View Full Cisco CCNP Data Center 300-635 Exam Dumps and Practice Test Dumps

 

Question 1.

Which Cisco data center platform provides a REST API that can be used to automate configuration and operational tasks for an ACI fabric?

1. Cisco APIC
   2. Cisco ISE
   3. Cisco DNA Center only
   4. Cisco Unified Communications Manager

Correct Answer: 1

Explanation:

Cisco Application Policy Infrastructure Controller, or APIC, provides the centralized policy and management functions for Cisco ACI and exposes APIs that automation tools can use to configure and monitor the fabric. Developers can interact with APIC using REST-based requests and structured data such as JSON or XML. Automation scripts can create tenants, application profiles, endpoint groups, bridge domains, contracts, and many other managed objects. Cisco ISE focuses primarily on identity and access control, while Cisco Unified Communications Manager manages collaboration services. Understanding the APIC object model and API is fundamental when automating Cisco ACI because most fabric configuration is represented through managed objects accessible through the controller.

Question 2.

Which HTTP method is most commonly used when retrieving information from a REST API without modifying the resource?

1. POST
   2. GET
   3. DELETE
   4. PATCH only

Correct Answer: 2

Explanation:

The HTTP GET method is normally used to retrieve information from a REST API without changing the underlying resource. For example, an automation script might send a GET request to retrieve ACI tenant information, UCS inventory, or Nexus operational state. POST is typically used to create resources or submit data, while DELETE removes resources. PATCH is generally used to modify part of an existing resource when supported. Although specific API behavior can vary between platforms, GET is the standard read-oriented operation in RESTful interfaces. Automation engineers should also understand HTTP response codes, authentication, headers, and payload formats because successful API interaction depends on more than choosing the correct HTTP method.

Question 3.

A Python script receives a JSON response from a Cisco data center API. Which Python data structure most closely represents a JSON object after parsing?

1. Tuple only
   2. Set
   3. Dictionary
   4. Integer

Correct Answer: 3

Explanation:

A JSON object is normally parsed into a Python dictionary. JSON objects contain key-value pairs, which map naturally to Python dictionary entries. JSON arrays are typically represented as Python lists. For example, a response containing { “name”: “TenantA”, “status”: “active” } can be accessed in Python using dictionary keys such as data[“name”]. Understanding how JSON maps to Python data structures is important when building automation because Cisco APIs frequently return nested objects and arrays. Scripts often need to traverse those structures, extract specific fields, evaluate conditions, and send modified data back to a controller or device.

Question 4.

Which HTTP response code normally indicates that a REST API request completed successfully and returned the requested content?

1. 401
   2. 404
   3. 500
   4. 200

Correct Answer: 4

Explanation:

HTTP status code 200 indicates that the request was successful and that the server returned the expected response content. A 401 response usually indicates that authentication is required or has failed. A 404 response means the requested resource was not found, while a 500 response indicates an internal server error. Automation scripts should evaluate HTTP status codes before attempting to process the body of a response because an API may return structured error information instead of the expected data. Robust scripts should also handle authentication failures, unavailable resources, rate limits, and unexpected server errors gracefully instead of assuming every request succeeds.

Question 5.

Which Python module is commonly used to send HTTP requests to REST APIs?

1. requests
   2. math
   3. random
   4. datetime only

Correct Answer: 1

Explanation:

The Python requests library is widely used for interacting with REST APIs because it simplifies HTTP methods such as GET, POST, PUT, PATCH, and DELETE. It also supports headers, authentication, cookies, SSL options, query parameters, and JSON payload handling. For example, a script can issue a GET request and then process the response using response.json(). Modules such as math, random, and datetime serve different purposes. When automating Cisco data center environments, requests is frequently used to communicate with APIs provided by APIC, Cisco Nexus platforms, Cisco UCS Manager, or other controllers.

Question 6.

Which data format is commonly used by Cisco REST APIs because it is lightweight and easy for applications to parse?

1. BMP
   2. JSON
   3. WAV
   4. MPEG

Correct Answer: 2

Explanation:

JSON, or JavaScript Object Notation, is a lightweight text-based data format commonly used by REST APIs. It represents data using objects, arrays, strings, numbers, Boolean values, and null values. JSON is popular because it is relatively easy for humans to read and easy for programming languages such as Python to parse. Cisco platforms commonly use JSON for API requests and responses, although some APIs may also support XML. Image, audio, and video formats such as BMP, WAV, and MPEG are unrelated to normal API payload representation. Automation engineers should be comfortable reading nested JSON because data center APIs often return complex hierarchical structures.

Question 7.

What is the primary purpose of authentication tokens when interacting with a Cisco controller API?

