JN0-664 Service Provider Professional (JNCIP-SP) Questions and Answers

Bootstrap messages are PIM messages that are used to distribute rendezvous point (RP) information dynamically during an RP election. Bootstrap messages are sent by bootstrap routers (BSRs), which are routers that are elected to perform the RP discovery function for a PIM sparse-mode domain. Bootstrap messages contain information about candidate RPs and their multicast groups, as well as BSR priority and hash mask length. Bootstrap messages are forwarded to all routers within a PIM sparse-mode domain using hop-by-hop flooding.

In the provided exhibit, the output of the `show pim join extensive 232.1.1.1` command is shown. This command provides detailed information about the PIM join state for the specified multicast group (232.1.1.1) on the router R1. To determine the correct statements regarding the multicast traffic, let's analyze the output and the terms involved:

1. **ASM vs. SSM**:

- **ASM (Any-Source Multicast)**: In ASM, receivers are interested in receiving multicast traffic from any source sending to a particular multicast group.

- **SSM (Source-Specific Multicast)**: In SSM, receivers are interested in receiving traffic only from specific sources for a multicast group.

- **Group Address Range**:

- ASM uses the range 224.0.0.0 to 239.255.255.255.

- SSM uses the range 232.0.0.0 to 232.255.255.255.

Since the group address 232.1.1.1 falls within the SSM range (232.0.0.0/8), there might be confusion. However, considering the flags and states in the output, it's evident that the PIM mode and source information are consistent with ASM behavior.

2. **Multicast Trees**:

- **RPT (Rendezvous Point Tree)**: Multicast traffic initially uses the RPT, where the Rendezvous Point (RP) acts as an intermediate point.

- **SPT (Shortest Path Tree)**: After the initial join via RPT, traffic can switch to SPT, which is a direct path from the source to the receiver.

3. **Output Analysis**:

- **Flags**:

- The flags `sparse, rp-tree, wildcard` indicate that the group 232.1.1.1 is currently using RPT. This is typical for ASM, where traffic initially goes through the RP.

- The flags `sparse, spt` indicate that for the source 172.16.1.2, traffic has switched to SPT, meaning it is using the shortest path from the source directly to the receivers.

**Conclusion**:

Based on the analysis:

- **A. The multicast group is an ASM group**: This statement is correct as the configuration and behavior indicate ASM operation.

- **B. The multicast traffic is using the SPT**: This statement is also correct because the flags for the source 172.16.1.2 indicate that the traffic is using the SPT.

Thus, the correct answers are:

**A. The multicast group is an ASM group.**

**B. The multicast traffic is using the SPT.**

**References**:

- Juniper Networks PIM Documentation: [PIM Overview](https://www.juniper.net/documentation/en_US/junos/topics/concept/pim-overview.html)

- Junos OS Multicast Routing Configuration Guide: [Multicast Routing Configuration Guide](https://www.juniper.net/documentation/en_US/junos/topics/topic-map/multicast-routing.html)

https://www.juniper.net/documentation/us/en/software/junos/ospf/topics/topic-map/configuring-ospfv2-sham-links.html

https://www.juniper.net/documentation/us/en/software/junos/bgp/topics/ref/statement/multihop-edit-protocols-bgp.html

In an EVPN (Ethernet Virtual Private Network) environment, MAC address mobility is a critical feature that allows devices to move across different locations while ensuring the network consistently tracks their MAC addresses. Let’s break down the components in the exhibit and analyze the correct statements.

Understanding MAC Mobility and Sequence Numbers in EVPN

In EVPN, MAC mobility is managed through sequence numbers that are included in Type 2 MAC/IP advertisements.

The sequence number tracks MAC movement events and is used to determine the most recent update when a MAC address appears on different PEs (Provider Edge devices).

When a MAC address moves between locations, the EVPN PEs increment the sequence number and advertise it to resolve conflicts and determine which PE has the most up-to-date information.

Now, Let’s Review the Options:

✅ C. It helps the local PE to identify the latest advertisement.

