Quick Answer
The answer is that the switch has not been assigned to a site. In Cisco DNA Center, a device showing as 'Managed' in inventory indicates successful discovery and communication, but configuration templates are applied based on site membership, not just management status. Without a site assignment, DNA Center has no context to determine which template to push, so the intended configuration is never deployed. This scenario tests your understanding of the provisioning workflow on the ENCOR 350-401 exam, where a common trap is assuming 'Managed' equals 'ready for templates.' Remember that site assignment is the prerequisite that links a device to its intended policy and template. A helpful memory tip: think of site assignment as the address on an envelope—without it, the template has no destination.
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of automation. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
An organization uses Cisco DNA Center to automate network provisioning. A network engineer deploys a new access switch but finds that the switch does not receive the intended configuration template. The switch appears in DNA Center inventory with status 'Managed'. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
The switch has not been discovered by DNA Center
Why wrong: The switch is in 'Managed' status, so it has been discovered.
The switch is not in Plug and Play mode
Why wrong: Plug and Play is used for initial provisioning, not post-discovery.
The switch does not have a valid DNA license
Why wrong: Licensing issues would cause different symptoms.
The switch is not assigned to a site
Site assignment is required for template application.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
The switch is not assigned to a site
In Cisco DNA Center, configuration templates are applied based on site assignment. A switch that appears as 'Managed' in inventory has been discovered and is under DNA Center's control, but if it is not assigned to a specific site, DNA Center cannot determine which template to push. Site assignment is a prerequisite for template-based provisioning; without it, the intended configuration will not be deployed.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
The switch has not been discovered by DNA Center
Why it's wrong here
The switch is in 'Managed' status, so it has been discovered.
The switch is not in Plug and Play mode
Why it's wrong here
Plug and Play is used for initial provisioning, not post-discovery.
The switch does not have a valid DNA license
Why it's wrong here
Licensing issues would cause different symptoms.
The switch is not assigned to a site
Why this is correct
Site assignment is required for template application.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between 'Managed' and 'Provisioned' states, trapping candidates who assume that a device being managed automatically means it has received its configuration.
Detailed technical explanation
DNA Center uses a site-based hierarchy (e.g., Global -> Building -> Floor) to map devices to network profiles and configuration templates. When a switch is assigned to a site, DNA Center triggers the 'Provision' workflow, which pushes the associated template via NETCONF or CLI. Without site assignment, the device remains in a 'Managed' state but is not provisioned, as the system has no context to select the correct template. In real-world deployments, failing to assign a device to a site is a common oversight that leads to inconsistent configurations.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the 350-401 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Automation — This question tests Automation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: The switch is not assigned to a site — In Cisco DNA Center, configuration templates are applied based on site assignment. A switch that appears as 'Managed' in inventory has been discovered and is under DNA Center's control, but if it is not assigned to a specific site, DNA Center cannot determine which template to push. Site assignment is a prerequisite for template-based provisioning; without it, the intended configuration will not be deployed.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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