Free Automating the Cisco Enterprise Cloud Practice Exam
✅ 1. What is the primary function of Cisco UCS Director in enterprise cloud automation?
A. Provides SD-WAN configuration
B. Automates compute, storage, and network provisioning
C. Monitors IoT devices across networks
D. Manages voice and video traffic
Answer: B
Explanation: Cisco UCS Director automates the provisioning and management of infrastructure resources such as compute, storage, and networking across private and hybrid cloud environments.
✅ 2. Which protocol is primarily used for Cisco ACI REST API communications?
A. SNMP
B. Telnet
C. HTTPS
D. SSH
Answer: C
Explanation: Cisco ACI APIs are REST-based and use HTTPS for secure communication between clients and the controller.
✅ 3. What does a northbound API typically allow in a Cisco cloud architecture?
A. Hypervisor-level virtualization
B. Controller-to-device communications
C. Application-to-controller interactions
D. VLAN configuration automation
Answer: C
Explanation: Northbound APIs facilitate communication between the application layer and the controller, allowing applications to make requests or extract data.
✅ 4. Which Cisco product integrates automation, orchestration, and monitoring in multicloud environments?
A. Cisco DNA Center
B. Cisco Intersight
C. Cisco WebEx
D. Cisco Firepower
Answer: B
Explanation: Cisco Intersight is a cloud operations platform that delivers intelligent automation, monitoring, and orchestration for multicloud data centers.
✅ 5. Which data format is primarily used in REST API responses for Cisco CloudCenter?
A. CSV
B. XML
C. YAML
D. JSON
Answer: D
Explanation: REST APIs commonly use JSON as the preferred data exchange format due to its simplicity and compatibility.
✅ 6. Which tool allows for end-to-end infrastructure orchestration in Cisco’s multicloud strategy?
A. Cisco Prime
B. Cisco CloudCenter
C. Cisco WebEx Teams
D. Cisco Umbrella
Answer: B
Explanation: Cisco CloudCenter Suite offers a comprehensive approach to deploy and manage applications across multiple cloud environments with automation and orchestration.
✅ 7. What is the primary purpose of a southbound API?
A. Direct user authentication
B. Send data from the cloud to the user
C. Connects controllers to underlying devices
D. Translates northbound API calls
Answer: C
Explanation: Southbound APIs enable communication from controllers to physical or virtual devices (switches, routers, etc.) in the network infrastructure.
✅ 8. What feature of Cisco ACI enables rapid deployment of application policies?
A. Device profiles
B. Application Network Profiles (ANPs)
C. Route reflectors
D. NetFlow monitoring
Answer: B
Explanation: ANPs in Cisco ACI allow administrators to define how applications interact with each other, simplifying policy deployment and automation.
✅ 9. Which component in Cisco Intersight provides automation for server provisioning?
A. Workload Optimizer
B. Terraform Provider
C. Cloud Orchestrator
D. Intersight Cloud Orchestrator
Answer: D
Explanation: Intersight Cloud Orchestrator allows for server provisioning, task automation, and multicloud orchestration workflows.
✅ 10. What is the main benefit of using Cisco DevNet Sandbox?
A. Simulates DDoS attacks
B. Provides secure data backup
C. Offers testing environments for automation APIs
D. Tracks cloud expenses
Answer: C
Explanation: Cisco DevNet Sandbox gives developers and engineers access to cloud-based labs for testing Cisco APIs and automation tools.
✅ 11. Which automation language is commonly used with Cisco UCS Director custom tasks?
A. C++
B. Java
C. Python
D. JavaScript
Answer: D
Explanation: JavaScript is used within Cisco UCS Director for scripting custom tasks and workflow logic.
✅ 12. Which technology in Cisco ACI handles endpoint learning and policy enforcement?
A. APIC controller
B. Spine switch
C. Border leaf
D. SD-WAN edge
Answer: A
Explanation: The APIC controller manages endpoint information and enforces policy across the fabric.
✅ 13. Which CLI command on a Cisco UCS server shows the current firmware version?
A. show version
B. show platform
C. connect nxos; show version
D. show firmware-version
Answer: A
Explanation: The show version command displays the firmware and software version details of a UCS component.
✅ 14. What is a key benefit of using APIs in Cisco Enterprise Cloud automation?
A. Hardware performance boosting
B. Vendor lock-in enforcement
C. Repeatable and scalable automation
D. Enhanced manual configuration
Answer: C
Explanation: APIs support repeatable, scalable, and consistent automation workflows, reducing human error.
✅ 15. What Cisco product is designed to manage, optimize, and orchestrate SD-WAN services in cloud environments?