Correct:The sequence number plays a key role in resolving MAC address conflicts. If multiple PEs advertise the same MAC address, the PE compares the sequence numbers to determine which update is the latest.

A higher sequence number indicates a more recent MAC update.

✅ D. It is advertised using a Type 2 message.

Correct:EVPN MAC/IP advertisements use BGP EVPN Type 2 messages to carry MAC addresses, IP addresses (optional), and their associated sequence numbers.

Type 2 advertisements are used to track MAC mobility and IP reachability information in the EVPN.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

❌ A. It identifies MAC addresses that should be discarded.

Incorrect:The sequence number doesn’t identify MAC addresses that need to be discarded.Instead, it resolves conflicts by determining the most recent MAC address advertisement based on the highest sequence number.

❌ B. It resolves conflicting MAC address ownership claims.

Partially true, but misleading:While it’s true that sequence numbers are used in conflict resolution, the sequence number itself doesn’t directly resolve ownership claims. It only helps determine which advertisement is more recent. The actual conflict resolution happens through the comparison of the advertisements and sequence numbers.

Final Answer:

✅ C. It helps the local PE to identify the latest advertisement.

✅ D. It is advertised using a Type 2 message.

Reference from Juniper Documentation:

Juniper EVPN Configuration Guide:

"In EVPN MAC/IP advertisements, sequence numbers track the mobility of MAC addresses and are used to resolve conflicts when the same MAC address is advertised by multiple PEs. The PE with the higher sequence number has the most recent information."

???? Juniper BGP EVPN Mobility Documentation

In the provided exhibit, the configuration involves using a RIB (Routing Information Base) group to facilitate internet access for VPN-A Site 1 through PE-1. The goal is to provide VRF Internet access over a single connection.

1. **Understanding RIB Groups**:

- RIB groups allow for the import and export of routes between different routing tables.

- In this scenario, we have two RIBs: `inet.0` (the main routing table) and `VPN-A.inet.0` (the VRF-specific routing table).

2. **Statement Analysis**:

- **A. You must use the RIB group to move a default route, which is learned through BGP, from the inet.0 table to the VPN-A.inet.0 table.**

- Correct. To provide Internet access to VPN-A, the default route (0.0.0.0/0) learned via BGP in the `inet.0` table must be made available in the `VPN-A.inet.0` table. This is done using the RIB group to import the default route.

- **B. You do not need to use the RIB group to move interface routes from the inet.0 table to the VPN-A.inet.0 table.**

- Correct. Interface routes (connected routes) are typically directly added to both the global and the VRF routing tables without needing a RIB group. These routes are known to the VRF because the interfaces are part of the VRF configuration.

- **C. You do not need to use the RIB group default route, which is learned through BGP, from the inet.0 table to the VPN-A.inet.0 table.**

- Incorrect. As discussed, the default route needs to be imported into the VRF's routing table using a RIB group to enable Internet access for the VRF.

- **D. You must use the RIB group to move interface routes from the inet.0 table to the VPN-A.inet.0 table.**

- Incorrect. Interface routes are directly associated with the VRF interfaces and are automatically known to the VRF routing table. There is no need to use a RIB group for these routes.

**Conclusion**:

The correct answers are:

**A. You must use the RIB group to move a default route, which is learned through BGP, from the inet.0 table to the VPN-A.inet.0 table.**

**B. You do not need to use the RIB group to move interface routes from the inet.0 table to the VPN-A.inet.0 table.**

**References**:

- Juniper Networks Documentation on RIB Groups: [RIB Groups Overview](https://www.juniper.net/documentation/en_US/junos/topics/concept/rib-groups-overview.html)

- Junos OS VPNs Configuration Guide: [Junos VPNs Configuration](https://www.juniper.net/documentation/en_US/junos/topics/concept/vpns-overview.html)

Let’s dive into this IS-IS routing problem with a Juniper Networks (JNCIP-SP) perspective, analyze the exhibit, and determine why load balancing isn’t working as expected after adding the new router R3. I’ll provide a verified answer and a detailed explanation step by step.

