Topic 20 Practice Test 1 covers Automation, Controllers, and SDN Architecture for Cisco Certified Network Associate 200-301 CCNA and maps to objectives 6.1–6.3. For broader exam preparation, review the Cisco CCNA 200-301 Exam Dumps. Every option includes focused technical reasoning explaining both the networking concept and its fit to the scenario.
Question 1
A company managing eighty branch routers has a documented requirement to apply the same validated change consistently across many devices. Which option provides the required function? Choose ONE.
- Underlay network
- Network automation
- A network controller
- Control plane
Correct Answer: B
Correct Answer
Answer B is correct because The evidence at a company managing eighty branch routers points to Network automation. It applies repeatable programmatic workflows to provisioning, validation, and operations across many devices. That capability supports the requirement to apply the same validated change consistently across many devices.
Incorrect Answers
Answer C is incorrect because For a company managing eighty branch routers, A network controller solves the wrong problem. It maintains a broader abstracted view of managed devices and can translate application or policy intent into device-level actions. The scenario needs to apply the same validated change consistently across many devices, which points to Network automation.
Answer D is incorrect because This option uses Control plane for identifying the logical function that learns topology or policy and determines forwarding behavior before packets are switched. At a company managing eighty branch routers, the required function belongs to Network automation. The mechanism does not match.
Answer A is incorrect because Underlay network is intended for troubleshooting base routed connectivity between fabric nodes before investigating virtualized overlay policy. The scenario at a company managing eighty branch routers instead requires a mechanism to apply the same validated change consistently across many devices. That is the role of Network automation.
Question 2
An enterprise provisioning hundreds of access switches has a documented requirement to coordinate policy through a centralized abstracted network view. Which option best addresses this requirement? Choose ONE.
- A network controller
- Traditional distributed device control
- Data plane
- Overlay network
Correct Answer: A
Correct Answer
Answer A is correct because The evidence at an enterprise provisioning hundreds of access switches points to A network controller. It maintains a broader abstracted view of managed devices and can translate application or policy intent into device-level actions. That capability supports the requirement to coordinate policy through a centralized abstracted network view.
Incorrect Answers
Answer B is incorrect because For an enterprise provisioning hundreds of access switches, Traditional distributed device control solves the wrong problem. It places control decisions and configuration primarily on individual network devices managed directly. The scenario needs to coordinate policy through a centralized abstracted network view, which points to A network controller.
Answer C is incorrect because Using Data plane, the design forwards packets according to entries and policy already established by the control plane. For an enterprise provisioning hundreds of access switches, the missing function is to coordinate policy through a centralized abstracted network view; A network controller supplies it.
Answer D is incorrect because Using Overlay network, the design creates logical or virtual connectivity and policy on top of the underlying transport network. For an enterprise provisioning hundreds of access switches, the missing function is to coordinate policy through a centralized abstracted network view; A network controller supplies it.
Question 3
A campus team applying the same policy to many closets has a documented requirement to recognize box-by-box management and distributed device control. Which option provides the required function? Choose ONE.
- Traditional distributed device control
- Network fabric
- Underlay network
- Control plane
Correct Answer: A
Correct Answer
Answer A is correct because The evidence at a campus team applying the same policy to many closets points to Traditional distributed device control. It places control decisions and configuration primarily on individual network devices managed directly. That capability supports the requirement to recognize box-by-box management and distributed device control.
Incorrect Answers
Answer D is incorrect because For a campus team applying the same policy to many closets, Control plane solves the wrong problem. It builds forwarding knowledge and makes decisions about how traffic should be handled. The scenario needs to recognize box-by-box management and distributed device control, which points to Traditional distributed device control.
Answer C is incorrect because Using Underlay network, the design provides the physical/IP transport reachability on which a software-defined overlay depends. For a campus team applying the same policy to many closets, the missing function is to recognize box-by-box management and distributed device control; Traditional distributed device control supplies it.
Answer B is incorrect because Network fabric combines the underlay, overlay, and policy/control mechanisms into an integrated connectivity system. At a campus team applying the same policy to many closets, it does not provide the requirement to recognize box-by-box management and distributed device control. Traditional distributed device control does.
Question 4
A network team standardizing branch changes has a documented requirement to identify the function that computes or selects forwarding behavior. Which option best addresses this requirement? Choose ONE.
- Overlay network
- Northbound API
- Control plane
- Data plane
Correct Answer: C
Correct Answer
Answer C is correct because The evidence at a network team standardizing branch changes points to Control plane. It builds forwarding knowledge and makes decisions about how traffic should be handled. That capability supports the requirement to identify the function that computes or selects forwarding behavior.
