Cisco 300-435 Exam Dumps & Practice Test Questions

Question 1:

When working with RPC-style APIs in software development, which two statements best describe key characteristics of how these APIs operate? 

A. RPC APIs are exclusively applicable to devices like routers and switches.
B. RPCs function solely using the UDP transport protocol.
C. Input parameters can be provided with RPC calls to customize the operation.
D. All RPC communication mandates the use of SSL/TLS encryption.
E. RPC APIs are structured to remotely execute a specific function, mimicking a local method call.

Correct Answers: C, E

Explanation:

Remote Procedure Call (RPC) APIs are designed to enable a program to request the execution of a specific function on a remote server, effectively simulating a local method call. This architectural approach is common in distributed systems where services need to interact with each other over a network.

Why Option C is correct:
RPC APIs allow the transmission of input parameters as part of the call. This is a fundamental aspect of how they function—similar to how you might pass arguments into a local method. These parameters are serialized (using formats like JSON, XML, or binary) and sent to the server, where they are deserialized and used in the execution of the remote method. For example, a client might call a remote method like getUserProfile(userId) and pass the userId parameter to retrieve specific data.

Why Option E is correct:
RPC is procedural in nature, meaning it revolves around invoking a specific remote function or operation. Each API endpoint typically maps to one concrete action, like calculateTax, sendEmail, or startJob. Unlike REST, which is resource-based, RPC emphasizes operations and closely mirrors traditional function calls in programming.

Why the other options are incorrect:

• Option A is incorrect because RPC APIs are not limited to network infrastructure devices. They’re widely used in applications, microservices, cloud platforms, and more.

• Option B is wrong because RPC does not rely solely on UDP. While UDP is supported in some implementations, many RPC frameworks (like gRPC) use TCP or HTTP/2.

• Option D is also incorrect. While SSL/TLS is recommended for secure transmission, it is not a requirement for all RPC frameworks. Some may operate without encryption on private networks.

In summary, RPC APIs are best characterized by their ability to pass parameters and perform discrete, function-oriented operations remotely—making C and E the correct answers.

Question 2:

In Python development, which two features best describe the benefits of using virtual environments? (Choose two correct options.)

A. They streamline Git-based project versioning in CI/CD pipelines.
B. They enable converting code between Python and JavaScript.
C. They emulate entire operating systems for development testing.
D. They allow quick setup of tailored environments for debugging and testing.
E. They let developers create isolated setups with specific dependencies for each project.

Correct Answers: D, E

Explanation:

Python virtual environments are a core tool for managing dependencies and ensuring consistency across projects. They isolate each project’s packages and Python interpreter, preventing conflicts and simplifying development workflows.

Why Option D is correct:
One of the biggest advantages of virtual environments is the ability to create isolated, tailored setups for different codebases. This is especially useful during debugging or testing, where different applications may require different versions of the same library. For instance, one project may use Flask 1.x while another depends on Flask 2.x—virtual environments let you work on both without interference.

Why Option E is correct:
This is the main reason developers use virtual environments. By isolating dependencies, virtual environments ensure that only the required libraries are installed, reducing potential bugs and improving reproducibility. This is particularly important in teams or production deployments, where consistency across environments is critical. Tools like venv, virtualenv, and pipenv help manage these environments easily.

Why the other options are incorrect:

• Option A is incorrect because virtual environments don’t directly handle Git integration or CI/CD logic. While they can be used within a pipeline, they’re not designed specifically for Git-based versioning.

• Option B is false. Virtual environments are specific to the Python ecosystem and don’t support cross-language code translation.

• Option C is incorrect because virtual environments don’t emulate operating systems. Tools like Docker or virtual machines provide OS-level simulation—virtual environments focus only on the Python interpreter and libraries.

To summarize, Python virtual environments are indispensable for maintaining project isolation and enabling custom development setups. They help ensure that your project runs the same way regardless of where or by whom it's executed, making D and E the correct choices.

Question 3:

When working with Cisco IOS XE software in network automation, which two advantages best describe the use of Ansible as an automation tool? 

