What is the function of the RD in an MPLS VPN?

Last Updated: Jun 29, 2026
IT Exam Items Repository › Category: CCNP ENARSI v9 › What is the function of the RD in an MPLS VPN?

What is the function of the RD in an MPLS VPN?

  • The RD is used to transform the unique IP addresses of the customer into nonunique IPv4 addresses.
  • The RD is used to transform the unique IP addresses of the customer into nonunique VPNv4 addresses.
  • The RD is used to transform the nonunique IP addresses of the customer into unique VPNv4 addresses.
  • The RD is used to transform the nonunique IP addresses of the customer into unique IPv4 addresses.

Explanation: The Route Distinguisher (RD) is a 64-bit value prepended to a customer's nonunique 32-bit IPv4 address. This process creates a 96-bit globally unique VPNv4 address, which allows BGP to distinguish between and transport overlapping address spaces from different customers across the provider's shared backbone.

Related exam: Checkpoint Exam: MPLS and VPN Technologies

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