The answer is that the NX-API HTTP server must be explicitly configured with a port, such as `nxapi http port 80`. Even after enabling `feature nxapi`, the switch does not automatically start listening on any HTTP or HTTPS port; without a specific port assignment, the NX-API endpoint remains inactive, causing the client to receive a `400 Bad Request` with `Invalid message format` because the server is not reachable at the expected address. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this is a common trap—candidates often assume that enabling the feature alone is sufficient, but the exam tests the precise requirement to bind the server to a port. Remember the memory tip: "Feature enables the engine, but the port opens the door."
350-601 Automation Practice Question
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.
Exhibit
show running-config | include feature\nfeature nxapi\nfeature bash\nfeature interface-vlan\nfeature lacp\nfeature vpc
Refer to the exhibit. An engineer is trying to automate configuration using NX-API on a Nexus 9000 switch. They have enabled 'feature nxapi' but when they attempt to send a POST request to the NX-API endpoint, they receive '400 Bad Request' with 'Invalid message format'. What is the most likely missing configuration?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The NX-API HTTP/HTTPS server is not configured with a port (e.g., 'nxapi http port 80').
The '400 Bad Request' with 'Invalid message format' error indicates the NX-API server is not listening on the expected port. Even with 'feature nxapi' enabled, the HTTP or HTTPS server must be explicitly configured with a port (e.g., 'nxapi http port 80') to accept REST API requests. Without this, the switch does not expose the NX-API endpoint, causing the client to receive a malformed response.
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.
✗
The switch does not have the 'nxapi' feature enabled.
Why it's wrong here
The exhibit shows 'feature nxapi' is already enabled.
✓
The NX-API HTTP/HTTPS server is not configured with a port (e.g., 'nxapi http port 80').
Why this is correct
Enabling the feature alone does not start the server; a port must be configured.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The engineer is using the wrong URL path; should be /ins instead of /api.
Why it's wrong here
While using the wrong path could cause a 404, a 400 indicates malformed request, not wrong path.
✗
The authentication method is set to 'none' but should be 'basic'.
Why it's wrong here
Authentication method affects responses differently; a 400 usually is about syntax, not auth.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between enabling a feature and configuring its operational parameters—candidates assume 'feature nxapi' alone is sufficient, but the HTTP/HTTPS server port must be explicitly set for REST API access.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The exhibit shows 'feature nxapi' is already enabled.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NX-API on Nexus 9000 switches supports both REST and JSON-RPC interfaces. The REST API requires the HTTP/HTTPS server to be explicitly configured with a port using commands like 'nxapi http port 80' or 'nxapi https port 443'. Without this, the NX-API process is enabled but not bound to any port, so HTTP requests receive a '400 Bad Request' due to the server not being reachable. This is a common misconfiguration when transitioning from the legacy NX-API (which uses '/ins') to the newer REST API.
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 small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
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: The NX-API HTTP/HTTPS server is not configured with a port (e.g., 'nxapi http port 80'). — The '400 Bad Request' with 'Invalid message format' error indicates the NX-API server is not listening on the expected port. Even with 'feature nxapi' enabled, the HTTP or HTTPS server must be explicitly configured with a port (e.g., 'nxapi http port 80') to accept REST API requests. Without this, the switch does not expose the NX-API endpoint, causing the client to receive a malformed response.
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: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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