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200-901 Practice Question: Needs to automate the configuration of VLANs on a…
A network engineer needs to automate the configuration of VLANs on a set of Cisco switches using Ansible. Which API should be targeted to ensure idempotent configuration updates?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the misconception that CLI with SSH is sufficient for automation, but the trap here is that CLI commands are not idempotent by default—candidates overlook the need for a structured, transactional protocol like NETCONF to guarantee repeatable, safe configuration updates.
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
✓
NETCONF/YANG
NETCONF/YANG is the correct choice because NETCONF provides a transactional, lock-based mechanism that ensures idempotent configuration updates—applying the desired state exactly once without side effects from repeated runs. YANG models define the VLAN configuration structure, allowing Ansible to compare the current device state against the desired state and only push changes when necessary, which is the essence of idempotency.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
NETCONF/YANG
Why this is correct
NETCONF/YANG supports idempotent operations through data model validation and transaction support.
- ✗
REST API of Cisco DNA Center
Why it's wrong here
DNA Center REST API is for higher-level intent, not for direct switch configuration.
- ✗
SNMP
Why it's wrong here
SNMP is not idempotent and can cause unintended side effects.
- ✗
CLI with SSH
Why it's wrong here
CLI is imperative and not idempotent; repeated commands may cause errors.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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