The correct answer is that NSO uses YANG models to define service parameters, and it provides northbound APIs using NETCONF and RESTCONF. This is because Cisco NSO is fundamentally a model-driven orchestration platform where YANG serves as the data modeling language to abstract network services, while NETCONF and RESTCONF act as the standard protocols for external systems—such as higher-level orchestrators or OSS/BSS platforms—to interact with NSO for service lifecycle management, configuration, and operational data retrieval. On the Cisco SPCOR 350-501 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how NSO integrates into a service provider’s automation stack, often appearing in questions that distinguish between northbound and southbound interfaces. A common trap is confusing NETCONF (which uses SSH and XML) with RESTCONF (which uses HTTP and JSON), or assuming NSO only uses proprietary APIs. Memory tip: think of NSO as a YANG-powered translator—northbound speaks NETCONF/RESTCONF to the outside world, southbound speaks to the devices.
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 statements about Cisco NSO (Network Services Orchestrator) are true? (Choose two.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
NSO provides northbound APIs using NETCONF and RESTCONF.
NSO provides northbound APIs using NETCONF and RESTCONF, enabling integration with higher-level orchestration and management systems. These standard protocols allow external systems to interact with NSO for service lifecycle management, configuration, and operational data retrieval, making B correct.
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 automatically generates Python scripts for device configuration.
Why it's wrong here
NSO uses templates and code, not automatic Python generation.
✓
NSO provides northbound APIs using NETCONF and RESTCONF.
Why this is correct
NSO exposes NETCONF and RESTCONF northbound.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
NSO eliminates the need for SNMP in network management.
NSO uses YANG models to define service parameters.
Why this is correct
YANG is used for service modeling in NSO.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that NSO only supports CLI-based management or that it eliminates SNMP entirely, when in fact NSO is protocol-agnostic and can leverage multiple southbound protocols including NETCONF, CLI, and SNMP for different device types.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NSO uses YANG models as the data modeling language to define service parameters and device configurations, which are then translated to device-native CLI or NETCONF operations via Network Element Drivers (NEDs). The northbound NETCONF and RESTCONF APIs allow integration with external systems like OSS/BSS, while the southbound interface uses NEDs to communicate with devices, supporting protocols like NETCONF, CLI, and SNMP. In real-world deployments, NSO's service models (YANG) enable multi-vendor service orchestration, where a single service activation can push configurations across routers, switches, and firewalls from different vendors.
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 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: NSO provides northbound APIs using NETCONF and RESTCONF. — NSO provides northbound APIs using NETCONF and RESTCONF, enabling integration with higher-level orchestration and management systems. These standard protocols allow external systems to interact with NSO for service lifecycle management, configuration, and operational data retrieval, making B correct.
What should I do if I get this 350-501 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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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.
Question Discussion
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