A. Ansible playbooks are embedded in IOS XE devices and run automatically at reboot.
B. Cisco IOS XE comes preloaded with built-in Ansible playbooks for routine tasks.
C. Ansible offers a platform-independent automation framework compatible with IOS XE and other devices.
D. Network operators can write and run Ansible playbooks directly from the IOS XE CLI.
E. Ansible operates without requiring any additional software installation on IOS XE devices beyond SSH access.

Correct Answers: C, E

Explanation:

Ansible is a widely adopted, agentless automation framework that excels at managing IT infrastructure, including network devices running Cisco IOS XE. Its integration with IOS XE devices helps network teams automate repetitive configuration and management tasks efficiently, reducing errors and increasing operational speed.

One key advantage (Option C) is Ansible’s platform independence. Unlike some tools that rely on device-specific agents or software, Ansible communicates via standard protocols such as SSH or APIs (NETCONF, RESTCONF) to interact with a wide range of devices. This makes it highly versatile, supporting Cisco IOS XE as well as equipment from other vendors like Juniper or Arista. Network engineers benefit by writing a single playbook that works across diverse environments, simplifying automation efforts and fostering consistency.

Another crucial benefit (Option E) is Ansible’s agentless architecture. Cisco IOS XE devices do not require any extra software or agents to be installed—only native SSH access is necessary. This eliminates the complexity and security concerns that come with managing software on hundreds or thousands of devices. Since all the execution logic runs on the Ansible control node (usually a Linux server), the IOS XE device’s performance is unaffected, and configuration changes can be tested centrally before deployment.

The other options are incorrect because Ansible playbooks do not reside or execute directly on the IOS XE devices (ruling out A and D). Additionally, IOS XE does not ship with embedded playbooks; users create and manage their own automation scripts (eliminating B).

In summary, Ansible’s device-agnostic framework and agentless operation streamline Cisco IOS XE network automation by simplifying management, improving scalability, and enhancing security.

Question 4:

In modern networking, Software-Defined Networking (SDN) represents a fundamental shift from traditional network designs. 

Which two statements best describe key characteristics of SDN compared to conventional network architectures? (Select two.)

A. The control and data planes are tightly integrated within each network device.
B. SDN relies on a scalable software stack to provide centralized network control.
C. Network management requires manual configuration of each device individually.
D. SDN uses a centralized software controller to automate network behavior based on high-level policies.
E. SDN depends heavily on additional physical hardware to operate effectively.

Correct Answers: B, D

Explanation:

Software-Defined Networking (SDN) revolutionizes network management by separating the control plane—which makes routing and forwarding decisions—from the data plane, which handles packet forwarding. This architectural change contrasts with traditional networks, where control and data planes are embedded together in each device, making networks complex and harder to manage.

A fundamental trait of SDN (Option B) is its reliance on a robust and scalable software stack that centralizes control in an SDN controller. This controller manages policies, routing, and network resources centrally, enabling administrators to have a holistic view and dynamic control of the entire network. The software stack often includes APIs and orchestration tools, which simplify integration with business applications and enhance scalability.

Another essential feature of SDN (Option D) is the use of intent-based networking. Network operators can express desired outcomes or policies—such as prioritizing video traffic or ensuring secure access—and the SDN controller translates these high-level intents into specific instructions that configure the underlying devices automatically. This automation reduces manual errors, accelerates deployment, and optimizes network resources.

Options A and C describe characteristics of traditional networks. Traditional architectures require manual, device-by-device configuration, and tightly couple control and forwarding logic within each device, limiting flexibility and increasing complexity. Option E is incorrect because SDN often reduces the need for specialized hardware; intelligence is shifted to software, allowing the use of commodity switches and routers.

In conclusion, SDN’s separation of control and data planes, combined with centralized software-based management and automation, enables more agile, programmable, and scalable networks, making it a key enabler of modern digital infrastructures.

Question 5:

Within API-based communication—commonly used in web and software development—there are two fundamental approaches for handling client-server data exchanges: synchronous and asynchronous calls. 