Incorrect Answers
Answer D is incorrect because Data plane forwards packets according to entries and policy already established by the control plane. That can be valid elsewhere, but a network team standardizing branch changes needs to identify the function that computes or selects forwarding behavior. Control plane matches that objective.
Answer A is incorrect because Overlay network creates logical or virtual connectivity and policy on top of the underlying transport network. That can be valid elsewhere, but a network team standardizing branch changes needs to identify the function that computes or selects forwarding behavior. Control plane matches that objective.
Answer B is incorrect because For a network team standardizing branch changes, Northbound API solves the wrong problem. It exposes controller services and abstracted network capabilities to applications and higher-level automation systems. The scenario needs to identify the function that computes or selects forwarding behavior, which points to Control plane.
Question 5
An operations group validating configurations nightly has a documented requirement to identify the function that actually forwards packets. Which option provides the required function? Choose ONE.
- Southbound API or protocol
- Data plane
- Underlay network
- Network fabric
Correct Answer: B
Correct Answer
Answer B is correct because For an operations group validating configurations nightly, the requirement is to identify the function that actually forwards packets. Data plane provides that function. It matches the evidence. The control plane computes or selects the forwarding state rather than moving each packet.
Incorrect Answers
Answer C is incorrect because Underlay network provides the physical/IP transport reachability on which a software-defined overlay depends. That can be valid elsewhere, but an operations group validating configurations nightly needs to identify the function that actually forwards packets. Data plane matches that objective.
Answer D is incorrect because Network fabric is intended for describing the complete software-defined domain rather than only its physical transport or virtual tunnel layer. The scenario at an operations group validating configurations nightly instead requires a mechanism to identify the function that actually forwards packets. That is the role of Data plane.
Answer A is incorrect because This option uses Southbound API or protocol for programming or collecting information from infrastructure devices beneath the controller. At an operations group validating configurations nightly, the required function belongs to Data plane. The mechanism does not match.
Question 6
A data-center team coordinating fabric policy has a documented requirement to verify the routed transport foundation between fabric nodes. Which option best addresses this requirement? Choose ONE.
- Controller-based intent and policy translation
- Northbound API
- Overlay network
- Underlay network
Correct Answer: D
Correct Answer
Answer D is correct because For a data-center team coordinating fabric policy, the requirement is to verify the routed transport foundation between fabric nodes. Underlay network provides that function. It matches the evidence. The overlay creates logical connectivity on top of this transport foundation.
Incorrect Answers
Answer C is incorrect because This option uses Overlay network for separating endpoint or tenant connectivity from the physical topology while using the underlay for reachability. At a data-center team coordinating fabric policy, the required function belongs to Underlay network. The mechanism does not match.
Answer B is incorrect because Northbound API exposes controller services and abstracted network capabilities to applications and higher-level automation systems. At a data-center team coordinating fabric policy, it does not provide the requirement to verify the routed transport foundation between fabric nodes. Underlay network does.
Answer A is incorrect because For a data-center team coordinating fabric policy, Controller-based intent and policy translation solves the wrong problem. It accepts a desired outcome at a higher level and converts it into coordinated device behavior. The scenario needs to verify the routed transport foundation between fabric nodes, which points to Underlay network.
Question 7
A campus controller deployment has a documented requirement to provide logical endpoint connectivity independent of the physical path. Which option provides the required function? Choose ONE.
- Network fabric
- Southbound API or protocol
- Centralized telemetry and state collection
- Overlay network
Correct Answer: D
Correct Answer
Answer D is correct because Overlay network is appropriate for a campus controller deployment. Its typical use is separating endpoint or tenant connectivity from the physical topology while using the underlay for reachability. It creates logical or virtual connectivity and policy on top of the underlying transport network. Both clues point to this option.
Incorrect Answers
Answer A is incorrect because Using Network fabric, the design combines the underlay, overlay, and policy/control mechanisms into an integrated connectivity system. For a campus controller deployment, the missing function is to provide logical endpoint connectivity independent of the physical path; Overlay network supplies it.
Answer B is incorrect because For a campus controller deployment, Southbound API or protocol solves the wrong problem. It carries controller instructions and device state between the controller and managed switches or routers. The scenario needs to provide logical endpoint connectivity independent of the physical path, which points to Overlay network.
