Which of the following attributes must be carried when BGP sends route update messages?

Mandatory BGP Attributes

Next_Hop: Specifies the next hop to reach the destination.

AS_Path: Lists the autonomous systems traversed, crucial for loop prevention and route selection.

Optional Attributes

MED (Multi-Exit Discriminator)andLocal_Preferenceare optional attributes that aid in route preference but are not mandatory.

HCIP-Datacom-Core Reference

BGP attribute behavior and classifications are detailed in BGP path selection principles​​.