Quick Answer
The answer is Cisco NX-API with Python requests, as it provides a RESTful API interface on Nexus switches that accepts structured JSON payloads via HTTP/HTTPS, enabling direct and efficient VLAN deployment without intermediate protocols. This approach leverages the requests library to send configuration commands programmatically, making it the most appropriate tool for script-driven automation in a data center environment. On the Cisco DCCOR / CCNP Data Center Core 350-601 exam, this question tests your understanding of native automation interfaces versus overlay tools like Ansible or NETCONF, which add unnecessary layers for simple VLAN tasks. A common trap is choosing Ansible because of its popularity, but NX-API is the direct, lightweight method for Python scripts targeting Nexus switches. Memory tip: think “API for single-switch scripts, Ansible for multi-switch orchestration”—when the question says “Python scripts” and “automate deployment,” NX-API is the direct path.
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 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?
Cisco NX-API with Python requests
NX-API provides RESTful API for direct configuration via Python.
SSH CLI commands via Paramiko
Why wrong: While possible, it's less efficient than NX-API for automation.
Ansible playbook
Why wrong: Ansible is a separate automation tool, not a Python script tool.
SNMP SET commands
Why wrong: SNMP is not designed for configuration deployment.
Answer choices
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.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
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.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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.
Common exam traps
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.
Detailed technical explanation
NX-API uses either XML or JSON over HTTP/HTTPS, with the 'message' key containing the CLI commands in a structured format (e.g., 'show vlan' or 'vlan 100'). Under the hood, the API translates these into NX-OS CLI commands, but returns structured output (JSON/XML) instead of raw text, enabling programmatic parsing. In real-world scenarios, using NX-API with Python allows for idempotent VLAN creation by checking the current VLAN list before applying changes, reducing configuration errors.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Automation — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Automation — This question tests Automation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: 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.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This 350-601 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 350-601 exam.
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