The correct answer is that the router will limit the transmit rate on Serial0/0/0 to an average of 1 Mbps by queuing excess packets. This is because the shape average command enforces a sustained output rate by buffering traffic that exceeds the configured bit rate, in this case 1000000 bps, within a token bucket mechanism that smooths bursts over time. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this configuration tests your understanding of QoS shaping versus policing—shaping queues excess traffic, while policing drops or re-marks it. A common trap is confusing the shape average command with police, which does not buffer; remember that shaping always implies a queue and a delay. For a quick memory tip, think of "shape average" as "smooth and store"—the router averages the rate by storing bursts in a queue, ensuring the interface never transmits faster than the configured average.
CCNP QoS Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of qos. 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.
Given the following configuration on a Cisco IOS router:
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The router will limit the transmit rate on Serial0/0/0 to an average of 1 Mbps by queuing excess packets.
The 'shape average' command limits the output rate on the interface to an average of 1 Mbps (1000000 bps) by buffering excess traffic.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
The router will limit the transmit rate on Serial0/0/0 to an average of 1 Mbps by queuing excess packets.
Why this is correct
Correct. Shaping buffers traffic to conform to the specified rate.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The router will drop any traffic exceeding 1 Mbps on Serial0/0/0.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Dropping excess traffic is policing, not shaping.
✗
The router will mark all traffic with a rate limit of 1 Mbps but not enforce it.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Shaping actively enforces the rate by queuing.
✗
The configuration is invalid because 'shape average' requires a class-map with a match statement.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. 'shape average' can be applied directly to class-default without a specific match.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 350-401 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which 350-401 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
QoS — This question tests QoS — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The router will limit the transmit rate on Serial0/0/0 to an average of 1 Mbps by queuing excess packets. — The 'shape average' command limits the output rate on the interface to an average of 1 Mbps (1000000 bps) by buffering excess traffic.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Identify which 350-401 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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