The correct answer is that each device must have a corresponding NED that matches its OS version. This is because Cisco NSO relies on Network Element Drivers (NEDs) as the translation layer between its abstract service models and the device-specific CLI, SNMP, or NETCONF commands; each NED is built and validated for a particular OS version, such as NX-OS 9.3 or IOS-XE 16.12, so a mismatch will cause configuration failures or incomplete deployments. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this concept tests your understanding of NSO’s dependency on precise device compatibility within a data center automation workflow, often appearing in questions about service deployment prerequisites or troubleshooting. A common trap is assuming any NED for a device family works universally, but the exam emphasizes that even minor OS version differences can break orchestration. Remember the mnemonic: “NED must match the OS head” to avoid a deployment dead.
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.
When using Cisco NSO (Network Services Orchestrator) to automate service creation across a data center network, what is a key consideration regarding device compatibility?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Each device must have a corresponding NED that matches its OS version.
B is correct because Cisco NSO uses Network Element Drivers (NEDs) to translate service models into device-specific CLI, SNMP, or NETCONF commands. Each NED is tied to a specific device OS version (e.g., IOS-XE 16.12, NX-OS 9.3), so mismatched NEDs cause configuration failures or incomplete deployments. Without a compatible NED, NSO cannot communicate with or configure the device.
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.
✗
NSO requires NETCONF for all devices.
Why it's wrong here
NSO supports multiple protocols (CLI, SNMP, NETCONF) depending on NED.
✓
Each device must have a corresponding NED that matches its OS version.
Why this is correct
NSO requires a compatible NED for each device model and OS version to translate service models.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Device YANG models must be hand-coded by the team.
Why it's wrong here
NSO provides existing NEDs; custom YANG is not required but possible.
✗
NSO only supports Cisco devices.
Why it's wrong here
NSO supports multi-vendor via NEDs.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume NSO relies exclusively on NETCONF or YANG for all devices, overlooking the critical role of OS-version-specific NEDs in enabling multi-protocol, multi-vendor automation.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, NSO's NEDs are compiled packages that implement the 'ned-id' YANG module, mapping device-native commands to a structured YANG schema. When a device OS is upgraded, the corresponding NED must also be updated; otherwise, NSO may send deprecated or unsupported commands, leading to transaction failures. In real-world brownfield deployments, mismatched NEDs are a common cause of 'sync-from' errors, where NSO cannot reconcile its configuration with the actual device state.
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: Each device must have a corresponding NED that matches its OS version. — B is correct because Cisco NSO uses Network Element Drivers (NEDs) to translate service models into device-specific CLI, SNMP, or NETCONF commands. Each NED is tied to a specific device OS version (e.g., IOS-XE 16.12, NX-OS 9.3), so mismatched NEDs cause configuration failures or incomplete deployments. Without a compatible NED, NSO cannot communicate with or configure the device.
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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Question Discussion
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