The answer is that SSH traffic exceeding 16000 bps is dropped. This occurs because the CoPP policer configured under the PROTECT-CLASS class-map applies a strict 16,000 bps conform rate, and any traffic that exceeds this rate is explicitly subjected to the exceed-action drop command. The ACL matches SSH (TCP port 22) along with Telnet and BGP, so all SSH packets are evaluated by this policer; once the traffic rate surpasses the configured threshold, the router immediately discards the excess packets rather than allowing them through. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how Control Plane Policing (CoPP) interacts with class-maps and policers—a common trap is assuming that exceeding the rate might still permit some traffic or that the class-default policer would catch overflow, but the class-specific policer takes precedence for matched traffic. A helpful memory tip: "Exceed equals drop" for CoPP—if the rate is exceeded, the action is final, not a reclassification.
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.
Examine this CoPP configuration:
ip access-list extended PROTECT-ACL
permit tcp any any eq 22
permit tcp any any eq
23
permit tcp any any eq 179
!
class-map match-all PROTECT-CLASS
match access-group name PROTECT-ACL
!
policy-map PROTECT-POLICY
class PROTECT-CLASS
police 16000 conform-action transmit exceed-action drop
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
SSH traffic exceeding 16000 bps is dropped.
The policer for class PROTECT-CLASS drops packets that exceed the conform rate. SSH traffic is matched by the ACL and thus subject to the 16000 bps policer.
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.
✓
SSH traffic exceeding 16000 bps is dropped.
Why this is correct
Correct. The exceed-action is drop, so any SSH traffic above the conform rate is dropped.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
SSH traffic exceeding 16000 bps is still accepted because SSH is critical.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. The policer enforces the rate; exceed-action drop means excess traffic is dropped.
✗
SSH traffic is not affected because the ACL uses 'permit' and the class-map uses 'match-all'.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. The ACL permits SSH, and the class-map matches that ACL, so SSH is subject to the policer.
✗
SSH traffic exceeding 16000 bps is sent with a lower priority.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. There is no priority queuing here; the policer drops excess 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.
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: SSH traffic exceeding 16000 bps is dropped. — The policer for class PROTECT-CLASS drops packets that exceed the conform rate. SSH traffic is matched by the ACL and thus subject to the 16000 bps policer.
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.
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