The answer is to periodically poll the fabric membership state via REST API. This approach is the most reliable because it directly queries the APIC’s fabricNode class endpoint, returning each node’s current operational status—such as “active” or “in-pod”—allowing the script to confirm that all expected switches have fully joined the fabric before proceeding. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this tests your understanding of ACI fabric discovery automation and the importance of synchronous polling over simple time delays, which can introduce race conditions or incomplete discovery. A common trap is assuming the APIC SDK’s built-in wait functions are sufficient, but they may not account for multi-pod or stretched fabric topologies. Memory tip: think “poll the pod” — always verify node membership state to avoid fabric formation false positives.
350-601 Automation Practice Question
This 350-601 practice question tests your understanding of automation. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
An engineer is writing a Python script to automate ACI fabric discovery using the APIC SDK. The script needs to wait until the fabric formation is complete before proceeding. Which approach is most reliable?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Periodically poll the fabric membership state via REST API
Option B is correct because the most reliable method to wait for ACI fabric formation to complete is to periodically poll the fabric membership state via the REST API. The APIC SDK provides access to the fabric membership endpoint (e.g., /api/node/class/fabricNode.json), which returns the current state of each node. By polling this endpoint until all expected nodes report an 'active' or 'in-pod' status, the script can accurately determine when the fabric is fully formed, avoiding race conditions or incomplete discovery.
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.
✗
Implement asynchronous callbacks using the SDK
Why it's wrong here
The APIC SDK does not provide async callback support.
✓
Periodically poll the fabric membership state via REST API
Why this is correct
Polling is reliable and adaptive to actual state changes.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Use the configExportP object to monitor discovery
Why it's wrong here
configExportP is for configuration export, not fabric discovery.
✗
Use time.sleep() for a fixed duration
Why it's wrong here
Fixed sleep is not adaptive and may be too short or long.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that a fixed delay (time.sleep) or a configuration export object can reliably synchronize with asynchronous fabric discovery, when in fact only direct polling of the fabric membership state provides deterministic confirmation.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, ACI fabric discovery involves a multi-step process: leaf switches discover spine switches via LLDP, exchange DME (Data Management Engine) information, and register with the APIC controller. The fabric membership state is maintained in the fabricNode managed object (MO), which includes attributes like 'role', 'state', and 'health'. Polling this MO via the REST API (e.g., using the cobra SDK's lookupByClass method) allows the script to check for the 'in-pod' state on all nodes, which is the definitive indicator that the fabric is fully formed. In real-world scenarios, a large fabric with dozens of nodes may take several minutes to converge, making polling with a reasonable interval (e.g., 10 seconds) and a timeout the most robust approach.
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 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 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: Periodically poll the fabric membership state via REST API — Option B is correct because the most reliable method to wait for ACI fabric formation to complete is to periodically poll the fabric membership state via the REST API. The APIC SDK provides access to the fabric membership endpoint (e.g., /api/node/class/fabricNode.json), which returns the current state of each node. By polling this endpoint until all expected nodes report an 'active' or 'in-pod' status, the script can accurately determine when the fabric is fully formed, avoiding race conditions or incomplete discovery.
What should I do if I get this 350-601 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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