The correct first step is to verify that the NX-API process is running using the 'show nxapi' command. This is because the 'feature nxapi' command only enables the feature configuration, but the NX-API service itself may not have started due to a process crash, resource exhaustion, or a configuration error—such as a port conflict on TCP 443. Since the engineer can already ping the management IP, basic Layer 3 connectivity is confirmed, isolating the problem to the application layer where NX-API operates. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that enabling a feature does not guarantee the service is active; a common trap is jumping to ACL or certificate checks before verifying process status. Remember the memory tip: "Feature enables, show confirms"—always run 'show nxapi' to check if the service is listening before troubleshooting further.
350-601 Automation Practice Question
This 350-601 practice question tests your understanding of automation. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 Nexus switch configured with 'feature nxapi' and 'nxapi https port 443' fails to respond to REST API calls from a monitoring system. The engineer can ping the management IP. Which troubleshooting step should be taken first?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Verify that the NX-API process is running with 'show nxapi'
Option C is correct because the first step when NX-API is configured but not responding is to verify that the NX-API process is actually running. The 'feature nxapi' command enables the feature, but the NX-API service may not have started due to a configuration error, resource issue, or process crash. The 'show nxapi' command displays the operational status of the NX-API service, including whether it is listening on the configured port (443 in this case). Since the engineer can ping the management IP, basic network connectivity exists, so the issue is likely at the application layer.
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.
✗
Check if the monitoring system is using the correct HTTP method
Why it's wrong here
Less likely cause; start with server-side.
✗
Review the switch's ACL for the management VRF
Why it's wrong here
Ping works, so ACL likely allows ICMP but could block HTTPS; but still second step.
✓
Verify that the NX-API process is running with 'show nxapi'
Why this is correct
Quick check of API status.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Confirm that the SSL certificate is trusted
Why it's wrong here
Would cause TLS errors, not complete failure to respond.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between enabling a feature with a command and the actual process running; candidates assume that 'feature nxapi' guarantees the service is operational, but the trap is that the process may not start automatically, and 'show nxapi' is the correct verification step.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NX-API on Nexus switches uses a RESTful API over HTTPS, and the 'feature nxapi' command enables the NX-API infrastructure, but the actual service (nginx-based) must be started and listening. The 'show nxapi' command outputs the status (e.g., 'NX-API is running'), the port, and the VRF context; if it shows 'NX-API is not running', the process may have failed due to memory pressure or a missing dependency. In real-world scenarios, after a switch reload or software upgrade, the NX-API feature may be enabled in the configuration but the process may not automatically start, requiring a 'no feature nxapi' followed by 'feature nxapi' to restart it.
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 security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
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: Verify that the NX-API process is running with 'show nxapi' — Option C is correct because the first step when NX-API is configured but not responding is to verify that the NX-API process is actually running. The 'feature nxapi' command enables the feature, but the NX-API service may not have started due to a configuration error, resource issue, or process crash. The 'show nxapi' command displays the operational status of the NX-API service, including whether it is listening on the configured port (443 in this case). Since the engineer can ping the management IP, basic network connectivity exists, so the issue is likely at the application layer.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.