Quick Answer
The correct answer is that the 'set ip precedence' command modifies the IP header of the packet. This command directly alters the three-bit IP precedence field within the Type of Service (ToS) byte of the IP header, which is a fundamental mechanism for Quality of Service (QoS) classification and marking. When Policy-Based Routing (PBR) applies this command, it rewrites the packet's header at Layer 3, allowing downstream routers to apply differentiated treatment based on the precedence value. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how PBR can influence QoS beyond simple path selection, often appearing in questions that distinguish between header modification and routing table changes. A common trap is confusing 'set ip precedence' with 'set ip next-hop'—the former changes the packet itself, while the latter changes only the forwarding decision. Remember the memory tip: "Precedence paints the packet; next-hop points the path."
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of policy-based routing (pbr). Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 statement about PBR and the 'set ip precedence' command is correct?
It sets the DSCP value.
Why wrong: It sets the precedence bits (3 bits), not DSCP (6 bits).
It can only be used with 'set ip next-hop'.
Why wrong: It is an independent set command and can be used alone.
It modifies the IP header of the packet.
The command changes the ToS field in the IP header.
It is used for load-balancing.
Why wrong: It is used for QoS marking, not load-balancing.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
It modifies the IP header of the packet.
The 'set ip precedence' command sets the IP precedence bits in the Type of Service (ToS) field of the IP header, which can be used for QoS classification.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
It sets the DSCP value.
Why it's wrong here
It sets the precedence bits (3 bits), not DSCP (6 bits).
It can only be used with 'set ip next-hop'.
Why it's wrong here
It is an independent set command and can be used alone.
It modifies the IP header of the packet.
Why this is correct
The command changes the ToS field in the IP header.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
It is used for load-balancing.
Why it's wrong here
It is used for QoS marking, not load-balancing.
Common exam traps
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
It is an independent set command and can be used alone.
Detailed technical explanation
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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.
What to study next
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.
Policy-Based Routing (PBR) — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Policy-Based Routing (PBR) practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All 300-410 questions
2,152 questions across all exam domains
Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
300-410 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise 300-410 questions linked to Layer 3 Technologies.
Practise 300-410 questions linked to EIGRP Troubleshooting.
Practise 300-410 questions linked to OSPF Troubleshooting (v2/v3).
Practise 300-410 questions linked to BGP Troubleshooting.
Practise 300-410 questions linked to Route Redistribution.
Practise 300-410 questions linked to Policy-Based Routing (PBR).
Practise 300-410 questions linked to VRF-Lite.
Practise 300-410 questions linked to Route Maps and Route Filtering.
Practise 300-410 questions linked to Administrative Distance.
Practise 300-410 questions linked to Route Summarization.
Practise 300-410 questions linked to Bidirectional Forwarding Detection (BFD).
Practise 300-410 questions linked to VPN Technologies.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Policy-Based Routing (PBR) — This question tests Policy-Based Routing (PBR) — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: It modifies the IP header of the packet. — The 'set ip precedence' command sets the IP precedence bits in the Type of Service (ToS) field of the IP header, which can be used for QoS classification.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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 →
Keep practising
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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.