- A
show session all
Why wrong: This may overload the system further and does not pinpoint CPU cause.
- B
show system resources dataplane
This command displays dataplane CPU and memory, helping identify the bottleneck.
- C
show counter global
Why wrong: This shows global packet counters but not CPU utilization.
- D
show running resource-monitor
Why wrong: This shows aggregate resource usage but not dataplane-specific details.
Question 431 of 516
Command to Diagnose Dataplane CPU at 100%
This PCNSE practice question tests your understanding of troubleshoot. 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.
After upgrading a PA-5250, the firewall is not passing traffic. The administrator checks the dataplane CPU utilization and sees it is at 100%. Which command should be run to identify the cause?
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.
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
✓
show system resources dataplane
The 'show system resources dataplane' command displays detailed CPU utilization per dataplane core, which is critical for identifying whether a single core is maxed out (e.g., due to a traffic storm or a specific session) or if the load is evenly distributed. In a PA-5250, the dataplane handles packet forwarding; 100% CPU indicates the dataplane is overwhelmed, and this command pinpoints the exact core(s) under stress, guiding further investigation into the root cause.
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.
- ✗
show session all
Why it's wrong here
This may overload the system further and does not pinpoint CPU cause.
- ✓
show system resources dataplane
Why this is correct
This command displays dataplane CPU and memory, helping identify the bottleneck.
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.
- ✗
show counter global
Why it's wrong here
This shows global packet counters but not CPU utilization.
- ✗
show running resource-monitor
Why it's wrong here
This shows aggregate resource usage but not dataplane-specific details.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse 'show system resources dataplane' with 'show running resource-monitor' (which is for management-plane resource thresholds) or assume 'show session all' will reveal CPU overload, but session counts alone do not indicate CPU saturation.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This shows global packet counters but not CPU utilization.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The PA-5250 uses a Cavium Octeon III multi-core processor for the dataplane; each core handles a portion of the traffic. A single core hitting 100% can cause packet drops even if other cores are idle, often due to asymmetric routing, a single high-volume session (e.g., a large file transfer), or a DoS attack targeting a specific flow. The 'show system resources dataplane' command breaks down CPU usage per core, allowing the administrator to isolate whether the issue is per-core saturation or a global dataplane bottleneck.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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 PCNSE 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 exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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Troubleshoot — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCNSE question test?
Troubleshoot — This question tests Troubleshoot — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: show system resources dataplane — The 'show system resources dataplane' command displays detailed CPU utilization per dataplane core, which is critical for identifying whether a single core is maxed out (e.g., due to a traffic storm or a specific session) or if the load is evenly distributed. In a PA-5250, the dataplane handles packet forwarding; 100% CPU indicates the dataplane is overwhelmed, and this command pinpoints the exact core(s) under stress, guiding further investigation into the root cause.
What should I do if I get this PCNSE question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This PCNSE practice question is part of Courseiva's free Palo Alto Networks 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 PCNSE exam.
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