The answer is a list of dictionaries, each containing keys like 'interface', 'ip', 'mac', and 'age'. NAPALM’s get_arp_table method normalizes output from various network operating systems into a structured Python data type, ensuring that regardless of the underlying device—whether IOS-XE, NX-OS, or Junos—the returned object is always a list of dictionaries with these standardized keys. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this question tests your understanding of NAPALM’s abstraction layer and its consistent data model, often appearing as a straightforward recall item where the trap is confusing it with a single dictionary or a tuple. Remember that NAPALM returns collections of records as lists, and each record’s fields are dictionaries—so think “list of dicts” for any table-like data. A useful memory tip: ARP is a table of multiple entries, so it must be a list; each entry has multiple attributes, so each entry is a dict.
350-401 Python for Network Automation Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of python for network automation. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 engineer uses NAPALM to retrieve the ARP table from a Cisco IOS-XE device:
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
A list of dictionaries, each with keys such as 'interface', 'ip', 'mac', and 'age'.
NAPALM's get_arp_table() returns a list of dictionaries, each containing keys like 'interface', 'ip', 'mac', and 'age'. This is standard across all NAPALM drivers.
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.
✓
A list of dictionaries, each with keys such as 'interface', 'ip', 'mac', and 'age'.
Why this is correct
NAPALM returns structured data as a list of dictionaries for ARP entries.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
A dictionary with keys 'arp_table' and a list of tuples.
Why it's wrong here
NAPALM does not wrap the result in a dictionary; it returns the list directly.
✗
A string containing the raw CLI output of 'show arp'.
Why it's wrong here
NAPALM parses the output into structured data, not raw text.
✗
A list of strings, each representing an ARP entry.
Why it's wrong here
The entries are dictionaries, not strings.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
NAPALM parses the output into structured data, not raw text.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 350-401 question in full detail.
Identify which 350-401 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Python for Network Automation — This question tests Python for Network Automation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: A list of dictionaries, each with keys such as 'interface', 'ip', 'mac', and 'age'. — NAPALM's get_arp_table() returns a list of dictionaries, each containing keys like 'interface', 'ip', 'mac', and 'age'. This is standard across all NAPALM drivers.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Identify which 350-401 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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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