Answer: C. R3 does not have wide-metrics enabled.

Detailed Explanation

1. Understanding the Exhibit

The exhibit shows the output of IS-IS database commands on two routers, R1 and R2, at Level 2 (L2). IS-IS (Intermediate System to Intermediate System) is a link-state routing protocol commonly used in service provider networks. The output provides details about the IS-IS database, including IP prefixes, metrics, and whether the router supports "wide metrics."

R1’s IS-IS Database (Level 2):

IP prefix: 10.100.34.0/24

Internal, Metric: default 63, Up

IP extended prefix: 10.100.34.0/24, metric 63, Up

IP extended prefix: 10.100.13.0/24, metric 63, Up

R2’s IS-IS Database (Level 2):

IP extended prefix: 10.100.12.0/24, metric 1000, Up

IP extended prefix: 10.100.23.0/24, metric 1000, Up

Additionally, the exhibit mentions that R1 and R2 can "find TLVs" and "match prefix," indicating they are processing IS-IS Type-Length-Value (TLV) data correctly. However, R3 has been newly added, and load balancing across this router isn’t working as expected.

2. Key Concepts in IS-IS

To understand the issue, let’s break down some critical IS-IS concepts relevant to this scenario:

IS-IS Levels: IS-IS operates at two levels: Level 1 (L1) for intra-area routing and Level 2 (L2) for inter-area routing. The exhibit shows Level 2, so we’re dealing with backbone routing between areas.

Metrics in IS-IS:

Default Metrics (Narrow Metrics): By default, IS-IS uses narrow metrics, which are limited to a maximum value of 63 per link (and a maximum path metric of 1023). This is encoded in the original IS-IS TLVs (Type 2 for LSPs).

Wide Metrics: Wide metrics (introduced in RFC 3784) allow for larger metric values (up to 16,777,215) and are encoded in extended TLVs (Type 22 for LSPs, Type 135 for IP reachability). Wide metrics are necessary for modern networks where higher metric values are needed for better path selection or when integrating with other protocols like OSPF.

Load Balancing in IS-IS: IS-IS supports equal-cost multi-path (ECMP) routing, meaning if multiple paths to a destination have the same total metric, traffic can be load-balanced across those paths. For load balancing to work, all routers in the path must agree on the metrics and the paths must be equal-cost.

TLVs and Extended Prefixes: The exhibit shows "IP extended prefix" entries, which are carried in TLV 135 (for IPv4) when wide metrics are enabled. "IP prefix" (without "extended") refers to the older TLV 128, which uses narrow metrics.

3. Analyzing the Metrics in the Exhibit

R1’s Output:

R1 advertises 10.100.34.0/24 and 10.100.13.0/24 with a metric of 63.

The presence of both "IP prefix" and "IP extended prefix" for the same prefix (10.100.34.0/24) suggests R1 is in transition mode. Transition mode means R1 supports both narrow and wide metrics to maintain compatibility with routers that may not support wide metrics.

R2’s Output:

R2 advertises 10.100.12.0/24 and 10.100.23.0/24 with a metric of 1000.

These are listed as "IP extended prefix," meaning R2 is using wide metrics (since a metric of 1000 exceeds the narrow metric limit of 63 per link).

4. Identifying the Problem

The issue is that load balancing isn’t working over the new router R3. Let’s evaluate why:

Metric Discrepancy: R1 is using a metric of 63 (which fits within narrow metrics), while R2 is using a metric of 1000 (which requires wide metrics). This suggests that R1 and R2 are operating with different metric styles:

R1 is likely in transition mode (supporting both narrow and wide metrics).

R2 is using wide metrics exclusively (since its metric of 1000 can only be advertised using wide metrics).

R3’s Role: Since R3 is newly added and load balancing isn’t working, we need to consider R3’s configuration. The exhibit doesn’t show R3’s IS-IS database, but the options suggest a problem with wide metrics on either R1 or R3.