Answer C is incorrect because Centralized telemetry and state collection aggregates device health, topology, and operational data so automation can reason over a network-wide view. At a campus controller deployment, it does not provide the requirement to provide logical endpoint connectivity independent of the physical path. Overlay network does.
Question 8
An orchestration application requesting connectivity has a documented requirement to describe the complete integrated software-defined connectivity domain. Which option best addresses this requirement? Choose ONE.
- Controller-based intent and policy translation
- Network automation
- Network fabric
- Northbound API
Correct Answer: C
Correct Answer
Answer C is correct because Network fabric fits an orchestration application requesting connectivity: it combines the underlay, overlay, and policy/control mechanisms into an integrated connectivity system. That behavior matches the requirement to describe the complete integrated software-defined connectivity domain. Other choices perform different roles.
Incorrect Answers
Answer D is incorrect because Northbound API is intended for allowing an orchestration application to request network intent from a controller. The scenario at an orchestration application requesting connectivity instead requires a mechanism to describe the complete integrated software-defined connectivity domain. That is the role of Network fabric.
Answer A is incorrect because Controller-based intent and policy translation accepts a desired outcome at a higher level and converts it into coordinated device behavior. At an orchestration application requesting connectivity, it does not provide the requirement to describe the complete integrated software-defined connectivity domain. Network fabric does.
Answer B is incorrect because Network automation applies repeatable programmatic workflows to provisioning, validation, and operations across many devices. That can be valid elsewhere, but an orchestration application requesting connectivity needs to describe the complete integrated software-defined connectivity domain. Network fabric matches that objective.
Question 9
An SDN integration where applications request services and the controller programs devices has two independent requirements. First, it must connect an application or orchestrator to controller services. Second, it must connect the controller to managed network devices. Which TWO choices satisfy those requirements? Choose TWO.
- Northbound API
- Control plane
- A network controller
- Centralized telemetry and state collection
- Southbound API or protocol
Correct Answers: A, E
Correct Answers
Answer A is correct because In an SDN integration where applications request services and the controller programs devices, Northbound API is the closest technical fit. It exposes controller services and abstracted network capabilities to applications and higher-level automation systems. The observed requirement depends on that specific behavior.
Answer E is correct because Southbound API or protocol fits an SDN integration where applications request services and the controller programs devices: it carries controller instructions and device state between the controller and managed switches or routers. That behavior matches the requirement to connect the controller to managed network devices. Other choices perform different roles.
Incorrect Answers
Answer D is incorrect because Centralized telemetry and state collection aggregates device health, topology, and operational data so automation can reason over a network-wide view. The pair required at an SDN integration where applications request services and the controller programs devices is Northbound API plus Southbound API or protocol. This option serves another role.
Answer C is incorrect because A network controller is used for coordinating policy and operations centrally instead of treating every switch or router as an isolated management target. In an SDN integration where applications request services and the controller programs devices, the required functions come from Northbound API and Southbound API or protocol. It is not one of them.
Answer B is incorrect because Using Control plane, the design builds forwarding knowledge and makes decisions about how traffic should be handled. An SDN integration where applications request services and the controller programs devices instead needs both Northbound API and Southbound API or protocol. This addresses a different mechanism.
Question 10
An engineer troubleshooting a software-defined fabric has a documented requirement to connect the controller to managed network devices. Which option best addresses this requirement? Choose ONE.
- Southbound API or protocol
- Controller-based intent and policy translation
- Network automation
- Traditional distributed device control
Correct Answer: A
Correct Answer
Answer A is correct because Choose Southbound API or protocol for an engineer troubleshooting a software-defined fabric. The scenario needs to connect the controller to managed network devices, and Southbound API or protocol supplies that function. Northbound APIs connect applications and automation systems to the controller instead. That distinction is decisive.
Incorrect Answers
Answer B is incorrect because Controller-based intent and policy translation is intended for expressing a campus access policy once so the controller can implement consistent changes across the managed domain. The scenario at an engineer troubleshooting a software-defined fabric instead requires a mechanism to connect the controller to managed network devices. That is the role of Southbound API or protocol.
Answer C is incorrect because This option uses Network automation for reducing manual CLI repetition, configuration drift, and human variation when the same change must reach a large fleet. At an engineer troubleshooting a software-defined fabric, the required function belongs to Southbound API or protocol. The mechanism does not match.
Answer D is incorrect because Traditional distributed device control places control decisions and configuration primarily on individual network devices managed directly. That can be valid elsewhere, but an engineer troubleshooting a software-defined fabric needs to connect the controller to managed network devices. Southbound API or protocol matches that objective.
