Automation and Artificial Intelligence

Python scripting, APIs, data modeling, EEM applets, and orchestration tools.

5 minutes 5 Questions

Automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are critical components of modern network management covered in CCNP Enterprise (ENCOR). Automation involves using tools and scripts to perform repetitive network tasks automatically, reducing manual effort and human error. In ENCOR, automation is primari…

Concepts covered
Basic Python Components and ScriptsConstructing Valid JSON-Encoded FilesYANG Data Modeling LanguageAPIs for Cisco Catalyst Center and SD-WAN ManagerREST API Response Codes and PayloadsEEM Applets for AutomationAgent vs Agentless Orchestration Tools
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ENCOR 350-401 - Automation and Artificial Intelligence Example Questions

Test your knowledge of Automation and Artificial Intelligence

Question 1

Which of the following is a common example of an agent-based orchestration tool used in network automation?

Correct Answer: Puppet, which requires software installed on managed nodes

Puppet is a well-known agent-based configuration management and orchestration tool that requires a Puppet agent to be installed on each managed node, which communicates with a central Puppet master server using a pull-based model over SSL.

Ansible is agentless and uses SSH, making it the opposite of an agent-based tool. Terraform is an infrastructure-as-code provisioning tool, not a traditional agent-based orchestration tool for network configuration management. One option incorrectly describes Puppet as relying on SSH to push configurations, when Puppet actually uses a pull-based model where agents pull configurations from the Puppet master over SSL, not SSH.

The key concept tested is understanding the distinction between agent-based and agentless automation tools in network automation.

Question 2

In valid JSON, what character is used to separate a key from its value inside an object?

Correct Answer: A colon character placed between the key and value

In valid JSON, a colon (:) is the required separator between a key and its value within an object, following the format {"key": "value"}.

The equals sign is used in some programming languages for variable assignment and in query strings, but not in JSON syntax. The semicolon is a statement terminator in languages like C and Java, not a JSON delimiter. The hyphen-greater-than arrow (=>) is used in PHP associative arrays and some other languages but is not valid JSON syntax.

The key concept tested is understanding JSON data format syntax, which is essential for working with REST APIs and network automation in enterprise environments.

Question 3

A junior network engineer is asked to describe what YANG is used for in modern network management. They see a file ending in '.yang' on the network automation server. What best describes the role of a YANG module?

Correct Answer: It defines the structure and constraints of configuration and operational data for network devices

YANG (Yet Another Next Generation) is a data modeling language defined in RFC 6020 that specifies the structure, syntax, semantics, and constraints of configuration and operational state data used by network management protocols like NETCONF and RESTCONF.

The claim that YANG defines the transport protocol for delivering configuration commands is incorrect because transport protocols (such as SSH for NETCONF or HTTPS for RESTCONF) are defined separately from the data model. One option confuses YANG with encoding formats like XML or JSON, which handle serialization but are not defined by YANG itself. Another option describes AAA functions, which are handled by mechanisms like TACACS+ or RADIUS, not by YANG modules.

Key concept tested: the role of YANG as a data modeling language in programmable network management.

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