The answer is to implement a retry mechanism with exponential backoff when a 429 response is received. This is correct because the Meraki API enforces rate limits by returning HTTP 429 errors when requests exceed the allowed threshold; exponential backoff solves this by progressively increasing the delay between retries, giving the server time to recover and preventing further congestion. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this tests your understanding of API rate limiting and resilient automation design—a common trap is choosing to reduce the number of networks or switch API versions, which do not address the core rate-limiting mechanism. Remember, the key is to respect the server’s feedback: when you see 429, back off and wait longer each time. A useful memory tip is “429, wait and expand”—the error code itself signals you to expand your wait time exponentially.
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 using the Cisco Meraki Dashboard API to automate the creation of VLANs across multiple networks. The engineer writes a Python script that uses the 'createNetworkVlan' endpoint. The script runs successfully for the first few networks, but then starts returning HTTP 429 errors. The engineer checks the API documentation and finds that the Meraki API has rate limits. The script currently sends requests as fast as possible. What should the engineer implement to avoid hitting the rate limit?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Add a retry mechanism with exponential backoff when a 429 response is received.
The correct answer is to implement exponential backoff with retries. Option A is incorrect because reducing the number of networks does not solve the rate limit issue for the remaining networks. Option B is incorrect because increasing the limit is not possible; the limit is enforced by the API. Option D is incorrect because using a different API version does not change the rate limit policy.
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.
✗
Reduce the number of networks being processed in a single script run.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because this only delays the problem; the engineer still needs to process all networks eventually.
✗
Increase the 'per-second' rate limit by setting a higher value in the API request header.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because rate limits are enforced by the server and cannot be changed by the client.
✓
Add a retry mechanism with exponential backoff when a 429 response is received.
Why this is correct
Correct because exponential backoff is a standard technique to handle rate limits by pausing and retrying after increasing intervals.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
✗
Switch to using the Meraki API version 1.0 which has no rate limits.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because all versions of the Meraki API have rate limits.
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.
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: Add a retry mechanism with exponential backoff when a 429 response is received. — The correct answer is to implement exponential backoff with retries. Option A is incorrect because reducing the number of networks does not solve the rate limit issue for the remaining networks. Option B is incorrect because increasing the limit is not possible; the limit is enforced by the API. Option D is incorrect because using a different API version does not change the rate limit policy.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
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