200-901 Infrastructure and Automation Practice Question
A network administrator is tasked with automating the deployment of a new VLAN configuration across a fabric of Cisco ACI switches. Which automation tool is best suited for interacting with the APIC REST API?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the misconception that any scripting tool (like Bash with curl) is sufficient for automation, but the key is choosing a tool with native, purpose-built modules for the specific API, not just the ability to make HTTP requests.
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
✓
Ansible
Ansible is the best-suited tool because it provides a dedicated module (cisco.aci.aci_rest) that directly interacts with the APIC REST API, allowing declarative automation of VLAN and other ACI configurations. Unlike generic scripting, Ansible abstracts the HTTP requests and handles idempotency, authentication, and error handling natively for the ACI fabric.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Bash scripting with curl
Why it's wrong here
Bash scripting with curl can work but is less maintainable and lacks Ansible's idempotence.
- ✗
Chef
Why it's wrong here
Chef is less commonly used for network automation and lacks ACI-specific support.
- ✗
Puppet
Why it's wrong here
Puppet is configuration management tool but not as well-suited for ACI as Ansible.
- ✓
Ansible
Why this is correct
Ansible has built-in ACI modules that simplify interactions with the APIC.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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