The answer is NETCONF, YANG, and Cisco NSO, as these three technologies form the core of automated service provisioning in Cisco service provider networks. NETCONF provides a standardized, programmatic interface for configuration management, while YANG supplies the structured data models that define network configurations and state data, and Cisco NSO orchestrates service lifecycle management across multivendor devices. On the Cisco SPCOR / CCNP Service Provider Core 350-501 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish provisioning tools from monitoring or routing protocols—a common trap is confusing SNMP, which is used for monitoring and fault management, with NETCONF’s transactional configuration capabilities. Remember that RIP is a legacy routing protocol with no role in provisioning. A helpful memory tip: think of “NYN” (NETCONF, YANG, NSO) as the three pillars of automation, where SNMP is only for “seeing” the network, not “setting” it.
350-501 Automation and Assurance Practice Question
This 350-501 practice question tests your understanding of automation and assurance. 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 technologies or protocols are used to implement automated service provisioning in a Cisco service provider network?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Cisco NSO
Cisco NSO provides orchestration and service lifecycle management. NETCONF is used for configuration management. YANG provides data models for configuration and state data. SNMP is for monitoring, not provisioning. RIP is a routing protocol, not for provisioning.
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.
✓
Cisco NSO
Why this is correct
NSO is an orchestration platform that automates service provisioning across multi-vendor networks.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
SNMP
Why it's wrong here
SNMP is primarily used for monitoring and management, not for service provisioning.
✓
YANG
Why this is correct
YANG provides the data models that describe the configuration and state, essential for automated provisioning.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
RIP
Why it's wrong here
RIP is a distance-vector routing protocol, not used for service provisioning.
✓
NETCONF
Why this is correct
NETCONF is a standard protocol for configuration management, often used in automation workflows.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 350-501 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 350-501 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Automation and Assurance — This question tests Automation and Assurance — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Cisco NSO — Cisco NSO provides orchestration and service lifecycle management. NETCONF is used for configuration management. YANG provides data models for configuration and state data. SNMP is for monitoring, not provisioning. RIP is a routing protocol, not for provisioning.
What should I do if I get this 350-501 question wrong?
Identify which 350-501 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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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