Quick Answer
The answer is match protocol, as it is not a valid match criterion for a class-map used in Control Plane Policing. CoPP class-maps are designed to filter traffic based on Layer 3 and Layer 4 parameters that can be evaluated in hardware or software on the router’s control plane, specifically supporting match access-group (referencing an ACL), match ip dscp, and match ip precedence. The match protocol command, which relies on Network-Based Application Recognition (NBAR) for deep packet inspection, is not supported because CoPP operates at a higher performance level and does not perform application-layer classification. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this question tests your understanding of CoPP’s limitations and the distinction between control plane filtering and data plane QoS policies. A common trap is confusing CoPP class-maps with MQC class-maps used for QoS, where match protocol is valid. For a quick memory tip: remember that CoPP matches on the “three A’s” — Access-group, DSCP, and Precedence — but never on the protocol itself.
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of control plane policing (copp). Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 of the following is NOT a valid match criterion for a class-map used in Control Plane Policing?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "NOT"
Why it matters: Negative qualifier — you are looking for the one option that does NOT apply. Most options will be true; only one is false for this scenario.
match access-group
Why wrong: Incorrect. This is a valid match criterion.
match ip dscp
Why wrong: Incorrect. This is a valid match criterion.
match protocol
Correct. match protocol is not supported in CoPP; only ACLs, DSCP, or IP precedence are allowed.
match ip precedence
Why wrong: Incorrect. This is a valid match criterion.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
match protocol
CoPP supports match access-group (ACL), match ip dscp, and match ip precedence. match protocol is not supported in CoPP class-maps.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
match access-group
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. This is a valid match criterion.
match ip dscp
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. This is a valid match criterion.
match protocol
Why this is correct
Correct. match protocol is not supported in CoPP; only ACLs, DSCP, or IP precedence are allowed.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "NOT" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
match ip precedence
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. This is a valid match criterion.
Common exam traps
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Real-world example
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
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related 300-410 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
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FAQ
Control Plane Policing (CoPP) — This question tests Control Plane Policing (CoPP) — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
The correct answer is: match protocol — CoPP supports match access-group (ACL), match ip dscp, and match ip precedence. match protocol is not supported in CoPP class-maps.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related 300-410 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Yes — watch for: "NOT". Negative qualifier — you are looking for the one option that does NOT apply. Most options will be true; only one is false for this scenario.
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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