350-401 Automation Practice Question
Which TWO statements are true about Cisco DNA Center automation? (Choose two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between declarative and imperative models, and the trap here is that candidates mistakenly associate DNA Center's automation with imperative scripting (like Python or Ansible playbooks) rather than recognizing its intent-based, declarative nature.
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
✓
DNA Center uses a declarative model for network configuration.
Option C is correct because Cisco DNA Center is built around intent-based networking, where administrators define the desired end state (intent) declaratively and DNA Center translates that intent into device-level configurations, rather than requiring per-device imperative command sequences. Option D is correct because DNA Center offers a centralized, single-pane-of-glass dashboard that unifies assurance, monitoring, automation, and policy management across the fabric, giving one management view for the network. Options A, B, and E are not correct: DNA Center does not primarily rely on SNMP for management (it uses APIs such as REST, NETCONF, and SSH/CLI for automation and telemetry), it supports both greenfield and brownfield deployments rather than only greenfield, and it does not use an imperative model as its core configuration approach.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
DNA Center primarily uses SNMP to manage devices.
Why it's wrong here
DNA Center manages devices through NETCONF, RESTCONF and SSH CLI, not SNMP, which it uses mainly for monitoring and discovery rather than configuration. It is tempting because SNMP is a familiar management protocol, but it cannot deliver the model-driven configuration DNA Center relies on.
- ✗
DNA Center only supports greenfield deployments.
Why it's wrong here
DNA Center supports brownfield environments, discovering and managing existing devices alongside new ones, so a greenfield-only restriction is false. It is tempting because greenfield provisioning showcases DNA Center's plug-and-play and automation strengths, yet those workflows also apply to existing estates.
- ✓
DNA Center uses a declarative model for network configuration.
Why this is correct
DNA Center's intent-based declarative model lets engineers define the desired end state, and the controller computes and applies device configuration to reach it. This contrasts with imperative per-device CLI configuration, and is a defining characteristic of DNA Center automation.
- ✓
DNA Center provides a single dashboard for network management.
Why this is correct
DNA Center consolidates assurance, design, policy, and provisioning into one management interface, giving visibility across the entire campus fabric rather than per-device views. This single-pane-of-glass dashboard is a core automation and management characteristic of the platform.
- ✗
DNA Center uses an imperative model for network configuration.
Why it's wrong here
DNA Center applies an intent-based, declarative model: administrators state the desired outcome and the controller derives device configuration. It is tempting because imperative CLI-style commands feel familiar, but DNA Center abstracts those away, so describing it as imperative misstates its operating model.
Go deeper
Related to this question
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SDN Controllers and Cisco ACI
Key term
Cisco DNA Center Automation
Cisco DNA Center Automation is a centralized software platform that simplifies network management by automatically configuring, monitoring, and troubleshooting Cisco devices using policy-driven intent and software tools.
Key term
Cisco DNA Center
A centralized network management and automation platform from Cisco that provides intent-based networking for easier configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting of Cisco devices.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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