Wide Metrics Requirement: For load balancing to work, all routers in the IS-IS domain must consistently use the same metric style (either all narrow or all wide). If R3 doesn’t have wide metrics enabled, it can only process narrow metrics (max 63 per link). This means:

R3 would ignore R2’s advertisements (metric 1000) because they use wide metrics, which R3 can’t process.

R3 would only process R1’s narrow metric advertisements (metric 63), leading to incomplete routing information and preventing load balancing.

5. Evaluating the Options

Let’s go through each option to confirm the correct answer:

A. R2 is missing internal routes for R1:

R2’s database shows prefixes like 10.100.12.0/24 and 10.100.23.0/24, but it doesn’t show R1’s prefixes. However, this is expected because the exhibit only shows a subset of the database. The problem is about load balancing, not missing routes entirely. R2 likely has routes from R1 but may not be able to use them for load balancing if metric styles don’t match. This option is incorrect.

B. R1 is missing internal routes for R2:

R1’s database shows its own prefixes (10.100.34.0/24, 10.100.13.0/24) but not R2’s prefixes. Again, this is likely because the exhibit is limited. R1 should have R2’s routes in its database (since they’re both in Level 2), but the issue is load balancing, not missing routes. This option is incorrect.

C. R3 does not have wide-metrics enabled:

If R3 doesn’t have wide metrics enabled, it can only process narrow metrics (max 63). R2’s prefixes with a metric of 1000 (using wide metrics) would be ignored by R3. This would result in R3 having an incomplete view of the network, preventing load balancing across paths that involve R2’s prefixes. This aligns with the problem described and is the most likely cause. This option is correct.

D. R1 does not have wide-metrics enabled:

R1’s output shows "IP extended prefix" entries, which are only advertised if wide metrics are enabled. R1 is likely in transition mode (advertising both narrow and wide metrics), so it does support wide metrics. This option is incorrect.

6. Why Load Balancing Fails

For load balancing to work in IS-IS, the total path metrics to a destination must be equal across multiple paths. If R3 doesn’t support wide metrics:

R3 ignores R2’s prefixes (metric 1000) because they use wide metrics.

R3 only sees R1’s prefixes (metric 63) and builds its routing table based on narrow metrics.

As a result, R3 doesn’t see equal-cost paths involving R2’s prefixes, and load balancing fails.

If R3 had wide metrics enabled, it would process both R1’s and R2’s prefixes, calculate the total path metrics, and potentially find equal-cost paths for load balancing.

7. Solution

To fix the issue, R3 needs to have wide metrics enabled. In Junos, this can be done with the following configuration:

set protocols isis level 2 wide-metrics-only

This ensures R3 uses wide metrics exclusively, matching R2’s configuration and allowing it to process R2’s prefixes with metrics like 1000. R1 is already in transition mode, so it will remain compatible.

https://www.juniper.net/documentation/us/en/software/junos/routing-policy/bgp/topics/example/bgp-advertise-peer-as.html

The hello interval is the time interval between two consecutive hello packets sent by an OSPF router on an interface. The dead interval is the time interval after which a neighbor is declared down if no hello packets are received from it. These parameters must match between two OSPF routers for them to form an adjacency. In the exhibit, router R1 has a hello interval of 10 seconds and a dead interval of 40 seconds, while router R2 has a hello interval of 30 seconds and a dead interval of 120 seconds. This causes a mismatch and prevents them from becoming neighbors23.

Option A (Correct):

Complete Sequence Number PDUs (CSNPs) are periodically flooded by the Designated Intermediate System (DIS) on multi-access networks (e.g., Ethernet).

This ensures all routers on the segment synchronize their Link-State Databases (LSDBs).

Analyzing the Exhibit

The diagram represents BGP peering between:

AS 65512 (Enterprise Network)

AS 65511 (ISP-A)

R3 and R4 are peering with ISP-A using EBGP.

