350-601 Automation Practice Question
A network engineer wants to automate the deployment of a new VLAN across all Cisco Nexus switches in a data center using Python scripts. Which tool is most appropriate for this task?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between direct programmatic APIs (NX-API) and higher-level automation tools (Ansible) or legacy methods (SNMP, SSH), expecting candidates to recognize that the question's emphasis on 'Python scripts' points to a library-based API call rather than a separate automation framework.
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
✓
Cisco NX-API with Python requests
Cisco NX-API provides a RESTful API interface on Nexus switches, allowing direct HTTP/HTTPS calls to configure VLANs programmatically. Using Python's requests library, you can send structured JSON payloads to the API endpoint, making it the most direct and efficient method for script-driven automation without requiring intermediate tools or protocols.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Cisco NX-API with Python requests
Why this is correct
NX-API provides RESTful API for direct configuration via Python.
- ✗
SSH CLI commands via Paramiko
Why it's wrong here
While possible, it's less efficient than NX-API for automation.
- ✗
Ansible playbook
Why it's wrong here
Ansible is a separate automation tool, not a Python script tool.
- ✗
SNMP SET commands
Why it's wrong here
SNMP is not designed for configuration deployment.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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