The answer is that the EEM applet’s poll interval of 5 seconds is too short, creating a CPU feedback loop that causes output truncation. This occurs because the applet triggers every five seconds when CPU exceeds 80%, and each execution runs the resource-intensive “show processes cpu sorted” command, which itself consumes CPU cycles. The additional CPU load from the applet keeps the threshold breached, causing repeated triggers and a self-sustaining loop; the truncated output is a symptom of the router struggling to process the command under this artificial load. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of EEM event tuning and the dangers of overly aggressive polling—a common trap is to blame SNMP or R2, but the root cause is always the feedback loop from a low poll interval. Memory tip: “Five seconds is too fast—your CPU won’t last.”
300-410 Embedded Event Manager (EEM) Practice Question
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of embedded event manager (eem). Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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 configures EEM to monitor CPU usage on R1. R1 has: event manager applet CPU-MONITOR event snmp oid 1.3.6.1.4.1.9.9.109.1.1.1.1.7.1 get-type exact entry-op gt entry-val 80 poll-interval 5 action 1.0 cli command "enable" action 2.0 cli command "show processes cpu sorted" action 3.0 syslog msg "High CPU usage detected". After a few hours, the engineer notices that the applet triggers repeatedly, but the show command output is truncated. Router R2 shows: no issues. What is the root cause?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The EEM applet runs too frequently (every 5 seconds), consuming CPU and causing output truncation.
The EEM applet triggers every 5 seconds when CPU exceeds 80%, and each execution runs the show command, which itself consumes CPU. This can create a feedback loop where the applet increases CPU usage, causing more triggers. Additionally, the show command output may be truncated if the applet runs too frequently or the buffer is insufficient. The correct fix is to increase the poll interval or add a throttle.
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.
✓
The EEM applet runs too frequently (every 5 seconds), consuming CPU and causing output truncation.
Why this is correct
Frequent execution of the show command increases CPU load, worsening the condition.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The SNMP OID is for 5-second CPU, not 1-minute average, causing false positives.
Why it's wrong here
The OID is for 5-second CPU, but the issue is the frequency, not the OID.
✗
The 'show processes cpu sorted' command requires a terminal length setting.
Why it's wrong here
Output truncation is due to buffer limits, not terminal length.
✗
The applet should use 'event manager applet CPU-MONITOR trigger' to start.
Why it's wrong here
The applet is already triggered by the SNMP event.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Output truncation is due to buffer limits, not terminal length.
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.
Embedded Event Manager (EEM) — This question tests Embedded Event Manager (EEM) — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The EEM applet runs too frequently (every 5 seconds), consuming CPU and causing output truncation. — The EEM applet triggers every 5 seconds when CPU exceeds 80%, and each execution runs the show command, which itself consumes CPU. This can create a feedback loop where the applet increases CPU usage, causing more triggers. Additionally, the show command output may be truncated if the applet runs too frequently or the buffer is insufficient. The correct fix is to increase the poll interval or add a throttle.
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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