A. Cisco Meraki
B. Cisco SD-WAN vManage
C. Cisco ISR
D. Cisco HyperFlex
Answer: B
Explanation: Cisco vManage is the centralized dashboard used to orchestrate and manage SD-WAN deployments, including multicloud configurations.
✅ 16. What language is used for defining infrastructure in Cisco Terraform automation workflows?
A. Python
B. Java
C. HCL (HashiCorp Configuration Language)
D. YAML
Answer: C
Explanation: Terraform uses HCL to define infrastructure as code, which enables automated deployment and orchestration of cloud environments.
✅ 17. Which Cisco tool integrates with Terraform and Ansible to support hybrid cloud automation?
A. Cisco Packet Tracer
B. Cisco Intersight
C. Cisco DNA Spaces
D. Cisco Umbrella
Answer: B
Explanation: Cisco Intersight integrates with tools like Terraform and Ansible, enabling hybrid cloud infrastructure automation and management.
✅ 18. What is the primary function of Cisco HyperFlex in enterprise cloud environments?
A. Data visualization
B. Endpoint security
C. Hyperconverged infrastructure with cloud extension
D. WAN acceleration
Answer: C
Explanation: Cisco HyperFlex combines compute, storage, and networking into a unified, scalable platform with cloud-ready capabilities.
✅ 19. What is an orchestration tool used for automating application deployment in Cisco’s multicloud strategy?
A. Cisco AppDynamics
B. Kubernetes
C. NetFlow
D. Cisco vBond
Answer: B
Explanation: Kubernetes is commonly used to orchestrate application containers across multicloud environments, including Cisco platforms.
✅ 20. What is the role of the Cisco APIC-EM (Application Policy Infrastructure Controller Enterprise Module)?
A. Monitors CPU temperature
B. Manages IPv6 tunneling
C. Automates and manages enterprise networks through a GUI or API
D. Provides secure email gateway services
Answer: C
Explanation: Cisco APIC-EM simplifies enterprise network automation and management using a GUI and APIs, ideal for software-defined networking.
✅ 21. What feature of Cisco DNA Center supports intent-based networking automation?
A. Static route configuration
B. Software container hardening
C. Network assurance and policy enforcement
D. VPN tunneling
Answer: C
Explanation: Cisco DNA Center supports intent-based networking by enabling dynamic policy enforcement and real-time network assurance.
✅ 22. Which of the following is true about REST APIs in Cisco cloud environments?
A. They operate over SNMP
B. They require a GUI interface
C. They use stateless communication
D. They rely on SOAP protocol
Answer: C
Explanation: REST APIs are stateless, meaning each request is independent and contains all the information needed to process it.
✅ 23. What Cisco platform is used for multicloud cost optimization and governance?
A. Cisco ThousandEyes
B. Cisco CloudCenter Suite
C. Cisco ACI
D. Cisco DNA Spaces
Answer: B
Explanation: Cisco CloudCenter Suite provides cloud cost optimization, compliance, and governance across multiple providers.
✅ 24. What is the use of a service profile in Cisco UCS Manager?
A. Assigns firewall policies
B. Defines QoS parameters
C. Provides VM snapshots
D. Automates server identity and configuration
Answer: D
Explanation: A service profile contains definitions for server identity and configuration, allowing automated provisioning and management in UCS.
✅ 25. Which component of Cisco SD-WAN architecture is responsible for policy distribution and orchestration?
A. vEdge
B. vSmart
C. vManage
D. vBond
Answer: B
Explanation: vSmart controllers distribute security and routing policies throughout the SD-WAN fabric.
✅ 26. What Cisco solution allows for seamless hybrid cloud Kubernetes management?
A. Cisco Stealthwatch
B. Cisco CloudCenter
C. Cisco Intersight Kubernetes Service (IKS)
D. Cisco Jabber
Answer: C
Explanation: Cisco Intersight Kubernetes Service (IKS) provides centralized management and automation of Kubernetes clusters in hybrid environments.
✅ 27. In Cisco Intersight, which feature helps visually design automation workflows?
A. Topology Map
B. Workflow Designer
C. API Inspector
D. Fabric Path
Answer: B
Explanation: The Workflow Designer in Cisco Intersight allows users to visually create, manage, and deploy automation workflows.
✅ 28. Which Cisco platform enables full-stack visibility from application to infrastructure?
A. Cisco Intersight
B. Cisco ACI
C. Cisco AppDynamics
D. Cisco SD-Access
Answer: C
Explanation: Cisco AppDynamics provides end-to-end visibility into application performance and infrastructure dependencies.