Which two statements accurately describe characteristics of synchronous API calls? (Select two.)

A. Synchronous API calls are limited to specific programming languages and cannot be implemented universally.
B. Synchronous API calls reduce application portability, making asynchronous techniques more desirable.
C. Synchronous API calls can introduce noticeable delays in your application when waiting for data.
D. Synchronous API calls halt program execution until a server response arrives.
E. Synchronous API calls allow the program to continue executing code while waiting for a response.

Correct Answers: C, D

Explanation:

APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) enable software components to communicate by sending requests and receiving responses. When a developer chooses a synchronous API call, they are opting for a blocking approach: the calling thread stops and waits for the server to send back data before moving on to any subsequent steps. This contrasts with asynchronous calls, where the request is dispatched and the program continues executing other instructions, handling the response only when it eventually arrives.

Two key traits define synchronous API calls:

1. Blocking Behavior (Correct – D):
   The hallmark of synchronous calls is that they “block” or freeze the execution path until a reply is received. For example, if a web application issues a synchronous request to fetch user profile details from a server, the code following that request line will not run until the server has returned the data—or until a timeout occurs. This simplicity in flow control makes synchronous calls easy to code and read: one line calls the API, the next line uses the returned data. However, blocking is a double-edged sword. While it's straightforward in single-threaded scripts or command-line tools, in user-facing environments—like web browsers or mobile apps—blocking can cause interfaces to become unresponsive. If the server takes several seconds to reply, users see a frozen screen rather than a smoothly operating application.
   
   

2. Perceived Latency (Correct – C):
   Because the application is literally waiting for the response, any network slowness, server load, or large payload size translates directly into a visible delay. This “perceived latency” is what end users experience as a sluggish or hanging interface. Suppose a banking app makes a synchronous call to retrieve account balances. If the server is slow, the entire screen may sit idle until the numbers appear, damaging user experience and possibly leading users to believe the app has crashed. In contrast, an asynchronous method might display a loading spinner while fetching data, allowing users to navigate menus or perform other tasks in parallel.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

• Option A claims synchronous calls are bound to certain programming languages. In reality, virtually every modern language—Java, JavaScript, Python, C#, and so on—supports synchronous calls. The mechanism might differ in syntax or framework, but no major language forbids synchronous API usage.

• Option B says synchronous calls make an application less portable. “Portability” refers to how easily code runs across different environments or platforms; blocking behavior may affect responsiveness but does not inherently prevent the code from running elsewhere.

• Option E describes non-blocking behavior—this is the defining feature of asynchronous, not synchronous, calls.

In summary, synchronous API calls block program execution (Option D) and can cause perceptible delays when waiting for server data (Option C). Understanding these characteristics helps developers decide when a blocking approach is acceptable versus when they need to adopt asynchronous patterns to maintain a responsive user experience.

Question 6:

In the context of Cisco automation, what is the primary function of a RESTCONF API, and how does it differ from traditional CLI-based management?

A. RESTCONF provides a text-based interface for manual device configuration similar to CLI.
B. RESTCONF is a RESTful API that enables programmatic access to network device configuration and operational data using standardized data models.
C. RESTCONF only supports read-only access and cannot modify device configurations.
D. RESTCONF requires proprietary Cisco software to operate and is not based on open standards.

Correct answer: B

Explanation:

RESTCONF is a critical protocol in the Cisco 300-435 exam, focusing on automation and programmability. It is an HTTP-based protocol designed to provide a programmatic interface to network devices for both configuration and operational data.

RESTCONF stands for RESTful Configuration Protocol. It uses REST principles and HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) to interact with network devices. Unlike the traditional CLI, which requires manual input by a network engineer, RESTCONF allows automated tools and scripts to interact with devices efficiently. This means you can programmatically retrieve configuration details or push new configurations using standardized data models such as YANG.

