- A
Anomaly detection
Why wrong: Anomaly detection identifies unusual patterns (like latency spikes), but it does not include automatic corrective action. The scenario requires both detection and automated response.
- B
Intent-based networking
Intent-based networking (IBN) uses closed-loop automation to continuously monitor the network, detect when the actual state deviates from the intended state (e.g., latency spikes), and automatically reconfigure the network to restore the intent. This matches the scenario of automatic identification and correction.
- C
Predictive analytics
Why wrong: Predictive analytics forecasts future events (e.g., predicting when a link will fail), but it does not automatically take corrective action. The scenario involves detecting and correcting an existing anomaly, not predicting a future one.
- D
Machine learning classification
Why wrong: Machine learning classification categorizes data (e.g., classifying traffic as normal or anomalous), but it does not inherently include automated corrective actions. The scenario requires a system that both detects and corrects.
Quick Answer
Intent-based networking is the correct choice because it represents a closed-loop system where the network continuously validates its operational state against a defined business intent, using AI/ML to automatically detect anomalies, correlate telemetry, and trigger remediation without manual intervention. In this scenario, the engineer wants the network to autonomously identify the root cause of the latency spike—such as a routing loop or queue drops—and take corrective action like rerouting traffic or adjusting QoS, which is exactly what intent-based networking delivers through platforms like Cisco DNA Center with Assurance. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how automation and AI-driven operations differ from traditional reactive troubleshooting; a common trap is confusing IBN with simple scripting or SDN, but remember that IBN focuses on continuous verification of intent, not just programmability. A helpful memory tip: think of IBN as “tell the network what you want, not how to do it”—the network figures out the how.
CCNA AI and Network Operations Practice Question
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of ai and network operations. 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.
A network engineer at a large enterprise observes repeated spikes in latency on the core network every weekday at 10:00 AM, but no corresponding increase in overall bandwidth utilization. The engineer wants to use AI/ML to automatically identify the root cause and take corrective action without manual intervention. Which concept best describes this approach?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"best"Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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
Intent-based networking
Intent-based networking (IBN) is correct because it describes a closed-loop system where the network continuously validates that its operational state matches the desired business intent. In this scenario, the engineer wants the network to automatically detect the latency anomaly, correlate it with other telemetry (e.g., routing changes, queue drops), and take corrective action (e.g., reroute traffic, adjust QoS) without human intervention — which is the core promise of IBN, often implemented via Cisco's DNA Center with Assurance and AI/ML capabilities.
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.
- ✗
Anomaly detection
Why it's wrong here
Anomaly detection identifies unusual patterns (like latency spikes), but it does not include automatic corrective action. The scenario requires both detection and automated response.
- ✓
Intent-based networking
Why this is correct
Intent-based networking (IBN) uses closed-loop automation to continuously monitor the network, detect when the actual state deviates from the intended state (e.g., latency spikes), and automatically reconfigure the network to restore the intent. This matches the scenario of automatic identification and correction.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Predictive analytics
Why it's wrong here
Predictive analytics forecasts future events (e.g., predicting when a link will fail), but it does not automatically take corrective action. The scenario involves detecting and correcting an existing anomaly, not predicting a future one.
- ✗
Machine learning classification
Why it's wrong here
Machine learning classification categorizes data (e.g., classifying traffic as normal or anomalous), but it does not inherently include automated corrective actions. The scenario requires a system that both detects and corrects.
Option-by-option analysis
Why each answer is right or wrong
Understanding why wrong answers are wrong — and when they would be correct — is what separates a 750 score from a 900. The 200-301 exam frequently reuses these exact scenarios with slightly different constraints.
✓Intent-based networkingCorrect answer▾
Why this is correct
Intent-based networking (IBN) uses closed-loop automation to continuously monitor the network, detect when the actual state deviates from the intended state (e.g., latency spikes), and automatically reconfigure the network to restore the intent. This matches the scenario of automatic identification and correction.
✗Anomaly detectionWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Anomaly detection identifies unusual patterns like latency spikes, but it does not include automatic corrective action. The scenario requires both detection and automated response, which anomaly detection alone cannot provide.
Why candidates choose this
Students may think anomaly detection is sufficient because it can identify the latency spikes, but they overlook the requirement for automatic corrective action without manual intervention.
