MPLS VPN (Multiprotocol Label Switching Virtual Private Network) is used to:

Allow communication between specific sites by using Route Targets (RTs).

Ensure isolation of specific areas (e.g., R&D vs. non-R&D) by controlling RT import/export policies.

Utilize Route Distinguisher (RD) to make overlapping IP addresses unique within the VPN.

2. Analyzing the Answer Choices

✅ A. "To enable communication between the headquarters and branch R&D areas, both the ERT and IRT of VPN1 and VPN2 can be set to 100:100." → TRUE

Explanation:

ERT (Export Route Target) and IRT (Import Route Target) define which VPNs share routing information.

If VPN1 (HQ R&D) and VPN2 (Branch R&D) use the same RT (100:100), they will exchange routes, enabling communication.

Correct configuration:

VPN1: ERT 100:100, IRT 100:100

VPN2: ERT 100:100, IRT 100:100

✅ This is correct and enables communication between HQ and branch R&D areas.

❌ B. "To implement communication between the headquarters and branch R&D areas, the RDs of VPN1 and VPN2 need to be set to the same value." → FALSE

Explanation:

RD (Route Distinguisher) is only used to make overlapping IP addresses unique within the MPLS VPN.

RD does NOT control route exchange between VPNs (RTs control route exchange).

VPN1 and VPN2 can have different RDs but still communicate if they share the same RT (100:100).

✅ RDs do NOT need to be the same for VPNs to communicate.

❌ This statement is false.

❌ C. "R&D areas and non-R&D areas have overlapping address spaces. Therefore, services in the two areas cannot be isolated." → FALSE

Explanation:

Overlapping address spaces are common in MPLS VPNs and can be isolated using unique Route Targets (RTs).

As long as VPNs have different RTs, their traffic remains isolated.

For example:

VPN1 (R&D): RT 100:100

VPN3 (non-R&D): RT 200:200

Even with overlapping IPs, R&D and non-R&D areas are completely isolated.

❌ This statement is false.

✅ D. "To isolate R&D areas from non-R&D areas at the headquarters, the RTs of VPN1 can all be set to 100:100 and the RTs of VPN3 can all be set to 200:200." → TRUE

Explanation:

Setting different RTs for R&D (100:100) and non-R&D (200:200) ensures complete isolation.

Correct configuration:

VPN1 (R&D): RT 100:100

VPN3 (non-R&D): RT 200:200

Since VPN1 and VPN3 do NOT share the same RTs, their routes remain separate.

✅ This ensures isolation between R&D and non-R&D areas.