- A
Policing can re-mark traffic that exceeds the configured rate to a lower priority.
Correct because policing can set a new DSCP or CoS value for out-of-profile traffic.
- B
Shaping buffers excess traffic and transmits it later to avoid drops.
Correct because shaping uses a buffer to hold packets that exceed the rate, sending them at a later time.
- C
Both policing and shaping use a token bucket algorithm to measure traffic rates.
Correct because both mechanisms use token buckets to determine if traffic conforms to the configured rate.
- D
Policing buffers traffic that exceeds the rate to reduce packet loss.
Why wrong: Incorrect because policing does not buffer; it drops or re-marks excess traffic immediately.
- E
Shaping is typically applied on the ingress interface to control incoming traffic.
Why wrong: Incorrect because shaping is applied on egress to control outgoing traffic rate.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is that both policing and shaping use a token bucket algorithm to measure traffic rates, but they handle excess traffic differently. Policing drops or re-marks packets that exceed the configured rate, while shaping buffers the excess traffic to smooth bursts and reduce drops. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this distinction tests your understanding of QoS mechanisms under the Traffic Policing and Shaping section, often appearing in multiple-choice questions that ask you to identify true statements. A common trap is confusing policing with shaping on ingress versus egress: policing is typically applied inbound to enforce rate limits, whereas shaping is applied outbound to prevent tail drops. Remember the memory tip: “Police punish, shape smooth”—policing penalizes excess by dropping or marking down, while shaping holds traffic in a queue to conform to the rate.
350-401 QoS Architecture Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of qos architecture. 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 three statements about Cisco QoS policing and shaping are true? (Choose three.)
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Policing can re-mark traffic that exceeds the configured rate to a lower priority.
Policing drops or re-marks traffic exceeding a rate, while shaping buffers excess traffic. Policing is typically applied inbound, shaping outbound. Option A is correct because policing can mark down traffic (e.g., set DSCP to 0) when the rate is exceeded. Option B is correct because shaping buffers traffic to smooth bursts, reducing drops. Option C is correct because both use a token bucket model to measure conformance. Option D is incorrect because policing does not buffer; it drops or re-marks. Option E is incorrect because shaping is applied on egress, not ingress.
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.
- ✓
Policing can re-mark traffic that exceeds the configured rate to a lower priority.
- ✓
Shaping buffers excess traffic and transmits it later to avoid drops.
Why this is correct
Correct because shaping uses a buffer to hold packets that exceed the rate, sending them at a later time.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Both policing and shaping use a token bucket algorithm to measure traffic rates.
Why this is correct
Correct because both mechanisms use token buckets to determine if traffic conforms to the configured rate.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Policing buffers traffic that exceeds the rate to reduce packet loss.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because policing does not buffer; it drops or re-marks excess traffic immediately.
- ✗
Shaping is typically applied on the ingress interface to control incoming traffic.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because shaping is applied on egress to control outgoing traffic rate.
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 350-401 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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which 350-401 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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-401 question test?
QoS Architecture — This question tests QoS Architecture — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Policing can re-mark traffic that exceeds the configured rate to a lower priority. — Policing drops or re-marks traffic exceeding a rate, while shaping buffers excess traffic. Policing is typically applied inbound, shaping outbound. Option A is correct because policing can mark down traffic (e.g., set DSCP to 0) when the rate is exceeded. Option B is correct because shaping buffers traffic to smooth bursts, reducing drops. Option C is correct because both use a token bucket model to measure conformance. Option D is incorrect because policing does not buffer; it drops or re-marks. Option E is incorrect because shaping is applied on egress, not ingress.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Identify which 350-401 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.
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 →
Same concept, more angles
1 more ways this is tested on 350-401
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which two statements about policing and shaping in a QoS architecture are true? (Choose two.)
medium- ✓ A.Policing can be configured on both ingress and egress interfaces, while shaping is only supported on egress interfaces.
- B.Shaping uses a token bucket algorithm to meter traffic and drops packets that exceed the configured rate.
- C.Policing introduces variable delay because it buffers excess traffic before forwarding.
- D.Both policing and shaping can re-mark packets that conform to the configured rate.
- ✓ E.The 'shape average' command configures shaping to use the average rate over time, while 'shape peak' allows bursts above the average.
Why A: Policing drops or re-marks traffic exceeding a rate, while shaping buffers excess traffic to smooth bursts. Policing is applied inbound or outbound, shaping is typically outbound. Policing does not introduce delay, shaping does. Both can use token bucket algorithms.
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
This 350-401 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 350-401 exam.
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