✅ 29. Which tool is commonly used with Cisco Intersight to define infrastructure as code (IaC)?
A. Jenkins
B. Ansible
C. Puppet
D. Terraform
Answer: D
Explanation: Terraform integrates with Cisco Intersight to define and deploy infrastructure as code, supporting cloud automation workflows.
✅ 30. What is the benefit of integrating Cisco ACI with public cloud providers like AWS or Azure?
A. Forces on-prem-only deployment
B. Improves manual VLAN provisioning
C. Enables consistent policy enforcement across hybrid environments
D. Supports IPv4-only communication
Answer: C
Explanation: Cisco ACI integration with public clouds ensures consistent security and network policies across hybrid environments.
✅ 31. Which protocol does Cisco UCS Manager use to communicate with the hardware components?
A. SMTP
B. SNMP
C. IPMI
D. HTTPS
Answer: C
Explanation: Cisco UCS Manager communicates with hardware using the Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI), allowing out-of-band management and monitoring.
✅ 32. What is the role of the Cisco Cloud APIC in cloud automation?
A. Packet sniffing
B. Managing DNS records
C. Extending Cisco ACI policy model to public cloud
D. Compiling YAML to JSON
Answer: C
Explanation: Cisco Cloud APIC allows users to apply the ACI policy model across public clouds like AWS and Azure, ensuring consistent network automation and policy enforcement.
✅ 33. What is the benefit of using Cisco vManage APIs?
A. Managing firewall rules manually
B. Secure SSH tunneling
C. Automating SD-WAN configuration and monitoring
D. Encrypting local databases
Answer: C
Explanation: Cisco vManage APIs allow users to automate SD-WAN configuration, operations, and performance monitoring using RESTful APIs.
✅ 34. Which tool is commonly used to simulate and test Cisco APIs?
A. Wireshark
B. Postman
C. Splunk
D. Terraform
Answer: B
Explanation: Postman is widely used to interact with, test, and automate Cisco APIs during development and integration.
✅ 35. What is the primary function of a Cisco vBond Orchestrator in an SD-WAN deployment?
A. Acts as a DHCP server
B. Encrypts network packets
C. Authenticates and coordinates control plane device connections
D. Hosts virtual machines
Answer: C
Explanation: The vBond orchestrator is responsible for initial authentication and control plane orchestration in Cisco SD-WAN networks.
✅ 36. Which open-source automation tool is best for pushing configurations to Cisco switches via SSH?
A. Kubernetes
B. Docker
C. Ansible
D. Jenkins
Answer: C
Explanation: Ansible is an agentless automation tool that uses SSH to push configurations to Cisco devices, making it ideal for network automation.
✅ 37. What is the role of Ansible Playbooks in Cisco automation?
A. Compile Java code
B. Store XML schemas
C. Define task sequences for automation
D. Build RESTful APIs
Answer: C
Explanation: Ansible Playbooks are YAML files that define sequences of tasks for automating Cisco network configurations and workflows.
✅ 38. What does Cisco Tetration primarily provide in a hybrid cloud environment?
A. Wireless controller management
B. Real-time malware sandboxing
C. Workload protection and application visibility
D. DNS failover
Answer: C
Explanation: Cisco Tetration delivers visibility and security analytics for workloads across hybrid and multicloud environments.
✅ 39. Which data format is commonly used in Cisco Intersight APIs for data payloads?
A. HTML
B. XML
C. CSV
D. JSON
Answer: D
Explanation: JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is the standard data format used in RESTful Cisco Intersight API payloads.
✅ 40. Which of the following defines a repeatable and automated infrastructure deployment using Intersight Service for Terraform?
A. CLI scripts
B. Blueprints
C. VM snapshots
D. Network templates
Answer: B
Explanation: Blueprints in Cisco Intersight Terraform Service define repeatable infrastructure deployments as code.
✅ 41. What does Cisco AppDynamics do in the context of enterprise cloud automation?
A. Provisions network switches
B. Provides CI/CD pipelines
C. Monitors application performance with AI-based insights
D. Generates public IPs for VMs
Answer: C
Explanation: Cisco AppDynamics enables real-time, AI-powered performance monitoring for enterprise applications in cloud and hybrid environments.
✅ 42. What is a key benefit of using Cisco UCS Director in enterprise cloud automation?
A. Managing firewall rules
B. Automating infrastructure provisioning across multiple platforms
C. Building mobile apps
D. Hosting containers
Answer: B
Explanation: Cisco UCS Director automates provisioning, orchestration, and management across physical and virtual data centers.
