Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:
1. Understanding the Hub-Spoke Network Model in MPLS VPN
Hub-Spoke (or Route Reflector) topology is used in MPLS Layer 3 VPNs where multiple spoke sites communicate through a central hub.
The Hub-PE acts as an intermediate BGP speaker and redistributes routes between spokes.
The challenge is preventing routing loops when exchanging routes between spokes.
2. Understanding the Role of Site of Origin (SoO) in BGP/MPLS VPNs
BGP Site of Origin (SoO) is a route attribute used to prevent routing loops in scenarios where a hub redistributes routes between spokes.
If a route originating from a spoke is advertised back to the same site, SoO prevents it from being re-learned.
The SoO value (e.g., 200:1) ensures that a site does not accept its own previously advertised prefixes.
3. Analyzing the Answer Choices
⌠A. [Hub-PE-bgp-VPN_out] peer x.x.x.x allow-as-loop (Incorrect)
The allow-as-loop command allows BGP to accept routes with its own AS number in the AS path.
This is NOT needed in a Hub-Spoke VPN because BGP routes are not being looped through the same AS.
⌠This is unnecessary for preventing loops in a Hub-Spoke VPN.
⌠B. [Hub-PE-bgp-VPN_in] peer x.x.x.x allow-as-loop (Incorrect)
Again, allow-as-loop is used when a router needs to accept its own AS number in the BGP AS path.
This is NOT the mechanism used for preventing loops in Hub-Spoke VPNs; SoO is used instead.
⌠This is not required in this scenario.
✅ C. [Hub-PE-bgp-VPN_in] peer x.x.x.x soo 200:1 (Correct Answer)
The correct way to prevent spoke routes from looping through the hub is to apply the Site of Origin (SoO) attribute.
This command ensures that if a route with SoO 200:1 is received, it is not advertised back to the same spoke.
✅ This is the correct answer.
⌠D. [Hub-PE-bgp-VPN_out] peer x.x.x.x soo 200:1 (Incorrect)
Applying SoO on outgoing routes is NOT effective because the hub should mark received routes and prevent loops when re-advertising them.
SoO should be applied on the inbound (received) routes at the Hub-PE, not outbound.
⌠This is not the correct implementation of SoO.
Final Conclusion:
✅ Correct Answer: C. [Hub-PE-bgp-VPN_in] peer x.x.x.x soo 200:1⌠A. allow-as-loop is unnecessary in a Hub-Spoke MPLS VPN.⌠B. allow-as-loop is not relevant here.⌠D. SoO should be applied inbound, not outbound.
Thus, the correct answer is: C. [Hub-PE-bgp-VPN_in] peer x.x.x.x soo 200:1.
[Reference:, HCIP-Datacom-Advanced Routing & Switching Technology V1.0 – MPLS VPN Hub-Spoke Design and SoO Configuration, Huawei Official HCIP-Datacom Study Guide – Route Loop Prevention in Hub-Spoke VPNs, Huawei Documentation on Site of Origin (SoO) in MPLS VPN, , , , ]