The use of YANG models in RESTCONF means that data representation and structure are consistent, enabling automation tools to understand and manipulate device configurations reliably. This is a big improvement over parsing CLI output, which can be error-prone and inconsistent across device platforms or software versions.

Why other options are incorrect:

• Option A incorrectly states RESTCONF is a text-based interface similar to CLI. RESTCONF is a programmatic API, not a manual command-line interface.

• Option C is false because RESTCONF supports both reading (GET) and writing (POST/PUT/DELETE) configurations. It is not limited to read-only operations.

• Option D is incorrect since RESTCONF is an open standard (RFC 8040) and not limited to proprietary Cisco software. It’s widely supported across vendors implementing YANG-based models.

Understanding RESTCONF is fundamental for Cisco automation, as it enables integration with orchestration tools like Ansible, Python scripts, and network controllers, aligning with the exam’s focus on modern network programmability.

Question 7:

Which of the following best describes the role of Ansible in Cisco network automation, and what is its key advantage for network engineers?

A. Ansible is a GUI-based network simulator used primarily for testing Cisco configurations.
B. Ansible is a push-based automation tool that uses YAML playbooks to automate device configurations without requiring agents on managed devices.
C. Ansible requires Cisco devices to have proprietary software installed for automation to work.
D. Ansible is a programming language designed exclusively for Cisco device automation.

Correct answer: B

Explanation:

The Cisco 300-435 exam emphasizes automation tools such as Ansible, which is widely adopted in network automation due to its simplicity and power.

Ansible is an open-source automation platform that uses a push-based model to communicate with network devices over standard protocols like SSH or API calls. It uses human-readable YAML files called playbooks, which define the desired configuration tasks in a structured format. Ansible’s agentless architecture means that it does not require any additional software to be installed on the Cisco devices, simplifying deployment and reducing overhead.

For network engineers, this means Ansible can be used immediately to automate repetitive tasks such as interface configurations, VLAN setups, or software upgrades. Its simplicity reduces the learning curve compared to traditional scripting languages. Moreover, it integrates well with Cisco’s programmability features like NETCONF, RESTCONF, and CLI automation.

Why other options are incorrect:

• Option A incorrectly describes Ansible as a GUI-based simulator; it is primarily a command-line tool, although GUI frontends exist separately.

• Option C is false because Ansible’s agentless design means no proprietary agents are needed on the network devices. It leverages existing protocols.

• Option D incorrectly identifies Ansible as a programming language, but it is an automation tool that uses YAML for task descriptions rather than a full programming language.

In summary, Ansible’s ease of use, agentless architecture, and integration with network device APIs make it a key automation tool for Cisco engineers, which aligns closely with the exam’s focus on automating and programming Cisco Enterprise solutions.

Question 8:

In Cisco’s network automation framework covered by the 300-435 ENAUTO exam, which two protocols are primarily used by Cisco IOS XE devices to enable programmatic configuration and telemetry data collection? (Select two.)

A. SNMP
B. NETCONF
C. RESTCONF
D. Telnet
E. FTP

Correct Answers: B, C

Explanation:

The Cisco 300-435 ENAUTO exam focuses heavily on automation techniques and protocols used to programmatically manage Cisco enterprise network devices, particularly those running IOS XE. Two protocols central to this automation are NETCONF and RESTCONF.

NETCONF (Network Configuration Protocol) is a widely adopted protocol designed specifically for network management. It uses XML-based data encoding to communicate configuration changes and retrieve device state information. NETCONF operates over secure transport layers such as SSH, providing reliable and secure communication between the network automation system and the Cisco IOS XE devices. It supports transaction-based changes, allowing multiple configuration commands to be applied atomically, which helps avoid partial or inconsistent configurations—a common challenge in manual network management.

RESTCONF is a more modern, RESTful (Representational State Transfer) protocol that provides a simpler, web-friendly approach to accessing and modifying device configurations and operational data. RESTCONF leverages HTTP methods like GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE to interact with the device’s configuration and state data, which is encoded in JSON or XML format. RESTCONF was developed to complement NETCONF, offering a lightweight interface that integrates well with modern web APIs and network automation tools, making it easier for developers and network engineers to automate and manage devices programmatically.