✅ 43. What tool can be used with Cisco ACI to achieve infrastructure as code capabilities?
A. Excel
B. Puppet
C. Terraform
D. Java
Answer: C
Explanation: Terraform allows for infrastructure as code with Cisco ACI by using provider modules to automate fabric provisioning and policies.
✅ 44. Which feature of Cisco ACI provides microsegmentation in data center environments?
A. MAC filtering
B. Endpoint Groups (EPGs)
C. VLAN tagging
D. MPLS
Answer: B
Explanation: Endpoint Groups (EPGs) are used in Cisco ACI to logically segment traffic and enforce policies at a granular level (microsegmentation).
✅ 45. What is the main benefit of Cisco Nexus Dashboard Orchestrator (NDO)?
A. Builds VoIP infrastructure
B. Automates VM cloning
C. Orchestrates multiple ACI fabrics across sites
D. Manages user passwords
Answer: C
Explanation: NDO allows for unified orchestration and policy management across multiple ACI fabrics and locations, supporting multi-site ACI deployments.
✅ 46. What Cisco service allows centralized automation of compute, storage, and networking?
A. Cisco Catalyst Center
B. Cisco UCS Manager
C. Cisco DNA Spaces
D. Cisco SecureX
Answer: B
Explanation: Cisco UCS Manager offers centralized automation and management of Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) resources.
✅ 47. Which Cisco API Explorer helps developers learn and test Intersight APIs?
A. API Magic
B. Swagger UI
C. Intersight API Reference
D. WebEx API Portal
Answer: C
Explanation: Cisco Intersight provides a built-in API Explorer under the “API Reference” section to explore and test REST APIs.
✅ 48. What Cisco cloud automation platform uses a SaaS model for managing hybrid infrastructure?
A. Cisco Catalyst Center
B. Cisco Prime Infrastructure
C. Cisco Intersight
D. Cisco AnyConnect
Answer: C
Explanation: Cisco Intersight is a cloud-based SaaS platform for managing and automating hybrid infrastructure environments.
✅ 49. What does the term “intent-based networking” mean in Cisco automation platforms?
A. Manual configuration by CLI
B. Static provisioning of VLANs
C. Network automatically aligns to business policies
D. Enabling Telnet access by default
Answer: C
Explanation: Intent-based networking allows the network to dynamically configure and optimize itself according to high-level business intents and policies.
✅ 50. Which Cisco solution allows policy-driven automation of virtual and physical workloads in a data center?
A. Cisco SecureX
B. Cisco Umbrella
C. Cisco ACI
D. Cisco Meraki
Answer: C
Explanation: Cisco ACI provides centralized, policy-driven automation for both physical and virtual workloads in data center environments.
✅ 51. What does Cisco DevNet provide to developers and network engineers?
A. A social media management tool
B. A forum for end-user complaints
C. APIs, sandboxes, and documentation for network programmability
D. End-of-life notifications for Cisco hardware
Answer: C
Explanation: Cisco DevNet offers resources like API documentation, developer sandboxes, and learning labs to support network automation and programmability.
✅ 52. Which tool is used to define infrastructure as code for Cisco SD-WAN?
A. Docker
B. Jenkins
C. Terraform
D. Wireshark
Answer: C
Explanation: Terraform allows network engineers to define SD-WAN components (e.g., templates, policies) as code for consistent, automated deployments.
✅ 53. What data model format does Cisco YANG use to define device configurations?
A. XML
B. JSON
C. Binary
D. YAML
Answer: A
Explanation: YANG data models are encoded in XML or JSON but are defined using a YANG syntax structure, which allows for model-driven programmability of Cisco devices.
✅ 54. Which Cisco platform is used to manage and automate security operations?
A. Cisco AnyConnect
B. Cisco SecureX
C. Cisco Intersight
D. Cisco Webex
Answer: B
Explanation: Cisco SecureX is a cloud-native platform that integrates and automates Cisco and third-party security tools for unified security operations.
✅ 55. What is a key use case of Cisco UCS Python SDK?
A. Automating spreadsheet creation
B. Controlling Cisco Webex meeting settings
C. Automating server provisioning and configuration
D. Encrypting JSON files
Answer: C
Explanation: Cisco UCS Python SDK is used to programmatically manage UCS components, enabling automation of server and infrastructure provisioning.
✅ 56. What is the primary benefit of Cisco’s model-driven telemetry?
A. Faster DNS resolution
B. Real-time streaming of network data
C. Manual data entry for logs
D. More efficient email routing
Answer: B
Explanation: Model-driven telemetry allows for real-time streaming of operational data from network devices using standardized models, improving analytics and visibility.
