- A
Apply the policy map to a physical interface using the 'service-policy input' command.
Why wrong: CoPP is applied to the control plane, not to physical interfaces.
- B
Create a policy map that defines a police action for the classified traffic.
A policy map with a 'police' command is required to specify the rate and action for CoPP.
- C
Create a class map to match the traffic that should be policed.
A class map defines the traffic classification criteria (e.g., match access-group) for CoPP.
- D
Configure a 'shape average' command in the policy map to limit traffic rate.
Why wrong: CoPP uses 'police' for rate-limiting, not 'shape'; shaping is for interface queues.
- E
Apply the policy map to the control plane using the 'service-policy input' command under the interface configuration mode.
Why wrong: The 'service-policy input' command is used under 'control-plane' configuration mode, not interface mode.
Quick Answer
The answer is creating a class map and creating a policy map. These two configuration steps form the mandatory building blocks for implementing Control Plane Policing (CoPP) on a Cisco IOS-XE router, because CoPP requires you to first classify the traffic you want to protect—such as routing protocols or management traffic—using a class map, and then define the policing action (typically the police command) within a policy map. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this question tests your understanding that CoPP is a control-plane security feature, not an interface-based QoS tool; a common trap is confusing the service-policy application step (which is applied under the control-plane configuration, not an interface) with the two foundational steps of class-map and policy-map creation. Remember the mnemonic “Classify, then Police” — you must build the class map to match traffic before you can build the policy map to enforce the rate limit.
300-410 Control Plane Policing (CoPP) Practice Question
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of control plane policing (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 TWO configuration steps are required to implement Control Plane Policing (CoPP) on a Cisco IOS-XE router? (Choose TWO.)
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
Create a policy map that defines a police action for the classified traffic.
The two mandatory steps are: (1) creating a class map to classify traffic (e.g., matching ACLs or protocols) and (2) creating a policy map that applies a police action to that class. Applying the policy to the control plane is also required but is a separate step; however, the question asks for two steps from the list. Option B (creating a policy map) and Option C (creating a class map) are the fundamental building blocks. Applying to an interface is incorrect; applying to the control plane is correct but not listed as a separate option here. Option D is incorrect because CoPP uses 'police' not 'shape'. Option E is incorrect because 'service-policy' is applied under control-plane, not interface.
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.
- ✗
Apply the policy map to a physical interface using the 'service-policy input' command.
Why it's wrong here
CoPP is applied to the control plane, not to physical interfaces.
- ✓
Create a policy map that defines a police action for the classified traffic.
Why this is correct
A policy map with a 'police' command is required to specify the rate and action for CoPP.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
Create a class map to match the traffic that should be policed.
Why this is correct
A class map defines the traffic classification criteria (e.g., match access-group) for CoPP.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Configure a 'shape average' command in the policy map to limit traffic rate.
Why it's wrong here
CoPP uses 'police' for rate-limiting, not 'shape'; shaping is for interface queues.
- ✗
Apply the policy map to the control plane using the 'service-policy input' command under the interface configuration mode.
Why it's wrong here
The 'service-policy input' command is used under 'control-plane' configuration mode, not interface mode.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The 'service-policy input' command is used under 'control-plane' configuration mode, not interface mode.
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 300-410 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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Control Plane Policing (CoPP) — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 300-410 question test?
Control Plane Policing (CoPP) — This question tests Control Plane Policing (CoPP) — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create a policy map that defines a police action for the classified traffic. — The two mandatory steps are: (1) creating a class map to classify traffic (e.g., matching ACLs or protocols) and (2) creating a policy map that applies a police action to that class. Applying the policy to the control plane is also required but is a separate step; however, the question asks for two steps from the list. Option B (creating a policy map) and Option C (creating a class map) are the fundamental building blocks. Applying to an interface is incorrect; applying to the control plane is correct but not listed as a separate option here. Option D is incorrect because CoPP uses 'police' not 'shape'. Option E is incorrect because 'service-policy' is applied under control-plane, not interface.
What should I do if I get this 300-410 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 300-410 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
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