- A
PLC: Industrial computer used for automation of electromechanical processes
Ansible is an automation tool that uses YAML-based playbooks to define tasks, making it easy to read and write.
- B
SCADA: System for remote monitoring and control of industrial processes
This is incorrect because Puppet uses its own declarative language (Puppet DSL), not Ruby recipes. Chef uses Ruby-based recipes.
- C
DCS: System that controls production processes in a plant
This is incorrect because Chef uses Ruby-based recipes (imperative/procedural), not a declarative language. Puppet uses a declarative language.
- D
RTU: Device that interfaces with sensors and actuators in remote locations
This is incorrect because while SaltStack does use a master-minion architecture, the correct pairing for the question is Ansible with YAML playbooks. The description 'master-minion' is accurate for SaltStack, but it is not the correct match for the given term.
CCNA AI and Network Operations Practice Question
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of ai and network operations. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. A key principle to apply: a controller serves as the centralized management platform that orchestrates network devices and automation workflows.. 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.
Match each controller or automation term to its most accurate description.
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
PLC: Industrial computer used for automation of electromechanical processes
The Controller is the central platform that coordinates policy and management, typically in software-defined networking (SDN). The Northbound API is the application-facing interface that lets external applications communicate with the controller to request services. JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a lightweight, structured data format commonly used in API payloads for its human-readable and machine-parseable syntax. HTTPS is the secure transport protocol that encrypts API communication to protect data in transit.
Key principle: A controller serves as the centralized management platform that orchestrates network devices and automation workflows.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
PLC: Industrial computer used for automation of electromechanical processes
Why this is correct
Ansible is an automation tool that uses YAML-based playbooks to define tasks, making it easy to read and write.
Related concept
A controller serves as the centralized management platform that orchestrates network devices and automation workflows.
- ✓
SCADA: System for remote monitoring and control of industrial processes
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because Puppet uses its own declarative language (Puppet DSL), not Ruby recipes. Chef uses Ruby-based recipes.
Related concept
A controller serves as the centralized management platform that orchestrates network devices and automation workflows.
- ✓
DCS: System that controls production processes in a plant
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because Chef uses Ruby-based recipes (imperative/procedural), not a declarative language. Puppet uses a declarative language.
Related concept
A controller serves as the centralized management platform that orchestrates network devices and automation workflows.
- ✓
RTU: Device that interfaces with sensors and actuators in remote locations
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because while SaltStack does use a master-minion architecture, the correct pairing for the question is Ansible with YAML playbooks. The description 'master-minion' is accurate for SaltStack, but it is not the correct match for the given term.
Related concept
A controller serves as the centralized management platform that orchestrates network devices and automation workflows.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco exams often test the specific language or syntax each automation tool uses. Do not confuse Puppet's declarative DSL with Chef's Ruby-based recipes, and remember that Ansible uses YAML playbooks.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In network automation, a controller acts as the centralized management platform that orchestrates and manages network devices and services. It abstracts the complexity of individual devices and provides a unified interface for automation tasks. The controller communicates with external applications through northbound APIs, which expose the controller’s capabilities and data to software applications, enabling programmability and integration with other systems. Northbound APIs typically use structured data formats like JSON to represent configuration and operational data in a standardized way. JSON is lightweight, human-readable, and widely supported, making it ideal for API payloads. The transport layer for these API communications is often HTTPS, which provides encryption and secure authentication to protect sensitive network management traffic from interception or tampering. Understanding these components is critical in Cisco’s automation context because the controller centralizes control, the northbound API enables programmability, JSON formats the data, and HTTPS secures the communication channel. Confusing any of these roles can lead to misconfigurations or security vulnerabilities in automated network environments. Practically, this architecture allows network engineers to automate complex tasks reliably and securely, improving operational efficiency and reducing manual errors.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- A controller serves as the centralized management platform that orchestrates network devices and automation workflows.
- Northbound APIs provide the interface between the controller and external applications, enabling programmability and integration.
- JSON is a structured data format commonly used in API payloads to represent configuration and operational data clearly and consistently.
- HTTPS is the secure transport protocol that encrypts API requests and responses between applications and the controller.
- The northbound API abstracts the controller’s capabilities, allowing applications to automate network functions without direct device interaction.
- Using JSON over HTTPS ensures that automation data is both structured for easy parsing and protected against unauthorized access.
- Controllers rely on northbound APIs to expose network state and control functions to software applications in a standardized manner.
- Automation architectures separate the platform (controller), interface (northbound API), data format (JSON), and transport (HTTPS) for clarity and security.
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
A controller serves as the centralized management platform that orchestrates network devices and automation workflows.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review a controller serves as the centralized management platform that orchestrates network devices and automation workflows., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
- →
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 — A controller serves as the centralized management platform that orchestrates network devices and automation workflows..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: PLC: Industrial computer used for automation of electromechanical processes — The Controller is the central platform that coordinates policy and management, typically in software-defined networking (SDN). The Northbound API is the application-facing interface that lets external applications communicate with the controller to request services. JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a lightweight, structured data format commonly used in API payloads for its human-readable and machine-parseable syntax. HTTPS is the secure transport protocol that encrypts API communication to protect data in transit.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Review a controller serves as the centralized management platform that orchestrates network devices and automation workflows., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
A controller serves as the centralized management platform that orchestrates network devices and automation workflows.
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: May 17, 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.