On the other hand, SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), while historically important for monitoring, lacks the robust transactional and configuration capabilities of NETCONF and RESTCONF. It is mostly used for telemetry and monitoring rather than fine-grained configuration management. Telnet and FTP are legacy protocols: Telnet is insecure and rarely used in modern automation, while FTP is mainly a file transfer protocol and not used for device configuration.

Mastering NETCONF and RESTCONF is essential for passing the 300-435 exam because Cisco IOS XE devices rely on these protocols to enable automated, scalable, and programmable network operations. Understanding their roles helps network engineers implement effective automation solutions that enhance network reliability and efficiency.

Question 9:

What is the main benefit of using YANG models in network automation within Cisco environments?

A. YANG provides a graphical interface for network device configuration.
B. YANG standardizes the data model to represent configuration and operational state consistently across devices and vendors.
C. YANG only works with Cisco proprietary devices and cannot be used with multi-vendor environments.
D. YANG replaces all traditional network protocols such as SNMP and CLI.

Correct answer: B

Explanation:

Understanding YANG data modeling is crucial for the Cisco 300-435 exam because it underpins modern network automation approaches.

YANG (Yet Another Next Generation) is a data modeling language used to model configuration and state data manipulated by network management protocols like NETCONF and RESTCONF. It allows for the consistent and structured representation of network device data in a standardized way.

The primary benefit of YANG is standardization. By defining a common data model, YANG enables network automation tools to communicate with devices across different vendors using a uniform schema. This reduces complexity and improves interoperability in multi-vendor network environments, which is critical for enterprise networks that do not rely solely on Cisco hardware.

YANG models describe device capabilities, configurations, and operational data clearly, allowing automation scripts to read, validate, and write configurations safely and predictably.

Why other options are incorrect:

• Option A is incorrect because YANG is a data modeling language, not a graphical interface.

• Option C is false since YANG is vendor-neutral and supported by many vendors, making it suitable for multi-vendor automation.

• Option D is incorrect as YANG complements existing protocols but does not replace traditional protocols like SNMP or CLI, which are still widely used in various scenarios.

In summary, YANG provides a solid foundation for reliable and scalable network automation by defining clear, vendor-neutral data models, which aligns perfectly with the goals of Cisco’s ENAUTO exam.

Question 10:

When automating Cisco devices using NETCONF, which transport protocol is primarily used and why?

A. UDP, because it offers faster communication without connection overhead.
B. TCP, because it provides reliable, ordered, and error-checked delivery of data required for configuration tasks.
C. FTP, because it securely transfers configuration files to the devices.
D. HTTP, because it is widely supported and does not require encryption.

Correct answer: B

Explanation:

NETCONF (Network Configuration Protocol) is a key technology covered in the Cisco 300-435 exam related to network programmability and automation.

NETCONF is designed to manage device configurations and states using remote procedure calls over a secure and reliable transport protocol. It primarily uses TCP as the transport layer because TCP ensures the reliable, ordered, and error-free delivery of data. This reliability is critical since configuration changes must be applied accurately and consistently; loss or misordering of messages could cause device misconfiguration or network downtime.

TCP also supports session establishment and teardown, enabling secure and managed communication sessions between the automation client and the device. NETCONF commonly runs over SSH (Secure Shell), which adds a layer of encryption and authentication, further securing the configuration exchanges.

Why other options are incorrect:

• Option A is incorrect because UDP is connectionless and does not guarantee reliable delivery, making it unsuitable for critical configuration tasks.

• Option C is false since FTP is a file transfer protocol and not used as the transport for NETCONF messages.

• Option D is also incorrect; while HTTP is widely used in RESTCONF, NETCONF specifically uses SSH over TCP for secure transport.

In summary, the use of TCP (and typically SSH) ensures that NETCONF can safely and reliably manage device configurations, which is vital knowledge for the Cisco ENAUTO certification focusing on network automation and programmability.