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200-901 Practice Question: A developer is implementing error handling in a…
A developer is implementing error handling in a script that makes multiple API calls to Cisco ACI. Which approach is best practice for handling transient network failures?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between 'fixed delay' and 'exponential backoff' by presenting a scenario where a developer might think a simple retry loop is sufficient, but the trap is that fixed delays can cause synchronized retry storms that crash the APIC controller.
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
✓
Retry with exponential backoff
Exponential backoff is the best practice for handling transient network failures in API calls because it reduces server load and prevents thundering herd problems. Cisco ACI's REST API can become overwhelmed if many clients retry simultaneously with fixed delays, making exponential backoff the recommended approach in REST API design and Cisco's own documentation.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Retry with fixed delay
Why it's wrong here
Fixed delay may cause thundering herd problem and is less efficient than exponential backoff.
- ✗
Ignore errors and continue
Why it's wrong here
Ignoring errors can lead to incomplete operations and data inconsistency.
- ✗
Always retry immediately
Why it's wrong here
Immediate retries can overload the server and worsen the situation.
- ✓
Retry with exponential backoff
Why this is correct
Exponential backoff gradually increases wait time, reducing server load and improving success chances.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 200-901 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 200-901 exam.