R1, R2, R3, and R4 are peering within AS 65512 using IBGP.

Understanding BGP Route Behavior

Option A: "By default, the next-hop value for these routes is not changed by ISP-A before being sent to R3." ❌

Incorrect!

EBGP behavior: When a BGP route is advertised via EBGP, the next-hop IP is changed to the router's own IP by default.

Since ISP-A is advertising routes via EBGP to R3, the next-hop is changed to ISP-A’s IP.

Thus, this statement is incorrect.

Option B: "The BGP local-preference value that is used by ISP-A is not advertised to R3." ✅

Correct!

BGP Local Preference (LOCAL_PREF) is an IBGP-only attribute.

Local Preference is NOT shared over EBGP because it is used within an AS to influence route selection.

ISP-A will not send LOCAL_PREF to R3, as R3 is in a different AS.

Thus, this statement is correct.

Option C: "All BGP attribute values must be removed before receiving the routes." ❌

Incorrect!

BGP does not remove all attributes when advertising routes. Some attributes are modified (e.g., next-hop, AS-PATH), but others (like MED, community) may be preserved.

Thus, this statement is incorrect.

Option D: "The next-hop value for these routes is changed by ISP-A before being sent to R3." ✅

Correct!

As per default EBGP behavior, the next-hop is changed when a route is advertised to an EBGP peer.

This means ISP-A changes the next-hop to its own IP before sending it to R3.

Thus, this statement is correct.

Final Answer:

✅ B. The BGP local-preference value that is used by ISP-A is not advertised to R3.

✅ D. The next-hop value for these routes is changed by ISP-A before being sent to R3.

Verification from Juniper Documentation:

Juniper BGP Configuration Guide confirms that LOCAL_PREF is not advertised over EBGP.

RFC 4271 (BGP-4) specifies that next-hop is changed by default when advertising routes via EBGP.

OSPF is an interior gateway protocol that uses link-state routing to exchange routing information among routers within a single autonomous system. OSPF prevents routing loops in multi-area networks by using two methods: area hierarchy and SPF algorithm. Area hierarchy is the concept of dividing a large OSPF network into smaller areas that are connected to a backbone area (area 0). This reduces the amount of routing information that each router has to store and process, and also limits the scope of link-state updates within each area. All areas are required to connect to area 0 either directly or through virtual links2. SPF algorithm is the method that OSPF uses to calculate the shortest path to each destination in the network based on link-state information. The SPF algorithm runs on each router and builds a shortest-path tree that represents the topology of the network from the router’s perspective. The SPF algorithm prunes looped paths within an area by choosing only one best path for each destination3.

PIM sparse mode (PIM-SM) is a multicast routing protocol that uses a pull model to deliver multicast traffic. In PIM-SM, routers with receivers send join messages to their upstream neighbors toward a rendezvous point (RP) or a source-specific tree (SPT). The RP or SPT acts as the root of a shared distribution tree for a multicast group. Traffic is only forwarded to routers that request to join the distribution tree by sending join messages. PIM-SM does not flood traffic to all routers or prune routers without receivers, as PIM dense mode does.

To determine the correct answer, let's analyze the BGP path selection process and identify which attribute would be considered next in this scenario.

Background on BGP Path Selection

When multiple paths to the same destination are received via BGP, the router uses a step-by-step process to select the best path. The order of attributes considered is as follows (simplified for this scenario):

Highest Local Preference : The path with the highest local preference is preferred.

Shortest AS Path : The path with the shortest AS path length is preferred.

Lowest Origin Code : Paths with an origin code of IGP are preferred over EGP, and EGP is preferred over Incomplete.

Lowest MED (Multi-Exit Discriminator) : If the first three attributes are identical, the path with the lowest MED value is preferred.

eBGP over iBGP : eBGP paths are preferred over iBGP paths.

IGP Metric to Next Hop : The path with the lowest IGP metric to the next-hop router is preferred.

Router ID : If all else is equal, the path from the router with the lowest Router ID is preferred.

