The answer is that the CoPP policy is not matching any traffic, indicating a possible ACL or class-map misconfiguration. This output from the show policy-map control-plane input class class-default command reveals zero packets matched because the class-default is a catch-all class that should normally see at least some control plane traffic, such as routing protocol hellos or management packets. The 0 packets, 0 bytes and 0 bps rates confirm that the policy-map is effectively idle, meaning the classification logic—often tied to an access-list or class-map criteria—is failing to identify traffic as belonging to this class. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this scenario tests your ability to interpret CoPP counters and troubleshoot why a policy is not applying; a common trap is assuming the policy is working when counters show zero, when in reality the ACL may be misordered or the class-map may use match-all instead of match-any. A useful memory tip is “zero packets, zero problem—check your ACL first.”
300-410 Control Plane Policing (CoPP) Practice Question
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of control plane policing (copp). 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.
A network engineer runs the following command to troubleshoot a Control Plane Policing (CoPP) issue:
R1# show policy-map control-plane input class class-default
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The CoPP policy is not matching any traffic, indicating a possible ACL or class-map misconfiguration.
The command shows the CoPP policy applied to the control plane input for the default class. The output indicates that no traffic has matched this class, meaning all control plane traffic is being policed at a rate of 1 Mbps, with conforming traffic transmitted and violating traffic dropped.
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
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
The CoPP policy is dropping all traffic due to a misconfigured CIR.
Why it's wrong here
The CIR is set to 1 Mbps, but no packets have been dropped because none have matched the class.
✓
The CoPP policy is not matching any traffic, indicating a possible ACL or class-map misconfiguration.
Why this is correct
The class-default matches all traffic, but zero packets have been seen, suggesting the policy may not be applied correctly or the interface is idle.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
The CoPP policy is working correctly and policing traffic at 1 Mbps.
Why it's wrong here
While the policy is configured, no traffic has been processed, so it cannot be confirmed as working.
✗
The CoPP policy is only applied to the output direction.
Why it's wrong here
The command specifies 'input', so it is applied to incoming traffic.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The command specifies 'input', so it is applied to incoming traffic.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
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.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
The first matching ACL entry is used.
There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
→Check inbound versus outbound direction.
→Read the ACL from top to bottom.
→Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
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
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 300-410 question in full detail.
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.
Control Plane Policing (CoPP) — This question tests Control Plane Policing (CoPP) — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The CoPP policy is not matching any traffic, indicating a possible ACL or class-map misconfiguration. — The command shows the CoPP policy applied to the control plane input for the default class. The output indicates that no traffic has matched this class, meaning all control plane traffic is being policed at a rate of 1 Mbps, with conforming traffic transmitted and violating traffic dropped.
What should I do if I get this 300-410 question wrong?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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 300-410 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 300-410 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.