Quick Answer
The answer is the `show system processes extensive` command, because it provides a detailed breakdown of CPU utilization per process on a Junos device, displaying the exact percentage of CPU time each daemon consumes. This command reveals which specific process—such as the routing protocol daemon (rpd), SNMP, or a management process—is driving the high CPU load, allowing for targeted troubleshooting. On the JNCIA-Junos exam, this question tests your ability to differentiate between monitoring commands, with common traps including `show system processes brief` (which lacks per-process CPU percentages) or `show system processes intensive` (a distractor command that does not exist). A key memory tip is to associate the word “extensive” with “extended detail”—just as an extensive report gives you the full story, this command gives you the full CPU story per process.
This JNCIA-JUNOS practice question tests your understanding of operational monitoring and maintenance. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
An administrator observes that the router's CPU utilization is consistently high. Which command helps identify which process is consuming the most CPU?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
show log messages
Why wrong: Shows system logs.
show system resource
Why wrong: Shows overall resource usage.
show chassis routing-engine
Why wrong: Shows routing engine status.
show system processes extensive
Shows CPU usage per process.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
show system processes extensive
Option D, 'show system processes extensive', is correct because it displays detailed CPU utilization statistics for each running process on a Junos device, including the percentage of CPU time consumed. This allows the administrator to identify which specific process (e.g., routing protocol daemon, SNMP, or management process) is causing the high CPU load, enabling targeted troubleshooting.
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.
show log messages
Why it's wrong here
Shows system logs.
show system resource
Why it's wrong here
Shows overall resource usage.
show chassis routing-engine
Why it's wrong here
Shows routing engine status.
show system processes extensive
Why this is correct
Shows CPU usage per process.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse 'show chassis routing-engine' (which shows aggregate CPU load) with process-level CPU breakdown, leading them to choose option C, but only 'show system processes extensive' provides the per-process detail needed to pinpoint the culprit.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Shows system logs.
Detailed technical explanation
The 'show system processes extensive' command leverages the underlying Unix 'ps' command with extended output, displaying fields such as PID, CPU%, MEM%, and command name. In Junos, the Routing Engine runs a FreeBSD-based kernel, and this command provides a snapshot of process-level CPU usage, which is critical when diagnosing issues like a routing protocol (e.g., BGP or OSPF) consuming excessive CPU due to route flapping or a misconfigured policy. A real-world scenario: during a DDoS attack, this command can reveal that the 'rpd' process is using 99% CPU, indicating the need to implement firewall filters or rate-limiters.
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 JNCIA-JUNOS 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 exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Operational Monitoring and Maintenance — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Operational Monitoring and Maintenance — This question tests Operational Monitoring and Maintenance — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: show system processes extensive — Option D, 'show system processes extensive', is correct because it displays detailed CPU utilization statistics for each running process on a Junos device, including the percentage of CPU time consumed. This allows the administrator to identify which specific process (e.g., routing protocol daemon, SNMP, or management process) is causing the high CPU load, enabling targeted troubleshooting.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Same concept, more angles
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. You are a network administrator for a large enterprise. The Juniper EX4300 switch that serves as the distribution layer for the finance department is experiencing high CPU utilization. Users are complaining of slow network performance. You have accessed the switch via console and notice that the CPU load is consistently above 90%. You need to identify the process causing the high CPU usage. Which command should you use?
hardWhy B: The 'show system processes' command displays a list of all running processes along with their CPU and memory usage, allowing you to identify which process is consuming excessive CPU resources. This is the direct method to pinpoint the offending process on a Juniper EX4300 switch running Junos OS.
Variation 2. A network administrator is troubleshooting high CPU usage on a Juniper router. Which command helps identify which process is consuming the most CPU?
mediumWhy C: The 'show system processes extensive' command displays detailed information about all running processes, including CPU utilization, memory usage, and process IDs. This allows the administrator to identify which process (e.g., routing protocol daemon, management daemon) is consuming the most CPU cycles, directly addressing the troubleshooting need.
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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