Question 11
An application team consuming network services has a documented requirement to express a desired outcome once and translate it to coordinated device behavior. Which option provides the required function? Choose ONE.
- Centralized telemetry and state collection
- A network controller
- Control plane
- Controller-based intent and policy translation
Correct Answer: D
Correct Answer
Answer D is correct because In an application team consuming network services, Controller-based intent and policy translation is the closest technical fit. It accepts a desired outcome at a higher level and converts it into coordinated device behavior. The observed requirement depends on that specific behavior.
Incorrect Answers
Answer A is incorrect because Using Centralized telemetry and state collection, the design aggregates device health, topology, and operational data so automation can reason over a network-wide view. For an application team consuming network services, the missing function is to express a desired outcome once and translate it to coordinated device behavior; Controller-based intent and policy translation supplies it.
Answer B is incorrect because This option uses A network controller for coordinating policy and operations centrally instead of treating every switch or router as an isolated management target. At an application team consuming network services, the required function belongs to Controller-based intent and policy translation. The mechanism does not match.
Answer C is incorrect because Control plane builds forwarding knowledge and makes decisions about how traffic should be handled. That can be valid elsewhere, but an application team consuming network services needs to express a desired outcome once and translate it to coordinated device behavior. Controller-based intent and policy translation matches that objective.
Question 12
A controller collecting state from devices has a documented requirement to aggregate operational state so automation can reason across the fleet. Which option best addresses this requirement? Choose ONE.
- Network automation
- Centralized telemetry and state collection
- Data plane
- Traditional distributed device control
Correct Answer: B
Correct Answer
Answer B is correct because Centralized telemetry and state collection fits a controller collecting state from devices: it aggregates device health, topology, and operational data so automation can reason over a network-wide view. That behavior matches the requirement to aggregate operational state so automation can reason across the fleet. Other choices perform different roles.
Incorrect Answers
Answer A is incorrect because For a controller collecting state from devices, Network automation solves the wrong problem. It applies repeatable programmatic workflows to provisioning, validation, and operations across many devices. The scenario needs to aggregate operational state so automation can reason across the fleet, which points to Centralized telemetry and state collection.
Answer D is incorrect because This option uses Traditional distributed device control for recognizing the conventional model where engineers configure routers and switches separately and protocols distribute state among them. At a controller collecting state from devices, the required function belongs to Centralized telemetry and state collection. The mechanism does not match.
Answer C is incorrect because Data plane is intended for identifying the function that performs high-speed packet handling after forwarding state has been programmed. The scenario at a controller collecting state from devices instead requires a mechanism to aggregate operational state so automation can reason across the fleet. That is the role of Centralized telemetry and state collection.
Question 13
During troubleshooting of a network architect separating logical from physical topology, the missing capability is one that applies repeatable programmatic workflows to provisioning, validation, and operations across many devices. Which choice is the best operational match? Choose ONE.
- Underlay network
- Network automation
- A network controller
- Control plane
Correct Answer: B
Correct Answer
Answer B is correct because The evidence at a network architect separating logical from physical topology points to Network automation. It applies repeatable programmatic workflows to provisioning, validation, and operations across many devices. That capability supports the requirement to apply the same validated change consistently across many devices.
Incorrect Answers
Answer C is incorrect because For a network architect separating logical from physical topology, A network controller solves the wrong problem. It maintains a broader abstracted view of managed devices and can translate application or policy intent into device-level actions. The scenario needs to apply the same validated change consistently across many devices, which points to Network automation.
Answer D is incorrect because This option uses Control plane for identifying the logical function that learns topology or policy and determines forwarding behavior before packets are switched. At a network architect separating logical from physical topology, the required function belongs to Network automation. The mechanism does not match.
Answer A is incorrect because Underlay network is intended for troubleshooting base routed connectivity between fabric nodes before investigating virtualized overlay policy. The scenario at a network architect separating logical from physical topology instead requires a mechanism to apply the same validated change consistently across many devices. That is the role of Network automation.
Question 14
During troubleshooting of a platform team modeling desired network intent, the missing capability is one that maintains a broader abstracted view of managed devices and can translate application or policy intent into device-level actions. Which choice matches the evidence most directly? Choose ONE.
- A network controller
- Traditional distributed device control
- Data plane
- Overlay network
Correct Answer: A
Correct Answer
Answer A is correct because The evidence at a platform team modeling desired network intent points to A network controller. It maintains a broader abstracted view of managed devices and can translate application or policy intent into device-level actions. That capability supports the requirement to coordinate policy through a centralized abstracted network view.