1. To prove the identity and authorization of the API client
   2. To increase interface bandwidth
   3. To compress JSON payloads
   4. To perform DNS resolution

Correct Answer: 1

Explanation:

Authentication tokens are used to identify an API client and verify that it has permission to perform requested operations. A user or application may first provide credentials and then receive a token that is included with subsequent API requests. This avoids sending raw credentials repeatedly and can support session management and role-based authorization. Tokens do not increase network bandwidth, compress JSON, or perform name resolution. Automation scripts should protect tokens carefully because possession of a valid token may allow access to sensitive configuration or operational data. Secure handling includes avoiding hardcoded secrets, limiting privileges, and using secure storage or environment variables when appropriate.

Question 8.

A script attempts to access a REST API and receives HTTP status code 401. What is the most likely cause?

1. The resource was deleted successfully
   2. The API returned a server-side exception
   3. The resource was not found
   4. Authentication failed or is required

Correct Answer: 4

Explanation:

HTTP status code 401 generally indicates that authentication is required or that the supplied authentication information was invalid. The script may have an expired token, incorrect credentials, an improperly formatted Authorization header, or no authentication information at all. A 404 code normally means the resource was not found, while a 500-series response usually indicates a server-side problem. Successful deletion is more commonly associated with a 200 or 204 response depending on the API. Automation engineers should implement error handling that recognizes authentication failures and, where appropriate, requests a new token rather than repeatedly sending invalid requests.

Question 9.

In Cisco ACI, what is a managed object?

1. An object representing a configurable or operational element in the APIC object model
   2. A physical server that cannot be automated
   3. A Python virtual environment
   4. A JSON parser

Correct Answer: 1

Explanation:

Cisco ACI represents configuration and operational state through a hierarchical managed-object model. A managed object corresponds to an element such as a tenant, application profile, endpoint group, bridge domain, contract, interface configuration, or many other fabric components. Each object belongs to a class and contains attributes and relationships. API automation works by creating, querying, modifying, or deleting these managed objects through APIC. Understanding distinguished names, relative names, classes, and parent-child relationships helps developers navigate the object tree effectively. A managed object is not a physical server, Python environment, or parser; it is part of the logical representation used by APIC.

Question 10.

Which Cisco ACI concept uniquely identifies the location of a managed object within the management information tree?

1. MAC address only
   2. Distinguished Name
   3. VLAN ID only
   4. TCP sequence number

Correct Answer: 2

Explanation:

A Distinguished Name, or DN, identifies the position of a managed object within the Cisco ACI management information tree. Because the ACI object model is hierarchical, the DN reflects the object’s relationship to parent objects. Automation scripts frequently use DNs when querying, modifying, or deleting specific managed objects through APIC APIs. A MAC address or VLAN ID may identify specific networking information, but neither represents the full location of an arbitrary APIC managed object. Understanding DNs is important because many API responses include them, and they provide a reliable method for referencing objects throughout the fabric’s hierarchical configuration model.

Question 11.

Which Cisco UCS interface can be used programmatically to automate server and infrastructure configuration through structured API calls?

1. XML API
   2. VGA console only
   3. SNMP trap receiver only
   4. Local keyboard interface

Correct Answer: 1

Explanation:

Cisco UCS Manager provides an XML-based API that allows automation systems to query and configure UCS infrastructure programmatically. The API exposes the UCS managed-object model and can be used to automate tasks such as server profiles, policies, inventory queries, and infrastructure configuration. Tools and SDKs can abstract some of the underlying XML details, but understanding that UCS Manager provides an XML API remains important. VGA consoles and local keyboards are interactive management methods rather than programmable interfaces, while SNMP traps primarily provide event notifications and are not the main configuration interface for UCS automation.

Question 12.

What is a key advantage of using an SDK instead of manually constructing every API request?

1. It removes the need for authentication
   2. It guarantees every operation will succeed
   3. It provides higher-level functions and abstractions for interacting with the API
   4. It replaces the network connection

Correct Answer: 3

Explanation:

An SDK provides libraries, classes, methods, and abstractions that simplify API interaction. Instead of manually constructing URLs, headers, XML, or JSON for every request, developers can use higher-level objects and functions provided by the SDK. This can reduce coding effort, improve readability, and make scripts easier to maintain. An SDK does not remove authentication requirements, guarantee success, or replace connectivity. Errors such as invalid permissions, unavailable resources, or network failures can still occur. Cisco platforms often provide SDKs that map closely to their managed-object models, allowing developers to interact with infrastructure using familiar programming constructs.

Question 13.

Which Python construct is most appropriate when a script needs to execute a block of code repeatedly for every item in a list of switches?

1. for loop
   2. import statement only
   3. exception object
   4. class comment

Correct Answer: 1

Explanation:

A for loop is appropriate when an automation script needs to repeat an action for every item in an iterable such as a list of switches, interfaces, tenants, or servers. For example, a script can loop through device addresses and retrieve operational information from each one. Loops are fundamental in automation because they reduce repetitive code and make workflows scalable. An import statement loads modules, while exception handling manages errors. Comments provide documentation and do not execute repeatedly. Developers should combine loops with careful error handling so a failure on one device does not necessarily stop processing of all remaining devices.

Question 14.

Which Python statement is used to handle an exception that occurs inside a try block?

