Question 1,096 of 2,015

Python for Network Automation →hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

Quick Answer

The answer is that the engineer used the 'show' message type in the API request instead of 'cli_conf'. When using the Python NX-API configuration command type, the API requires the message type to be set to 'cli_conf' for any commands that modify the switch configuration, such as creating VLANs. The 'show' type is intended only for retrieval commands and will not execute configuration changes, even though the API returns a successful HTTP 200 code with the command output in the result field. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this question tests your understanding of the NX-API message types and their specific roles in automation workflows, with a common trap being that a 200 response does not guarantee the command was applied. A helpful memory tip is to think "show for show, conf for change" to remember that configuration commands require the 'cli_conf' type.

CCNP Python for Network Automation Practice Question

This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of python for network automation. 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.

A network engineer is automating the configuration of VLANs on a Cisco Nexus 9000 switch using Python and the NX-API. The engineer sends a Python dictionary with the CLI commands to the API and receives a successful response. However, when checking the switch, the VLANs are not created. The engineer verifies that the credentials and IP address are correct, and the API is enabled. The engineer also notices that the API response contains a 'code' field of '200' and a 'result' field that shows the command output. What is the most likely cause of the issue?

Clue words in this question

Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.

Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.

Question 1hardmultiple choice

Open the full VLAN trunking answer →

A
The API response code of 200 indicates an error, and the engineer should check for a different status code.
Why wrong: Incorrect because HTTP 200 means success; the issue is not with the status code.
B
The VLAN commands are incorrect; the engineer should use 'vlan 10' instead of 'vlan 10-20'.
Why wrong: Incorrect because the range syntax is valid on Nexus switches.
C
The engineer used the 'show' message type in the API request instead of 'cli_conf'.
Correct because NX-API requires the 'cli_conf' type to execute configuration commands; 'show' only executes show commands and does not apply changes.
D
The switch requires a 'commit' command after configuration changes via NX-API.
Why wrong: Incorrect because Nexus switches do not require a commit unless in a specific feature like configuration session; NX-API applies changes immediately.

Full breakdown with real-world context →

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

✓

The engineer used the 'show' message type in the API request instead of 'cli_conf'.

The correct answer is that the engineer used the 'show' command type instead of 'cli_conf' for configuration commands. Option A is incorrect because a 200 response indicates the API call was successful. Option B is incorrect because the commands are valid. Option D is incorrect because the API does not require a commit command by default.

Key principle: A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.

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 API response code of 200 indicates an error, and the engineer should check for a different status code.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because HTTP 200 means success; the issue is not with the status code.
✗
The VLAN commands are incorrect; the engineer should use 'vlan 10' instead of 'vlan 10-20'.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because the range syntax is valid on Nexus switches.
✓
The engineer used the 'show' message type in the API request instead of 'cli_conf'.
Why this is correct
Correct because NX-API requires the 'cli_conf' type to execute configuration commands; 'show' only executes show commands and does not apply changes.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
✗
The switch requires a 'commit' command after configuration changes via NX-API.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because Nexus switches do not require a commit unless in a specific feature like configuration session; NX-API applies changes immediately.

Common exam traps

Common exam trap: an active trunk can still block the VLAN you need

A trunk being up does not prove every VLAN is crossing it. Check allowed VLAN lists, native VLAN mismatch, VLAN existence and access-port assignment.

Detailed technical explanation

How to think about this question

VLAN questions usually combine access-port and trunking clues. The key is to identify whether the issue is local to one switchport, caused by the trunk, or caused by the VLAN not existing where it needs to exist.

KKey Concepts to Remember

Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
Trunk ports carry multiple VLANs between switches.
Allowed VLAN lists decide which VLANs can cross a trunk.
Native VLAN mismatch can create confusing symptoms.

TExam Day Tips

Use show vlan brief to verify access VLANs.
Use show interfaces trunk to verify trunk state and allowed VLANs.
Do not treat every same-VLAN issue as a routing problem.

Key takeaway

A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.

Real-world example

How this comes up in practice

A help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.

What to study next

Got this wrong? Here's your next step.

Review VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related 350-401 questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.

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FAQ

Questions learners often ask

What does this 350-401 question test?

Python for Network Automation — This question tests Python for Network Automation — Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN..

What is the correct answer to this question?

The correct answer is: The engineer used the 'show' message type in the API request instead of 'cli_conf'. — The correct answer is that the engineer used the 'show' command type instead of 'cli_conf' for configuration commands. Option A is incorrect because a 200 response indicates the API call was successful. Option B is incorrect because the commands are valid. Option D is incorrect because the API does not require a commit command by default.

What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?

Are there clue words in this question I should notice?

Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.

What is the key concept behind this question?

Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.

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