The answer is that Cisco NSO uses YANG models for device configuration, manages both NX-OS and ACI environments, and employs NETCONF as its primary southbound protocol. These three capabilities are true because NSO functions as a multi-domain orchestration platform that abstracts device-specific syntax into a unified YANG data model, allowing consistent configuration across heterogeneous networks. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this topic tests your understanding of how NSO fits into data center automation, often appearing in questions that contrast it with scripting or legacy tools. A common trap is confusing NETCONF with RESTCONF or assuming NSO only supports NX-OS, when in fact it bridges ACI and traditional NX-OS domains. Remember the memory tip: “YANG models the intent, NETCONF sends the message, and NSO bridges the gap between ACI and NX-OS.”
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.
Which THREE statements about Cisco Network Services Orchestrator (NSO) are true?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
It can manage both NX-OS and ACI
Cisco NSO is a multi-domain orchestration platform that can manage both NX-OS and ACI environments, making option A correct. It uses NETCONF as the primary southbound protocol to communicate with devices, and it leverages YANG models to define and enforce device configurations, which validates options B and E.
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.
✓
It can manage both NX-OS and ACI
Why this is correct
NSO has NEDs for both NX-OS and ACI.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
It uses NETCONF to communicate with devices
Why this is correct
NETCONF is the primary protocol for device communication.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
It can only be used for layer 3 services
Why it's wrong here
NSO supports any layer, including L2, L3, and services.
✗
It requires a separate database for device states
Why it's wrong here
NSO uses its own built-in CDB (Configuration Database).
✓
It uses YANG models for device configuration
Why this is correct
YANG is used for modeling device configurations.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often assume NSO requires an external database for state management, but it actually uses its own integrated CDB, and they may also mistakenly think NSO is limited to Layer 3 services when it is a multi-layer orchestrator.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NSO's architecture uses a transactional model where configuration changes are applied via a two-phase commit (prepare and commit) to ensure consistency across devices. The CDB is an in-memory database that synchronizes with device states using NETCONF or SNMP, and it supports YANG-based service models that allow operators to define abstract services that map to device-specific CLI or API commands.
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: It can manage both NX-OS and ACI — Cisco NSO is a multi-domain orchestration platform that can manage both NX-OS and ACI environments, making option A correct. It uses NETCONF as the primary southbound protocol to communicate with devices, and it leverages YANG models to define and enforce device configurations, which validates options B and E.
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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