1. return
   2. except
   3. import
   4. continue only

Correct Answer: 2

Explanation:

The except statement is used with a try block to catch and handle exceptions. In data center automation, errors can occur because of timeouts, authentication failures, missing data, invalid JSON, unreachable devices, or API errors. Exception handling allows a script to respond gracefully instead of terminating unexpectedly. Developers can catch specific exception types and log useful diagnostic information. The return statement exits a function, import loads a module, and continue skips to the next iteration of a loop. Good automation code should anticipate failures because infrastructure interactions are inherently dependent on external systems and network conditions.

Question 15.

Which HTTP method is generally used to remove a resource through a RESTful API?

1. DELETE
   2. GET
   3. TRACE only
   4. HEAD only

Correct Answer: 1

Explanation:

DELETE is the standard HTTP method associated with removing a resource from a RESTful API. For example, an API might accept a DELETE request to remove a configuration object or an existing resource. The exact behavior depends on the platform, and some controller APIs use POST with a deletion status inside the payload instead, so developers should always consult the API documentation. GET retrieves resources, while HEAD typically retrieves response headers without the full body. Automation scripts should verify the target carefully before issuing destructive requests and should validate the response status afterward.

Question 16.

Which concept allows an automation system to subscribe to events or receive notifications rather than continuously polling an API?

1. Static routing
   2. ARP caching
   3. VLAN pruning
   4. Webhooks or event subscriptions

Correct Answer: 4

Explanation:

Webhooks and event subscriptions allow systems to receive notifications when specific events occur rather than repeatedly polling an API for changes. This can improve efficiency and reduce unnecessary API traffic. For example, an automation platform might receive a notification when an interface changes state or when a configuration event occurs and then trigger a workflow. The exact event mechanisms vary by Cisco platform. Static routing, ARP caching, and VLAN pruning are networking concepts and do not provide application-level event notification. Event-driven automation is useful because it can react more quickly than periodic polling and can support real-time operational workflows.

Question 17.

What is the main purpose of a source-control system such as Git in an infrastructure automation workflow?

1. Track changes to code and support collaboration and version history
   2. Replace REST APIs
   3. Assign IP addresses dynamically
   4. Encrypt all network traffic automatically

Correct Answer: 1

Explanation:

Git tracks changes to source code, automation scripts, templates, and configuration files over time. It allows developers to review differences, maintain version history, create branches, merge changes, and collaborate more safely. In infrastructure automation, version control is especially important because scripts can make large-scale configuration changes. Being able to understand exactly what changed and revert code when necessary reduces operational risk. Git does not replace APIs, provide DHCP services, or automatically encrypt network traffic. It is a development and change-management tool that supports repeatable, auditable automation practices.

Question 18.

Which practice best protects usernames, passwords, API keys, or tokens used by automation scripts?

1. Hardcode all secrets directly into the script
   2. Store secrets in a protected secret-management system or secure environment mechanism
   3. Publish credentials in the Git repository
   4. Include passwords in code comments

Correct Answer: 2

Explanation:

Sensitive credentials should be stored separately from source code, ideally in a secure secrets-management system, protected environment variables, or another approved credential store. Hardcoding credentials makes them easy to expose through source-control history, code sharing, backups, or debugging output. Once a secret is committed to a repository, removing it from the current file may not remove it from repository history. Automation identities should also receive only the permissions needed for their task. Credential rotation, access logging, and secure token handling further reduce risk. Secrets management is a core part of secure infrastructure automation.

Question 19.

Which automation principle means that running the same configuration operation repeatedly should result in the same desired state rather than creating duplicate resources each time?

1. Idempotency
   2. Encapsulation only
   3. Fragmentation
   4. Serialization only

Correct Answer: 1

Explanation:

Idempotency means that repeatedly applying an operation produces the same resulting state after the first successful application. This is highly desirable in infrastructure automation because workflows may be rerun after partial failures or as part of periodic compliance processes. For example, an idempotent task that ensures an ACI tenant exists should create it only if necessary and leave it unchanged if it is already correctly configured. Without idempotency, repeated execution might create duplicates or cause unintended changes. Automation frameworks frequently aim for declarative, idempotent behavior because it improves predictability and operational safety.

Question 20.

A Python automation script successfully sends a request to a Cisco API but receives unexpected data in the response. What should the developer do before using the returned values to make configuration changes?

1. Assume every field is correct because the request succeeded
   2. Ignore the API documentation
   3. Validate the response structure, expected fields, and status before acting on the data
   4. Immediately perform destructive changes using the returned values

Correct Answer: 3

Explanation:

A successful HTTP transaction does not guarantee that the response contains exactly what the automation expects. APIs may return empty result sets, changed structures, warning information, unexpected object states, or values that require further validation. Robust automation should verify the HTTP status, parse the response safely, check required fields, and confirm that the data satisfies expected conditions before making configuration changes. This is particularly important for destructive or large-scale operations. Defensive programming reduces the chance that malformed or incomplete API data will cause unintended changes across a data center environment.