350-601 Automation Practice Question
A network engineer is automating a repetitive configuration task on a Nexus 9000 switch using Python scripts with NX-API. The script sends a CLI command via POST request but receives HTTP 400 status with error 'Invalid request payload'. What is the most likely cause?
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 JSON payload does not include the required 'ins_api' wrapper with version and type fields.
The NX-API on Nexus switches requires a JSON payload wrapped in an 'ins_api' object that includes fields such as 'version', 'type', 'chunk', 'sid', and 'input'. Omitting this wrapper or any required field results in HTTP 400 'Invalid request payload'. Option A correctly points out that the payload lacks the required 'ins_api' wrapper.
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 JSON payload does not include the required 'ins_api' wrapper with version and type fields.
Why this is correct
The NX-API requires a specific JSON format with 'ins_api' envelope containing attributes like version, type, chunk, sid, and input.
- ✗
The switch is running an unsupported NX-OS version.
Why it's wrong here
NX-API is supported on most modern NX-OS versions; version mismatch does not typically cause 'Invalid request payload'.
- ✗
The script is using HTTP instead of HTTPS.
Why it's wrong here
Using HTTP vs HTTPS would affect the connection but not cause a 400 status; it would be a connection or certificate error.
- ✗
The CLI command syntax is incorrect with too many spaces.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect CLI syntax would generate a different error (e.g., status 200 with error output in response body), not 'Invalid request payload'.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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