The answer is Ansible and Cisco NSO. Both tools are agentless, meaning they manage Nexus 9000 switches over SSH or APIs without installing any software on the devices, and they inherently support idempotent configuration—applying changes only when the current state differs from the desired state, which integrates cleanly with version control systems like Git. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this question tests your understanding of automation architecture, specifically the distinction between agent-based tools like Puppet and Chef versus agentless solutions, and the importance of idempotency for reliable, repeatable deployments. A common trap is assuming Python with Paramiko qualifies, but it lacks built-in idempotency and state management. Remember the mnemonic “No Agent, No Agent” for Ansible and NSO—both start with ‘N’ and require no agent, making them the perfect pair for Nexus 9000 automation.
350-601 Automation Practice Question
This 350-601 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.
A data center team is implementing configuration automation for a fleet of Nexus 9000 switches. They need a solution that supports idempotent configuration, works well with version control, and does not require an agent on the switches. Which two tools should they consider?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Ansible
Ansible and Cisco NSO are both agentless and support idempotent configurations with version control. Puppet and Chef require agents, and Python with Paramiko does not inherently support idempotency.
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.
✗
Puppet
Why it's wrong here
Puppet requires an agent on the switches, violating the agentless requirement.
✗
Chef
Why it's wrong here
Chef also requires an agent, violating the agentless requirement.
✓
Ansible
Why this is correct
Ansible is agentless, uses SSH/NX-API, and its playbooks are idempotent and version-controllable.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Python with Paramiko
Why it's wrong here
While agentless, Python scripts are not inherently idempotent and require custom logic.
✓
Cisco NSO
Why this is correct
Cisco NSO is agentless, uses NETCONF/YANG, and provides idempotent configurations with version control via CDB.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 350-601 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 350-601 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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: Ansible — Ansible and Cisco NSO are both agentless and support idempotent configurations with version control. Puppet and Chef require agents, and Python with Paramiko does not inherently support idempotency.
What should I do if I get this 350-601 question wrong?
Identify which 350-601 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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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