Incorrect Answers
Answer B is incorrect because For a platform team modeling desired network intent, Traditional distributed device control solves the wrong problem. It places control decisions and configuration primarily on individual network devices managed directly. The scenario needs to coordinate policy through a centralized abstracted network view, which points to A network controller.
Answer C is incorrect because Using Data plane, the design forwards packets according to entries and policy already established by the control plane. For a platform team modeling desired network intent, the missing function is to coordinate policy through a centralized abstracted network view; A network controller supplies it.
Answer D is incorrect because Using Overlay network, the design creates logical or virtual connectivity and policy on top of the underlying transport network. For a platform team modeling desired network intent, the missing function is to coordinate policy through a centralized abstracted network view; A network controller supplies it.
Question 15
During troubleshooting of a campus fabric rollout, the missing capability is one that builds forwarding knowledge and makes decisions about how traffic should be handled. Which choice is the best operational match? Choose ONE.
- Control plane
- Northbound API
- Overlay network
- Data plane
Correct Answer: A
Correct Answer
Answer A is correct because Control plane fits a campus fabric rollout: it builds forwarding knowledge and makes decisions about how traffic should be handled. That behavior matches the requirement to identify the function that computes or selects forwarding behavior. Other choices perform different roles.
Incorrect Answers
Answer D is incorrect because Data plane forwards packets according to entries and policy already established by the control plane. At a campus fabric rollout, it does not provide the requirement to identify the function that computes or selects forwarding behavior. Control plane does.
Answer C is incorrect because Overlay network creates logical or virtual connectivity and policy on top of the underlying transport network. At a campus fabric rollout, it does not provide the requirement to identify the function that computes or selects forwarding behavior. Control plane does.
Answer B is incorrect because Using Northbound API, the design exposes controller services and abstracted network capabilities to applications and higher-level automation systems. For a campus fabric rollout, the missing function is to identify the function that computes or selects forwarding behavior; Control plane supplies it.
Question 16
During troubleshooting of a branch automation project, the missing capability is one that forwards packets according to entries and policy already established by the control plane. Which choice matches the evidence most directly? Choose ONE.
- Network fabric
- Southbound API or protocol
- Data plane
- Underlay network
Correct Answer: C
Correct Answer
Answer C is correct because Choose Data plane for a branch automation project. The scenario needs to identify the function that actually forwards packets, and Data plane supplies that function. The control plane computes or selects the forwarding state rather than moving each packet. That distinction is decisive.
Incorrect Answers
Answer D is incorrect because Underlay network provides the physical/IP transport reachability on which a software-defined overlay depends. At a branch automation project, it does not provide the requirement to identify the function that actually forwards packets. Data plane does.
Answer A is incorrect because This option uses Network fabric for describing the complete software-defined domain rather than only its physical transport or virtual tunnel layer. At a branch automation project, the required function belongs to Data plane. The mechanism does not match.
Answer B is incorrect because Southbound API or protocol is intended for programming or collecting information from infrastructure devices beneath the controller. The scenario at a branch automation project instead requires a mechanism to identify the function that actually forwards packets. That is the role of Data plane.
Question 17
During troubleshooting of a controller-based wireless and switching environment, the missing capability is one that provides the physical/IP transport reachability on which a software-defined overlay depends. Which choice is the best operational match? Choose ONE.
- Controller-based intent and policy translation
- Underlay network
- Overlay network
- Northbound API
Correct Answer: B
Correct Answer
Answer B is correct because Choose Underlay network for a controller-based wireless and switching environment. The scenario needs to verify the routed transport foundation between fabric nodes, and Underlay network supplies that function. The overlay creates logical connectivity on top of this transport foundation. That distinction is decisive.
Incorrect Answers
Answer C is incorrect because Overlay network is intended for separating endpoint or tenant connectivity from the physical topology while using the underlay for reachability. The scenario at a controller-based wireless and switching environment instead requires a mechanism to verify the routed transport foundation between fabric nodes. That is the role of Underlay network.
Answer D is incorrect because Northbound API exposes controller services and abstracted network capabilities to applications and higher-level automation systems. That can be valid elsewhere, but a controller-based wireless and switching environment needs to verify the routed transport foundation between fabric nodes. Underlay network matches that objective.
Answer A is incorrect because Using Controller-based intent and policy translation, the design accepts a desired outcome at a higher level and converts it into coordinated device behavior. For a controller-based wireless and switching environment, the missing function is to verify the routed transport foundation between fabric nodes; Underlay network supplies it.
