The answer is that the violate-action parameter specifies the action for packets that exceed both the conform rate and the excess burst in a CoPP policer. This is correct because in a three-color policer—whether single-rate or two-rate—traffic is evaluated against three thresholds: conform, exceed, and violate. The violate-action applies only when a packet’s rate surpasses the excess burst size, marking it as the most severe violation; if this parameter is not explicitly configured, the router defaults to using the exceed-action for violate traffic. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this concept tests your understanding of CoPP policy granularity, often appearing in scenario-based questions where you must choose the correct action for out-of-profile packets. A common trap is confusing exceed-action with violate-action, so remember that violate is the “last resort” for the worst offenders. Memory tip: think of the three colors as green (conform), yellow (exceed), and red (violate)—the violate-action is the red-light response for packets that blow past both limits.
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.
In a CoPP policy, what is the effect of the 'violate-action' parameter in the police command?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
It specifies the action for packets that exceed both the conform rate and the excess burst.
The violate-action is used in the three-color policer (single-rate or two-rate) to specify the action for packets that exceed the excess burst. If not configured, the exceed-action is used for violate traffic.
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.
✗
It specifies the action for packets that exceed the conform rate but are within the excess burst.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. That is the exceed-action.
✓
It specifies the action for packets that exceed both the conform rate and the excess burst.
Why this is correct
Correct. The violate-action applies to packets that exceed the excess burst (i.e., violate the token bucket).
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
It specifies the action for packets that are below the conform rate.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. That is the conform-action.
✗
It is only used in two-rate policers and is ignored in single-rate policers.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. The violate-action can be used in both single-rate and two-rate policers.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 practitioner preparing for the 300-410 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 300-410 question in full detail.
Identify which 300-410 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Control Plane Policing (CoPP) — This question tests Control Plane Policing (CoPP) — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: It specifies the action for packets that exceed both the conform rate and the excess burst. — The violate-action is used in the three-color policer (single-rate or two-rate) to specify the action for packets that exceed the excess burst. If not configured, the exceed-action is used for violate traffic.
What should I do if I get this 300-410 question wrong?
Identify which 300-410 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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