The correct action is to use the show system internal netstack stats command. This is because the netstack process on Nexus switches is responsible for core network stack operations, including packet processing, forwarding, and protocol handling, and when it spikes CPU, the internal statistics reveal the root cause through detailed counters for packet drops, buffer exhaustion, and error conditions. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this scenario tests your ability to differentiate between generic CPU troubleshooting commands and platform-specific diagnostic tools—a common trap is to jump to show processes cpu history or clear counters, which lack the granularity needed for netstack analysis. Remember the memory tip: “Netstack stats stack the facts”—when netstack is high, internal stats are your direct path to the cause.
350-601 Network Practice Question
This 350-601 practice question tests your understanding of network. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
An engineer is troubleshooting high CPU utilization on a Nexus 7700 switch. The output of 'show process cpu' shows high usage from the 'netstack' process. Which action should the engineer take to identify the cause?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use 'show system internal netstack stats'.
The 'netstack' process handles network stack operations, including packet processing and forwarding. The 'show system internal netstack stats' command provides detailed internal statistics about the netstack process, such as packet drops, buffer usage, and error counters, which help pinpoint the root cause of high CPU utilization.
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.
✗
Enable 'feature netstack' to get more details.
Why it's wrong here
No such feature exists.
✗
Reboot the switch to clear the process.
Why it's wrong here
Rebooting is not a troubleshooting step and may cause downtime.
✗
Check for broadcast storms using 'show interface'.
Why it's wrong here
Broadcast storms can cause CPU issues but netstack may be from other causes.
✓
Use 'show system internal netstack stats'.
Why this is correct
This command shows internal netstack counters and helps isolate the issue.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between generic interface troubleshooting and process-specific internal diagnostics, leading candidates to choose a broad command like 'show interface' instead of the targeted internal command for the identified process.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The netstack process in NX-OS handles Layer 3 forwarding, ARP processing, and control-plane packets. High CPU in netstack often results from excessive control-plane traffic, such as routing protocol updates, ICMP unreachables, or punted packets due to ACL or feature mismatches. Using 'show system internal netstack stats' reveals per-interface and per-protocol counters, enabling targeted troubleshooting without guesswork.
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.
TExam Day Tips
→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 network engineer segments a warehouse floor into three subnets: 20 scanners, 5 printers, and 2 management hosts. Picking the wrong mask wastes addresses or leaves too few usable hosts. Exam questions test whether you can apply CIDR notation, calculate block size, and identify the correct usable-host range for a given prefix.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Network — This question tests Network — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use 'show system internal netstack stats'. — The 'netstack' process handles network stack operations, including packet processing and forwarding. The 'show system internal netstack stats' command provides detailed internal statistics about the netstack process, such as packet drops, buffer usage, and error counters, which help pinpoint the root cause of high CPU utilization.
What should I do if I get this 350-601 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
This 350-601 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 350-601 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.