Peer IP Address : As a last tiebreaker, the path from the peer with the lowest IP address is preferred.

Scenario Analysis

In this scenario:

You are receiving the 203.0.113.0/24 network via EBGP from two different autonomous systems (AS 64500 and AS 64501).

Both advertisements have identical local-preference values , AS-path lengths , and BGP origin codes .

Given that the first three attributes in the BGP path selection process are identical, the next attribute to consider is the MED (Multi-Exit Discriminator) value.

Analysis of the Options

Option A: Router ID

Incorrect : The Router ID is considered much later in the BGP path selection process, only after other attributes like MED and IGP metric have been evaluated. Since MED is still relevant here, Router ID is not the next attribute to consider.

Option B: MED value

Correct : The MED value is used to influence inbound traffic from neighboring ASes. When local preference, AS path length, and origin code are identical, the path with the lowest MED value is preferred. This makes MED the next attribute to consider in this scenario.

Option C: Peer IP Address

Incorrect : The peer IP address is a tiebreaker used only at the very end of the BGP path selection process, after all other attributes have been evaluated. It is not relevant here because MED has not yet been considered.

Option D: IGP Metric

Incorrect : The IGP metric to the next-hop router is considered after MED. Since MED is still relevant in this scenario, IGP metric is not the next attribute to evaluate.

Final Answer

The correct answer is:

B. MED value

Summary

When local preference, AS path length, and origin code are identical, the MED value is the next attribute considered in the BGP path selection process.

MED is used to influence how traffic enters your AS from neighboring ASes.

https://www.juniper.net/documentation/us/en/software/junos/cli-reference/topics/ref/command/show-route-advertising-protocol.html

Analyzing the Exhibit and Understanding the Issue

The exhibit shows BGP configurations on CE-1 and PE-1, which are connected via EBGP.

CE-1 (Customer Edge)

Uses AS 64511 and establishes an EBGP session with PE-1 (AS 65550).

Configured to export 10 static routes (192.168.1.0/24 - 192.168.10.0/24) using the static-to-bgp policy.

PE-1 (Provider Edge)

Uses AS 65550 and is peering with CE-1 (AS 64511).

Configured with a prefix-limit of 5 on received routes from CE-1.

Teardown enabled, meaning if more than 5 prefixes are received, the BGP session is shut down.

Identifying the Problem

CE-1 is correctly configured with peer AS 65550, so Option B ("CE-1 is configured with an incorrect peer AS") is incorrect ❌.

CE-1 is advertising exactly 10 static routes (as per policy).

PE-1 has a prefix-limit maximum 5 with teardown enabled.

This means that when CE-1 advertises more than 5 prefixes, PE-1 shuts down the BGP session.

BGP moves to the "Active" state, indicating that the session has been disrupted and PE-1 is trying to re-establish the connection.

CE-1 is reachable since the session was initially established before the limit was exceeded, so Option D ("CE-1 is unreachable") is incorrect ❌.

CE-1 is not advertising its entire routing table, only the static prefixes listed in the policy, so Option A ("CE-1 is advertising its entire routing table") is incorrect ❌.

Correct Answer

✅ C. The prefix limit has been reached on PE-1

Verification from Juniper Documentation

Juniper BGP Prefix Limit Documentation confirms that exceeding the prefix limit with teardown causes the BGP session to go into "Active" state.

Juniper Troubleshooting Guide for BGP Peering Issues states that when a BGP session reaches the prefix limit and has teardown enabled, the session is terminated.

class-of-service (CoS) is a feature that allows you to prioritize and manage network traffic based on various criteria, such as application type, user group, or packet loss priority. CoS uses different components to classify, mark, queue, schedule, shape, and drop traffic according to the configured policies.

One of the components of CoS is drop profiles, which define how packets are dropped when a queue is congested. Drop profiles use random early detection (RED) algorithm to drop packets randomly before the queue is full, which helps to avoid global synchronization and improve network performance. Drop profiles can be discrete or interpolated. A discrete drop profile maps a specific fill level of a queue to a specific drop probability. An interpolated drop profile maps a range of fill levels of a queue to a range of drop probabilities and interpolates the values in between.

