200-901 Infrastructure and Automation Practice Question
This 200-901 practice question tests your understanding of infrastructure and automation. 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.
A network team is implementing automation to provision new switchports across a campus network. They decide to use a controller-based approach with Cisco DNA Center. What is the primary advantage of using DNA Center for this task?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "primary"
Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
It allows intent-based automation where the desired state is defined and the controller pushes the necessary configuration.
Option C is correct because Cisco DNA Center uses an intent-based networking model where the administrator defines the desired state (e.g., 'provision a switchport for access VLAN 10') and the controller automatically translates that intent into the necessary device configurations (CLI or NETCONF/YANG). This abstraction reduces manual errors and enforces consistency across the campus network without requiring per-device CLI scripting.
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.
✗
It automatically rolls back any configuration that deviates from the standard.
Why it's wrong here
Rollback is not automatic; it requires policy configuration.
✗
It replaces all existing CLI commands with a graphical interface.
Why it's wrong here
Not all CLI is replaced; some tasks still require CLI or API.
✓
It allows intent-based automation where the desired state is defined and the controller pushes the necessary configuration.
Why this is correct
Intent-based automation abstracts low-level configuration from the user.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
It eliminates the need for any human intervention in network management.
Why it's wrong here
Human intervention is still needed for oversight and exceptions.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between intent-based automation (defining the desired state) versus traditional script-based automation (pushing explicit commands), and the trap here is confusing 'intent-based' with 'fully autonomous' or 'error-correcting' systems.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, DNA Center uses a declarative model where the operator defines the intended network state via REST APIs or the GUI, and the controller leverages protocols like NETCONF (RFC 6241) with YANG models or CLI templates to push configurations to devices. In a real-world scenario, if a switchport must be configured for 802.1X, the operator simply specifies the intent, and DNA Center handles the RADIUS server configuration, AAA commands, and port security settings across all relevant switches.
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 help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
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.
Infrastructure and Automation — This question tests Infrastructure and Automation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: It allows intent-based automation where the desired state is defined and the controller pushes the necessary configuration. — Option C is correct because Cisco DNA Center uses an intent-based networking model where the administrator defines the desired state (e.g., 'provision a switchport for access VLAN 10') and the controller automatically translates that intent into the necessary device configurations (CLI or NETCONF/YANG). This abstraction reduces manual errors and enforces consistency across the campus network without requiring per-device CLI scripting.
What should I do if I get this 200-901 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "primary". Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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