The answer is that the policy is shaping traffic to an average rate of 1 Mbps. This is confirmed by the show policy-map interface output, which displays a shape (average) cir 1000000, where the CIR of 1,000,000 bps directly translates to 1 Mbps. The command also shows the policy is applied in the output direction under service-policy output: SHAPE-1M, and because it uses class-default with match any, all traffic on GigabitEthernet0/1 is subject to this shaping rate. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this type of output tests your ability to differentiate between policing and shaping by recognizing the shape keyword and interpreting the CIR value, which is often a trap when candidates confuse bits per second with bytes per second. A common memory tip is to remember that shaping always shows a target shape rate and a CIR, while policing uses cir and bc without the shape keyword. For quick recall, think “SHAPE = Smooth, CIR = 1Mbps” to avoid misreading the rate.
350-401 WAN Technologies Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of wan technologies. 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 issues the following command on Router R8:
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The policy is shaping traffic to an average rate of 1 Mbps.
The output shows a shaping policy applied in the output direction with a CIR of 1 Mbps. The class-default is used, meaning all traffic is shaped.
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 policy is policing traffic to 1 Mbps.
Why it's wrong here
The output shows 'shape (average)', not police.
✓
The policy is shaping traffic to an average rate of 1 Mbps.
Why this is correct
The command 'shape (average) cir 1000000' indicates shaping to 1 Mbps.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The policy is dropping all traffic because the queue is full.
Why it's wrong here
The queue depth is 0, and drop rate is 0 bps.
✗
The policy is applied in the input direction.
Why it's wrong here
The output says 'Service-policy output: SHAPE-1M', so it is output direction.
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
The output shows 'shape (average)', not police.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 350-401 question in full detail.
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.
WAN Technologies — This question tests WAN Technologies — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The policy is shaping traffic to an average rate of 1 Mbps. — The output shows a shaping policy applied in the output direction with a CIR of 1 Mbps. The class-default is used, meaning all traffic is shaped.
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.
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Question Discussion
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