The answer is that SSH traffic is limited to 10 kbps while all other control plane traffic is limited to 5 kbps. This is correct because the CoPP policy interpretation hinges on the order of class maps within the policy map: traffic matching the COPP_SSH class is policed at 10 kbps, and any traffic not matching that class falls into class-default, which is policed at 5 kbps. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this question tests your ability to read a CoPP configuration and understand that class-default applies to all unmatched traffic, not just non-SSH traffic—a common trap is assuming class-default only applies to unknown protocols. Remember that CoPP police rates are applied per-class, so the first matching class wins, and the default class catches everything else. A helpful memory tip: “SSH gets the higher rate because it’s a specific, trusted protocol; everything else gets the lower default rate.”
350-401 ACLs and CoPP Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of acls and 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 the CoPP configuration:
class-map match-any COPP_SSH
match access-group name SSH_ACL
!
policy-map COPP_POLICY
class COPP_SSH
police 10000 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 is limited to 10 kbps; all other control plane traffic is limited to 5 kbps.
The policy applies two police rates: 10 kbps for SSH traffic and 5 kbps for all other control plane traffic.
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 is limited to 10 kbps; all other control plane traffic is limited to 5 kbps.
Why this is correct
Class COPP_SSH has a police rate of 10000 bps, class-default has 5000 bps.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
All control plane traffic is limited to 10 kbps.
Why it's wrong here
Only SSH traffic gets 10 kbps; other traffic gets 5 kbps.
✗
The class-default police rate is ignored because it is not explicitly matched.
Why it's wrong here
class-default matches all traffic not matched by other classes.
✗
The policy-map should be applied to an interface, not the control plane.
Why it's wrong here
CoPP is applied under control-plane to protect the CPU.
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 350-401 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 350-401 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
ACLs and CoPP — This question tests ACLs and CoPP — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: SSH traffic is limited to 10 kbps; all other control plane traffic is limited to 5 kbps. — The policy applies two police rates: 10 kbps for SSH traffic and 5 kbps for all other control plane traffic.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 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 350-401 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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