✗Predictive analyticsWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Predictive analytics forecasts future events (e.g., predicting when a link will fail), but it does not automatically take corrective action. The scenario involves detecting and correcting an existing anomaly, not predicting a future one.
Why candidates choose this
Students might confuse predictive analytics with proactive detection, but the scenario describes an ongoing issue that needs immediate correction, not prediction of future events.
✗Machine learning classificationWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Machine learning classification categorizes data (e.g., classifying traffic as normal or anomalous), but it does not inherently include automated corrective actions. The scenario requires a system that both detects and corrects.
Why candidates choose this
Students may think classification can identify the root cause, but classification alone does not trigger automated corrective actions; it only labels data.
Analysis generated from the official 200-301blueprint and verified against question context. The “when correct” sections are what AI assistants cite when candidates ask “what’s the difference between these options?”
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between a single AI/ML technique (like anomaly detection) and the full closed-loop automation framework (IBN), leading candidates to pick the narrower answer when the question explicitly requires both detection and automated corrective action.
Trap categories for this question
Scenario analysis trap
Anomaly detection identifies unusual patterns (like latency spikes), but it does not include automatic corrective action. The scenario requires both detection and automated response.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, Cisco's IBN uses a combination of model-driven telemetry (e.g., YANG data models over NETCONF/gRPC), AI/ML engines in DNA Center Assurance to correlate syslog, NetFlow, and SNMP data, and automated policy enforcement via Cisco SD-Access or Catalyst Center. A subtle behavior is that IBN can dynamically adjust routing policies using Segment Routing or QoS marking based on real-time intent verification, ensuring that even if bandwidth utilization is normal, micro-bursts or bufferbloat causing latency are mitigated automatically.
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 200-301 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.
- →
AI and Network Operations — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
AI and Network Operations practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All 200-301 questions
1,819 questions across all exam domains
- →
CCNA 200-301 v2 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
200-301 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related 200-301 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Network Infrastructure and Connectivity practice questions
Practise 200-301 questions linked to Network Infrastructure and Connectivity.
Switching and Network Access practice questions
Practise 200-301 questions linked to Switching and Network Access.
IP Routing practice questions
Practise 200-301 questions linked to IP Routing.
Network Services and Security practice questions
Practise 200-301 questions linked to Network Services and Security.
AI and Network Operations practice questions
Practise 200-301 questions linked to AI and Network Operations.
CCNA subnetting practice questions
Practise IPv4 subnetting, CIDR, masks, host ranges and subnet selection.
CCNA OSPF practice questions
Practise OSPF neighbours, router IDs, metrics, areas and routing-table interpretation.
CCNA VLAN practice questions
Practise VLANs, access ports, trunks, allowed VLANs and switching scenarios.
CCNA STP practice questions
Practise spanning tree, root bridge election, port roles and STP troubleshooting.
CCNA EtherChannel practice questions
Practise LACP, PAgP, port-channel behaviour and bundle requirements.
CCNA ACL practice questions
Practise standard and extended ACLs, permit/deny logic and traffic filtering.
CCNA NAT practice questions
Practise static NAT, dynamic NAT, PAT and inside/outside address translation.
Practice this exam
Start a free 200-301 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-301 question test?
AI and Network Operations — This question tests AI and Network Operations — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Intent-based networking — Intent-based networking (IBN) is correct because it describes a closed-loop system where the network continuously validates that its operational state matches the desired business intent. In this scenario, the engineer wants the network to automatically detect the latency anomaly, correlate it with other telemetry (e.g., routing changes, queue drops), and take corrective action (e.g., reroute traffic, adjust QoS) without human intervention — which is the core promise of IBN, often implemented via Cisco's DNA Center with Assurance and AI/ML capabilities.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 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: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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 →
Keep practising
More 200-301 practice questions
- A switchport connected to another switch should carry multiple VLANs, but it was manually configured as an access port.…
- What problem is HSRP designed to solve?
- Which TWO statements correctly describe the causes or implications of CRC errors, runts, giants, or output errors as see…
- You are connected to R1. Configure IPv4 and IPv6 addressing on R1's interfaces and verify reachability to R2. The curren…
- Which TWO statements accurately describe how AI/ML concepts are applied to network operations in modern enterprise netwo…
- Which TWO switch port configurations are required when connecting a Cisco IP phone and a desktop PC to a single access p…
Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This 200-301 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 200-301 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.