Question 18
A fabric design that separates routed transport from logical endpoint connectivity has two independent requirements. First, it must verify the routed transport foundation between fabric nodes. Second, it must provide logical endpoint connectivity independent of the physical path. Which TWO choices satisfy those requirements? Choose TWO.
- Network automation
- Controller-based intent and policy translation
- Northbound API
- Overlay network
- Underlay network
Correct Answers: D, E
Correct Answers
Answer E is correct because For a fabric design that separates routed transport from logical endpoint connectivity, the requirement is to verify the routed transport foundation between fabric nodes. Underlay network provides that function. It matches the evidence. The overlay creates logical connectivity on top of this transport foundation.
Answer D is correct because Choose Overlay network for a fabric design that separates routed transport from logical endpoint connectivity. The scenario needs to provide logical endpoint connectivity independent of the physical path, and Overlay network supplies that function. The underlay is the transport substrate and does not itself represent the higher-level virtual topology. That distinction is decisive.
Incorrect Answers
Answer C is incorrect because Northbound API is used for allowing an orchestration application to request network intent from a controller. In a fabric design that separates routed transport from logical endpoint connectivity, the required functions come from Underlay network and Overlay network. It is not one of them.
Answer B is incorrect because Using Controller-based intent and policy translation, the design accepts a desired outcome at a higher level and converts it into coordinated device behavior. A fabric design that separates routed transport from logical endpoint connectivity instead needs both Underlay network and Overlay network. This addresses a different mechanism.
Answer A is incorrect because Network automation does not satisfy the paired requirement at a fabric design that separates routed transport from logical endpoint connectivity. It applies repeatable programmatic workflows to provisioning, validation, and operations across many devices. The needed choices are Underlay network and Overlay network.
Question 19
During troubleshooting of a software-defined access design, the missing capability is one that exposes controller services and abstracted network capabilities to applications and higher-level automation systems. Which choice is the best operational match? Choose ONE.
- Southbound API or protocol
- Centralized telemetry and state collection
- A network controller
- Northbound API
Correct Answer: D
Correct Answer
Answer D is correct because In a software-defined access design, Northbound API is the closest technical fit. It exposes controller services and abstracted network capabilities to applications and higher-level automation systems. The observed requirement depends on that specific behavior.
Incorrect Answers
Answer A is incorrect because Southbound API or protocol carries controller instructions and device state between the controller and managed switches or routers. At a software-defined access design, it does not provide the requirement to connect an application or orchestrator to controller services. Northbound API does.
Answer B is incorrect because Centralized telemetry and state collection is intended for detecting patterns or validating a change across many devices without logging into each device independently. The scenario at a software-defined access design instead requires a mechanism to connect an application or orchestrator to controller services. That is the role of Northbound API.
Answer C is incorrect because A network controller maintains a broader abstracted view of managed devices and can translate application or policy intent into device-level actions. That can be valid elsewhere, but a software-defined access design needs to connect an application or orchestrator to controller services. Northbound API matches that objective.
Question 20
During troubleshooting of an automation pipeline checking fleet compliance, the missing capability is one that carries controller instructions and device state between the controller and managed switches or routers. Which choice matches the evidence most directly? Choose ONE.
- Network automation
- Traditional distributed device control
- Southbound API or protocol
- Controller-based intent and policy translation
Correct Answer: C
Correct Answer
Answer C is correct because Choose Southbound API or protocol for an automation pipeline checking fleet compliance. The scenario needs to connect the controller to managed network devices, and Southbound API or protocol supplies that function. Northbound APIs connect applications and automation systems to the controller instead. That distinction is decisive.
Incorrect Answers
Answer D is incorrect because Controller-based intent and policy translation is intended for expressing a campus access policy once so the controller can implement consistent changes across the managed domain. The scenario at an automation pipeline checking fleet compliance instead requires a mechanism to connect the controller to managed network devices. That is the role of Southbound API or protocol.
Answer A is incorrect because This option uses Network automation for reducing manual CLI repetition, configuration drift, and human variation when the same change must reach a large fleet. At an automation pipeline checking fleet compliance, the required function belongs to Southbound API or protocol. The mechanism does not match.
Answer B is incorrect because Traditional distributed device control places control decisions and configuration primarily on individual network devices managed directly. That can be valid elsewhere, but an automation pipeline checking fleet compliance needs to connect the controller to managed network devices. Southbound API or protocol matches that objective.
