The correct answer is that Cisco DNA Center uses a declarative automation model, where the administrator defines the desired end-state of the network—such as ensuring VLAN 10 exists on all access switches—and the DNA Center engine automatically determines the required steps, dependencies, and ordering to achieve that state. This contrasts with an imperative model, which requires explicit step-by-step scripting of every action. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this concept tests your understanding of intent-based networking versus traditional CLI scripting; a common trap is confusing declarative with imperative by assuming the controller still needs manual step sequencing. Remember the key distinction: declarative focuses on the "what" (the final outcome), while imperative focuses on the "how" (the procedural steps). A useful memory tip is to think of a GPS navigation system—you input your destination (declarative), and it calculates the route for you, rather than you having to turn-by-turn script the entire journey (imperative).
CCNP Automation Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of automation. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
Which TWO statements are true about Cisco DNA Center automation? (Choose two.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
DNA Center uses a declarative model for network configuration.
Option C is correct because Cisco DNA Center uses a declarative model for network configuration. In a declarative model, the administrator specifies the desired end-state of the network (e.g., 'VLAN 10 should exist on all access switches'), and DNA Center's automation engine determines the necessary steps to achieve that state, handling dependencies and ordering automatically. This contrasts with imperative models where each step must be explicitly scripted.
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.
✗
DNA Center primarily uses SNMP to manage devices.
Why it's wrong here
It uses NETCONF, RESTCONF, and other protocols.
✗
DNA Center only supports greenfield deployments.
Why it's wrong here
It supports both brownfield and greenfield.
✓
DNA Center uses a declarative model for network configuration.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
DNA Center uses an imperative model for network configuration.
Why it's wrong here
It uses a declarative model.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between declarative and imperative models, and the trap here is that candidates mistakenly associate DNA Center's automation with imperative scripting (like Python or Ansible playbooks) rather than recognizing its intent-based, declarative nature.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, DNA Center translates the declarative intent into a series of NETCONF/YANG operations or CLI commands, using a 'desired state' database that is continuously reconciled with the actual device state via telemetry and periodic audits. In a real-world scenario, if a network engineer declares that a specific QoS policy must be applied to all switches, DNA Center will automatically push the configuration to new switches as they are added, without manual intervention, ensuring compliance across the fabric.
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 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.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Automation — This question tests Automation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: DNA Center uses a declarative model for network configuration. — Option C is correct because Cisco DNA Center uses a declarative model for network configuration. In a declarative model, the administrator specifies the desired end-state of the network (e.g., 'VLAN 10 should exist on all access switches'), and DNA Center's automation engine determines the necessary steps to achieve that state, handling dependencies and ordering automatically. This contrasts with imperative models where each step must be explicitly scripted.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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