- A
CoPP uses a class map to classify traffic destined for the control plane.
Correct because class maps define traffic classes using match statements, often referencing ACLs.
- B
CoPP uses the 'police' command within a policy map to rate-limit traffic.
Correct because the 'police' command specifies the bandwidth and action for traffic exceeding the rate.
- C
The 'control-plane' command is used to enter control plane configuration mode.
Correct because 'control-plane' is the global configuration command to access the control plane.
- D
CoPP is applied using the 'ip access-group' command on the control plane interface.
Why wrong: Incorrect because CoPP uses 'service-policy' under 'control-plane', not 'ip access-group'.
- E
CoPP can only filter IPv4 traffic.
Why wrong: Incorrect because CoPP can filter both IPv4 and IPv6 traffic with appropriate ACLs.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is that the 'control-plane' command is used to enter control plane configuration mode, as this is the foundational step for applying a CoPP policy. CoPP configuration relies on a class-map to match traffic, often using ACLs, and a policy-map to define actions like policing with the 'police' command, which is then applied directly to the control plane. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this topic tests your understanding of how to protect the router’s CPU by filtering traffic before it reaches the control plane, a common trap being the mistaken use of 'ip access-group' on the control plane interface instead of a policy-map. Remember that CoPP can police both IPv4 and IPv6 traffic, and the policy-map is always applied under the 'control-plane' configuration, not on a physical interface. A useful memory tip: think "C-P-C" — Class-map, Policy-map, Control-plane — the three steps in order to secure the router’s brain.
CCNP ACLs and CoPP Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of acls and copp. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Which three statements about CoPP configuration and operation are true? (Choose three.)
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
CoPP uses a class map to classify traffic destined for the control plane.
CoPP uses a class map to match traffic (often with ACLs) and a policy map to define actions. The policy map is applied to the control plane. CoPP can police traffic to a specific rate using the 'police' command. The 'control-plane' command enters the control plane configuration mode. CoPP does not use 'ip access-group' on the control plane. CoPP can be applied to both IPv4 and IPv6 traffic.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
CoPP uses a class map to classify traffic destined for the control plane.
Why this is correct
Correct because class maps define traffic classes using match statements, often referencing ACLs.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
CoPP uses the 'police' command within a policy map to rate-limit traffic.
Why this is correct
Correct because the 'police' command specifies the bandwidth and action for traffic exceeding the rate.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
The 'control-plane' command is used to enter control plane configuration mode.
Why this is correct
Correct because 'control-plane' is the global configuration command to access the control plane.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
CoPP is applied using the 'ip access-group' command on the control plane interface.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because CoPP uses 'service-policy' under 'control-plane', not 'ip access-group'.
- ✗
CoPP can only filter IPv4 traffic.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because CoPP can filter both IPv4 and IPv6 traffic with appropriate ACLs.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 350-401 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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ACLs and CoPP — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-401 question test?
ACLs and CoPP — This question tests ACLs and CoPP — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: CoPP uses a class map to classify traffic destined for the control plane. — CoPP uses a class map to match traffic (often with ACLs) and a policy map to define actions. The policy map is applied to the control plane. CoPP can police traffic to a specific rate using the 'police' command. The 'control-plane' command enters the control plane configuration mode. CoPP does not use 'ip access-group' on the control plane. CoPP can be applied to both IPv4 and IPv6 traffic.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 350-401 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
This 350-401 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 350-401 exam.
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