✅ 57. What does NETCONF stand for in Cisco network automation?
A. Network Configuration Protocol
B. Network Control Function
C. New Edge Controller Framework
D. Network Endpoint Configuration File
Answer: A
Explanation: NETCONF (Network Configuration Protocol) is a network management protocol used to install, manipulate, and delete device configurations remotely.
✅ 58. Which Cisco tool provides GUI-based network automation for data center fabrics?
A. Cisco Prime
B. Cisco ACI
C. Cisco Meraki
D. Cisco Webex
Answer: B
Explanation: Cisco ACI provides a centralized, policy-based GUI and RESTful API interface for automating network configurations in data centers.
✅ 59. What RESTful method is typically used to retrieve information from a Cisco API endpoint?
A. POST
B. PUT
C. GET
D. DELETE
Answer: C
Explanation: The HTTP GET method is used to retrieve information from an API endpoint, which is standard for RESTful services, including Cisco APIs.
✅ 60. What does Cisco vSmart Controller do in an SD-WAN environment?
A. Hosts web portals
B. Stores DNS entries
C. Establishes and maintains control plane connections
D. Assigns static IP addresses
Answer: C
Explanation: The vSmart Controller manages the control plane and distributes route and policy information to SD-WAN devices.
✅ 61. What Cisco cloud tool enables lifecycle management for UCS hardware and HyperFlex?
A. Cisco Umbrella
B. Cisco AnyConnect
C. Cisco Intersight
D. Cisco ACI
Answer: C
Explanation: Cisco Intersight provides cloud-based lifecycle management and support automation for UCS and HyperFlex infrastructure.
✅ 62. What tool in the Cisco ecosystem can schedule automation workflows and integrations?
A. Cisco UCS Director
B. Cisco Catalyst Center
C. Cisco Umbrella
D. Cisco Webex Teams
Answer: A
Explanation: Cisco UCS Director can automate tasks and orchestrate workflows across storage, compute, and network devices in the data center.
✅ 63. What technology enables Ansible to interact with Cisco devices programmatically?
A. Docker containers
B. REST APIs
C. Ansible modules (e.g., ios_config, nxos_facts)
D. YAML triggers
Answer: C
Explanation: Ansible uses specialized modules (e.g., ios_config, nxos_facts) to interact with Cisco devices and apply configurations automatically.
✅ 64. What is a Tenant in Cisco ACI?
A. A network user profile
B. A logical container for policies and network segmentation
C. A switch hardware interface
D. A DNS management zone
Answer: B
Explanation: A tenant in Cisco ACI is a logical container used to isolate and manage policies, networks, and application profiles in a multitenant fabric.
✅ 65. What is the main protocol used by Cisco DNA Center APIs?
A. FTP
B. RPC
C. REST
D. SMB
Answer: C
Explanation: Cisco DNA Center APIs are RESTful, using HTTPS and JSON to interact with the network management platform.
✅ 66. Which service allows zero-touch provisioning in Cisco SD-WAN?
A. Cisco vManage
B. Cisco Intersight
C. Cisco AppDynamics
D. Cisco vBond
Answer: D
Explanation: vBond orchestrator is responsible for zero-touch provisioning by authenticating and coordinating the initial SD-WAN device setup.
✅ 67. Which cloud environment is NOT natively supported by Cisco Cloud APIC?
A. Microsoft Azure
B. AWS
C. Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
D. Cisco UCS Private Cloud
Answer: D
Explanation: Cisco Cloud APIC is built to extend ACI into public clouds like Azure, AWS, and GCP, but not Cisco UCS private environments.
✅ 68. What is the default data encoding format for Cisco ACI REST API responses?
A. CSV
B. YAML
C. JSON
D. TXT
Answer: C
Explanation: Cisco ACI REST APIs return data in JSON format by default, making it easy to parse in automation tools.
✅ 69. What Cisco software defines cloud network topologies and policies using a GUI?
A. Cisco SecureX
B. Cisco Cloud APIC
C. Cisco vSmart
D. Cisco IOS XR
Answer: B
Explanation: Cisco Cloud APIC provides a graphical interface for defining policies and topology in cloud environments like AWS or Azure using Cisco ACI principles.
✅ 70. What function does Cisco Nexus Dashboard Insights provide in multicloud environments?
A. Cloud billing
B. Endpoint DNS lookup
C. Visibility, assurance, and predictive analytics
D. Email integration
Answer: C
Explanation: Cisco Nexus Dashboard Insights offers visibility, assurance, and analytics across Cisco ACI, enabling faster troubleshooting and policy enforcement.
