A regional ISP is planning to replace a legacy aggregation router that currently runs classic Cisco IOS. The router has a single CPU and 512 MB of RAM, and the team wants to minimize the risk of a software fault in one feature (e.g., BGP) crashing the entire device. The router must continue to support the same routing protocols and interfaces. Which approach is most appropriate?

Add a second CPU to the router and run IOS in dual-process mode.

Upgrade to IOS XE, which runs processes as separate Linux processes with protected memory.

Keep classic IOS and rely on the built-in process isolation to contain faults.

Upgrade to IOS XR, which is designed for distributed multi-chassis systems.

A service provider is evaluating a new core router that must support nonstop routing (NSR) and in-service software upgrades (ISSU). The router will run BGP and MPLS with a large routing table. The team is considering both IOS XR and IOS XE. Which factor is most important in choosing IOS XR over IOS XE?

IOS XR is easier to configure for MPLS

IOS XR has a more familiar CLI for the existing staff

IOS XR supports a wider range of edge features

IOS XR provides superior high-availability features like NSR and ISSU

A service provider is planning a network refresh. The network includes small branch routers, aggregation routers, and core routers. The provider wants to standardize on a single operating system to reduce training and operational costs. However, the branch routers are low-end and cannot run IOS XR, and the core routers require ISSU and NSF. Which operating system should be chosen?

No single OS can meet all requirements; use IOS XE for branch/aggregation and IOS XR for core.

IOS XE, because it runs on branch and aggregation routers, but not on core routers.

Classic IOS, because it runs on all platforms and supports ISSU.

IOS XR, because it supports ISSU and NSF, but it does not run on low-end branch routers.

A service provider is deploying a new core router that must support in-service software upgrades (ISSU) and nonstop forwarding (NSF) to minimize downtime. The router has multiple line cards and route processors. Which architectural feature of IOS XR makes these capabilities possible?

The distributed, modular architecture with separate processes for each feature and redundant route processors.

The use of a single route processor to simplify failover.

The Linux-based control plane that allows hot-swapping of line cards.

The monolithic kernel that runs all processes in a single memory space.

CiscoCertified Network Professional Service Provider

Domain 1Objective 2

1.2 Describe Cisco Network Software Architecture 350-501 Practice Questions (Page 5)

Part of the Architecture domain, which accounts for 15% of the 350-501 exam. Cisco does not publish an official question count, but from its 120-minute exam (~50–80 total, ~8–12 in this domain), expect 1–2 from this objective — we provide 33 practice questions to prepare you well beyond it. (estimate)

33questions here

7free pages

4concepts

15%of the exam

Questions 21–25

21application · medium
A regional ISP is planning to replace a legacy aggregation router that currently runs classic Cisco IOS. The router has a single CPU and 512 MB of RAM, and the team wants to minimize the risk of a software fault in one feature (e.g., BGP) crashing the entire device. The router must continue to support the same routing protocols and interfaces. Which approach is most appropriate?
Select an answer first
22expert · hard
A service provider is evaluating a new core router that must support nonstop routing (NSR) and in-service software upgrades (ISSU). The router will run BGP and MPLS with a large routing table. The team is considering both IOS XR and IOS XE. Which factor is most important in choosing IOS XR over IOS XE?
Select an answer first
23expert · hard
A service provider is planning a network refresh. The network includes small branch routers, aggregation routers, and core routers. The provider wants to standardize on a single operating system to reduce training and operational costs. However, the branch routers are low-end and cannot run IOS XR, and the core routers require ISSU and NSF. Which operating system should be chosen?
Select an answer first
24application · medium
A service provider is deploying a new core router that must support nonstop forwarding during route processor switchover and in-service software upgrades. The router will run BGP and MPLS with millions of routes. Which operating system architecture is best suited for this environment?
Select an answer first
25application · medium
A service provider is deploying a new core router that must support in-service software upgrades (ISSU) and nonstop forwarding (NSF) to minimize downtime. The router has multiple line cards and route processors. Which architectural feature of IOS XR makes these capabilities possible?
Select an answer first

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1.2 Describe Cisco Network Software Architecture 350-501 Practice Questions (Page 5)

Questions 21–25

A service provider is deploying a new core router that must support nonstop forwarding during route processor switchover and in-service software upgrades. The router will run BGP and MPLS with millions of routes. Which operating system architecture is best suited for this environment?

A service provider is deploying a new core router that must support in-service software upgrades (ISSU) and nonstop forwarding (NSF) to minimize downtime. The router has multiple line cards and route processors. Which architectural feature of IOS XR makes these capabilities possible?

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