In the exhibit, we can see that the class-of-service configuration shows an interpolated drop profile with two fill levels (50 and 75) and two drop probabilities (20 and 60). Based on this configuration, we can infer the following statements:

The drop probability jumps immediately from 20% to 60% when the queue level reaches 75% full. This is not correct because the drop profile is interpolated, not discrete. This means that the drop probability gradually increases from 20% to 60% as the queue level increases from 50% full to 75% full. The drop probability for any fill level between 50% and 75% can be calculated by using linear interpolation formula.

The drop probability gradually increases from 20% to 60% as the queue level increases from 50% full to 75% full. This is correct because the drop profile is interpolated and uses linear interpolation formula to calculate the drop probability for any fill level between 50% and 75%. For example, if the fill level is 60%, the drop probability is 28%, which is calculated by using the formula: (60 - 50) / (75 - 50) * (60 - 20) + 20 = 28.

To use this drop profile, you reference it in a scheduler. This is correct because a scheduler is a component of CoS that determines how packets are dequeued from different queues and transmitted on an interface. A scheduler can reference a drop profile by using the random-detect statement under the [edit class-of-service schedulers] hierarchy level. For example: scheduler test { transmit-rate percent 10; buffer-size percent 10; random-detect test-profile; }

To use this drop profile, you apply it directly to an interface. This is not correct because a drop profile cannot be applied directly to an interface. A drop profile can only be referenced by a scheduler, which can be applied to an interface by using the scheduler-map statement under the [edit class-of-service interfaces] hierarchy level. For example: interfaces ge-0/0/0 { unit 0 { scheduler-map test-map; } }

Class of Service (CoS) in networking is used to manage traffic by classifying, scheduling, and sometimes modifying packets to ensure network performance and Quality of Service (QoS). Different CoS components are used to achieve these goals. Let's analyze each option to determine which CoS component allows you to alter class-of-service values on the outbound interface of an edge router.

1. **Output Policer**:

- Policing is used to control the rate of traffic sent to or from a network interface. It can drop or remark traffic that exceeds a certain rate.

- Policing is not typically used to alter CoS values but to enforce traffic limits.

2. **Scheduler**:

- A scheduler is responsible for managing the order in which packets are transmitted out of an interface based on their CoS markings. It can allocate bandwidth and prioritize traffic.

- The scheduler manages how packets are queued and sent but does not alter the CoS values of packets.

3. **Rewrite Rules**:

- Rewrite rules are used to modify the CoS values of packets, such as DSCP (Differentiated Services Code Point) or 802.1p bits, as they exit an interface.

- Rewrite rules can alter the class-of-service values in the packet headers to match the desired policies of the outbound interface.

- Therefore, rewrite rules are the correct component for altering CoS values on an outbound interface.

4. **Forwarding Classes**:

- Forwarding classes are used to categorize packets into different traffic classes within a router for QoS handling.

- They help in defining how packets should be treated by the scheduler but do not directly modify the CoS values.

**Conclusion**:

To alter class-of-service values in packets on the outbound interface of an edge router, the correct CoS component to use is:

**C. rewrite rules**

**References**:

- Juniper Networks Documentation on CoS: [Class of Service Overview](https://www.juniper.net/documentation/en_US/junos/topics/concept/class-of-service-overview.html)

- Junos OS CoS Configuration Guide: [Rewrite Rules](https://www.juniper.net/documentation/en_US/junos/topics/topic-map/class-of-service-rewrite-rules.html)

This is an EVPN Type-2 route, also called a MAC/IP advertisement route, that is used to advertise host IP and MAC address information to other VTEPs in an EVPN network. The route type field in the EVPN NLRI has a value of 2, indicating a Type-2 route. The device advertising this route into EVPN is 192.168.101.5, which is the IP address of the VTEP that learned the host information from the local CE device. This IP address is carried in the MPLS label field of the route as part of the VXLAN encapsulation.

