- A
Configure a subscription that refers to a sensor group and a destination group.
The subscription is the binding that activates data collection and forwarding to the receiver.
- B
Apply an access-list to allow telemetry traffic from the router.
Why wrong: While ACLs may be used for security, they are not a mandatory step to enable telemetry.
- C
Enable NETCONF on the router for telemetry to function.
Why wrong: Telemetry can operate independently of NETCONF; it uses gRPC or UDP for data transport.
- D
Configure a destination group with receiver IP and port.
A destination group specifies the collector address and protocol (e.g., gRPC). This is necessary to send data.
- E
Configure the subscription with the sensor path directly.
Why wrong: The subscription references a sensor group (which contains the sensor path), not the path itself.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to configure a destination group with a receiver IP and port, and then create a subscription that binds a sensor path to that destination. These two actions are required because model-driven telemetry on Cisco IOS XR routers operates on a publish-subscribe model: the destination group defines where the telemetry data is sent, while the subscription links the specific sensor path—defined in a separate sensor group—to that destination, enabling the router to stream operational data. On the Cisco SPCOR 350-501 exam, this concept tests your understanding of telemetry architecture under the automation and assurance domain, often appearing as a multi-select question where common traps include confusing the sensor path configuration with the subscription or assuming an ACL or NETCONF is mandatory. Remember, telemetry can use gRPC or UDP, not just NETCONF. A helpful memory tip is “Destination and Subscription—the two pillars of streaming telemetry.”
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 TWO actions are required to enable model-driven telemetry on a Cisco IOS XR router?
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
Configure a subscription that refers to a sensor group and a destination group.
To enable model-driven telemetry, you must configure a destination group (receiver) and a subscription that ties the sensor path to the destination. Option A is correct because a destination group defines where telemetry data is sent. Option D is correct because a subscription binds the sensor path and destination. Option B is wrong because the sensor path is configured in a sensor group, not the subscription. Option C is wrong because an ACL is not required for telemetry. Option E is wrong because NETCONF is not mandatory; telemetry can use gRPC or other protocols.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Configure a subscription that refers to a sensor group and a destination group.
Why this is correct
The subscription is the binding that activates data collection and forwarding to the receiver.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Apply an access-list to allow telemetry traffic from the router.
Why it's wrong here
While ACLs may be used for security, they are not a mandatory step to enable telemetry.
- ✗
Enable NETCONF on the router for telemetry to function.
Why it's wrong here
Telemetry can operate independently of NETCONF; it uses gRPC or UDP for data transport.
- ✓
Configure a destination group with receiver IP and port.
Why this is correct
A destination group specifies the collector address and protocol (e.g., gRPC). This is necessary to send data.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Configure the subscription with the sensor path directly.
Why it's wrong here
The subscription references a sensor group (which contains the sensor path), not the path itself.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 350-501 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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Automation and Assurance — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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Automation and Assurance practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
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All 350-501 questions
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Cisco SPCOR / CCNP Service Provider Core 350-501 study guide
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350-501 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-501 question test?
Automation and Assurance — This question tests Automation and Assurance — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure a subscription that refers to a sensor group and a destination group. — To enable model-driven telemetry, you must configure a destination group (receiver) and a subscription that ties the sensor path to the destination. Option A is correct because a destination group defines where telemetry data is sent. Option D is correct because a subscription binds the sensor path and destination. Option B is wrong because the sensor path is configured in a sensor group, not the subscription. Option C is wrong because an ACL is not required for telemetry. Option E is wrong because NETCONF is not mandatory; telemetry can use gRPC or other protocols.
What should I do if I get this 350-501 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 350-501 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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.
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