350-501 Automation and Quality of Services Practice Question
What is the primary function of the NED (Network Element Driver) in NSO?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between northbound and southbound interfaces; the trap here is that candidates confuse the NED's role with that of the northbound API layer, assuming NEDs handle RESTCONF or API requests, when in fact they are strictly southbound drivers.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Abstract the device configuration and map YANG to device CLI
The NED (Network Element Driver) in Cisco NSO is the component that abstracts the native device configuration and translates YANG data models into device-specific CLI commands or protocols (e.g., SNMP, NETCONF). This allows NSO to manage heterogeneous devices using a unified YANG-based service model, making option A correct.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Abstract the device configuration and map YANG to device CLI
Why this is correct
Correct; NED translates between YANG and device-specific commands.
- ✗
Provide RESTCONF endpoints
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect; RESTCONF is a protocol, not NED.
- ✗
Store the configuration database
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect; CDB stores config.
- ✗
Handle northbound API requests
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect; northbound is handled by NSO core.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 350-501 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 350-501 exam.