Route reflection is a BGP feature that allows a router to reflect routes learned from one IBGP peer to another IBGP peer, without requiring a full-mesh IBGP topology. Route reflectors do not change any existing BGP attributes by default when advertising routes, unless explicitly configured to do so. A BGP peer does not require any configuration changes to become a route reflector client, only the route reflector needs to be configured with the client parameter under [edit protocols bgp group group-name neighbor neighbor-address] hierarchy level.

Understanding the Problem in MPLS CoS Classification

How EXP Bits Are Used for CoS in MPLS

Traffic is sent from VPN-A Site-1 → CE-1 → PE-1 → P-1 → PE-2 → CE-2.

The MPLS LSP (Label Switched Path) from PE-1 to PE-2 is expected to carry MPLS EXP bits, which are used for Class of Service (CoS) classification.

PE-2 should classify traffic based on EXP bits received in the MPLS label.

What Happens with PHP (Penultimate Hop Popping)?

By default, the penultimate router (P-1) pops the top MPLS label before sending the packet to PE-2.

Since the EXP bits are in the top MPLS label, they get removed along with the label.

This means that PE-2 no longer sees the correct EXP bits, leading to incorrect traffic classification.

Solution: Configure Explicit-Null on PE-2

Explicit Null (explicit-null) must be configured on PE-2 to ensure that P-1 does NOT remove the MPLS label.

Instead of removing the label, P-1 will send a label of 0 (for IPv4) or 2 (for IPv6) to PE-2.

This preserves the MPLS EXP bits, allowing PE-2 to classify the traffic correctly.

Evaluating the Answer Choices Again

✅ B. Configure the explicit-null statement on PE-2.

Correct, because:

PE-2 is the egress LSR, where Ultimate Hop Popping (UHP) must be enabled.

Configuring explicit-null ensures that P-1 does not remove the label, preserving the EXP bits for CoS classification at PE-2.

Configuration on PE-2:

set protocols mpls explicit-null

Juniper Documentation Reference:

"Explicit-null must be configured on the egress LSR to prevent PHP from removing the top MPLS label, thereby preserving the EXP bits."

❌ A. Configure the explicit-null statement on PE-1.

Incorrect, because:

Explicit-null must be configured on the egress LSR (PE-2), not the ingress LSR (PE-1).

PE-1 only labels the traffic but does not control PHP behavior on P-1.

❌ C. Configure VPN prefix mapping for the PE-1_to_PE-2 LSP.

Incorrect, because:

VPN prefix mapping is used for mapping VPN routes to LSPs but does not solve the EXP bit issue.

The problem here is label removal (PHP), not route mapping.

❌ D. Set a static CoS value for the PE-1_to-PE-2 LSP.

Incorrect, because:

This does not preserve the original EXP bits, it only applies a static CoS value.

It’s a workaround, not a fix.

Final Answer: ✅ B. Configure the explicit-null statement on PE-2.

Key Takeaways

Penultimate Hop Popping (PHP) removes the outer MPLS label at P-1, which also removes the EXP bits used for CoS classification.

To keep EXP bits intact, configure explicit-null on the egress PE (PE-2).

This forces P-1 to send a label (0 for IPv4, 2 for IPv6) to PE-2, preserving the EXP bits for CoS classification.

Official Juniper Documentation Reference

???? Juniper MPLS CoS and PHP Behavior Guide

"To retain CoS EXP bits at the egress LSR, configure explicit-null on the egress PE. This prevents PHP from stripping the MPLS label before reaching the final PE router."

The auto-export parameter is a routing option that allows a routing instance to share routes with other routing instances or the master routing table. The auto-export parameter automatically exports routes from one routing instance to another based on the route target communities attached to the routes. In this scenario, the 10.101.1.0/24 route will be shared if the auto-export parameter is configured under [edit routing-options] hierarchy level.