Cisco CCNA 200-301 Network Automation Fundamentals Practice Test

Topic 40 focuses on Network Automation Fundamentals for the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification and the 200-301 exam, using Cisco networking and Cisco IOS concepts where relevant. For broader exam preparation, review the Cisco CCNA 200-301 Exam Dumps page. Each question includes a concise explanation of the correct answer and the technical reason the other choices are incorrect.

Question 1

Which term describes using software to perform network tasks with reduced repetitive manual intervention?

1. Orchestration
2. Idempotency
3. Telemetry
4. Automation

Correct Answer: D

 

Correct Answer

Answer D is correct because the selected answer describes using software to perform network tasks with reduced repetitive manual intervention.

Incorrect Answers

Answer A is incorrect because the “Orchestration” option describes a different concept: Coordinating multiple automated tasks, systems, or workflows into an end-to-end process.

Answer B is incorrect because the “Idempotency” option describes a different concept: the property that repeatedly applying the same desired configuration produces the same final state without unintended repeated changes.

Answer C is incorrect because the “Telemetry” option describes a different concept: Machine-generated operational data exported from network systems for monitoring and analysis.

 

Question 2

Which term describes coordinating multiple automated tasks, systems, or workflows into an end-to-end process?

1. Idempotency
2. Orchestration
3. Scalability
4. Automation

Correct Answer: B

 

Correct Answer

Answer B is correct because the selected answer describes coordinating multiple automated tasks, systems, or workflows into an end-to-end process.

Incorrect Answers

Answer A is incorrect because the “Idempotency” option describes a different concept: the property that repeatedly applying the same desired configuration produces the same final state without unintended repeated changes.

Answer C is incorrect because the “Scalability” option describes a different concept: the ability to apply operational processes efficiently as the number of devices, sites, or changes grows.

Answer D is incorrect because the “Automation” option describes a different concept: Using software to perform network tasks with reduced repetitive manual intervention.

 

Question 3

Which property repeatedly applying the same desired configuration produces the same final state without unintended repeated changes?

1. Telemetry
2. Orchestration
3. Configuration drift
4. Idempotency

Correct Answer: D

 

Correct Answer

Answer D is correct because the selected answer describes the property that repeatedly applying the same desired configuration produces the same final state without unintended repeated changes.

Incorrect Answers

Answer A is incorrect because the “Telemetry” option describes a different concept: Machine-generated operational data exported from network systems for monitoring and analysis.

Answer B is incorrect because the “Orchestration” option describes a different concept: Coordinating multiple automated tasks, systems, or workflows into an end-to-end process.

Answer C is incorrect because the “Configuration drift” option describes a different concept: the difference that develops when actual device configuration no longer matches the intended or approved state.

 

Question 4

Which authoritative data repository defines the intended state or inventory of the network?

1. Idempotency
2. Source of truth
3. Scalability
4. Repeatability

Correct Answer: B

 

Correct Answer

Answer B is correct because the selected answer describes an authoritative data repository that defines the intended state or inventory of the network.

Incorrect Answers

Answer A is incorrect because the “Idempotency” option describes a different concept: the property that repeatedly applying the same desired configuration produces the same final state without unintended repeated changes.

Answer C is incorrect because the “Scalability” option describes a different concept: the ability to apply operational processes efficiently as the number of devices, sites, or changes grows.

Answer D is incorrect because the “Repeatability” option describes a different concept: an automation benefit in which the same process can be executed consistently across devices or environments.

 

Question 5

Which difference develops when actual device configuration no longer matches the intended or approved state?

1. Configuration drift
2. API
3. Idempotency
4. Source of truth

Correct Answer: A

 

Correct Answer

Answer A is correct because the selected answer describes the difference that develops when actual device configuration no longer matches the intended or approved state.

Incorrect Answers

Answer B is incorrect because the “API” option describes a different concept: a defined software interface that allows programs to exchange data or request functions from another system.

Answer C is incorrect because the “Idempotency” option describes a different concept: the property that repeatedly applying the same desired configuration produces the same final state without unintended repeated changes.

Answer D is incorrect because the “Source of truth” option describes a different concept: an authoritative data repository that defines the intended state or inventory of the network.

 

Question 6

Which term describes machine-generated operational data exported from network systems for monitoring and analysis?

1. Telemetry
2. Configuration drift
3. Source of truth
4. Automation

Correct Answer: A

 

Correct Answer

Answer A is correct because it describes machine-generated operational data exported from network systems for monitoring and analysis.

Incorrect Answers

Answer B is incorrect because the “Configuration drift” option describes a different concept: the difference that develops when actual device configuration no longer matches the intended or approved state.

Answer C is incorrect because the “Source of truth” option describes a different concept: an authoritative data repository that defines the intended state or inventory of the network.

Answer D is incorrect because the “Automation” option describes a different concept: Using software to perform network tasks with reduced repetitive manual intervention.

 

Question 7

Which approach expresses desired outcomes and uses automation and validation to translate intent into network state?

1. Orchestration
2. Source of truth
3. Intent-based networking
4. API

Correct Answer: C

 

Correct Answer

Answer C is correct because the selected answer describes an approach that expresses desired outcomes and uses automation and validation to translate intent into network state.

Incorrect Answers

Answer A is incorrect because the “Orchestration” option describes a different concept: Coordinating multiple automated tasks, systems, or workflows into an end-to-end process.

Answer B is incorrect because the “Source of truth” option describes a different concept: an authoritative data repository that defines the intended state or inventory of the network.

Answer D is incorrect because the “API” option describes a different concept: a defined software interface that allows programs to exchange data or request functions from another system.

 

Question 8

What is an automation benefit in which the same process can be executed consistently across devices or environments?

1. Telemetry
2. Configuration drift
3. Repeatability
4. Intent-based networking

Correct Answer: C

 

Correct Answer

Answer C is correct because the selected answer describes an automation benefit in which the same process can be executed consistently across devices or environments.

Incorrect Answers

Answer A is incorrect because the “Telemetry” option describes a different concept: Machine-generated operational data exported from network systems for monitoring and analysis.

Answer B is incorrect because the “Configuration drift” option describes a different concept: the difference that develops when actual device configuration no longer matches the intended or approved state.

Answer D is incorrect because the “Intent-based networking” option describes a different concept: an approach that expresses desired outcomes and uses automation and validation to translate intent into network state.

 

Question 9

What is the ability to apply operational processes efficiently as the number of devices, sites, or changes grows?

1. Repeatability
2. Scalability
3. Idempotency
4. Automation

Correct Answer: B

 

Correct Answer

Answer B is correct because the selected answer describes the ability to apply operational processes efficiently as the number of devices, sites, or changes grows.

Incorrect Answers

Answer A is incorrect because the “Repeatability” option describes a different concept: an automation benefit in which the same process can be executed consistently across devices or environments.

Answer C is incorrect because the “Idempotency” option describes a different concept: the property that repeatedly applying the same desired configuration produces the same final state without unintended repeated changes.

Answer D is incorrect because the “Automation” option describes a different concept: Using software to perform network tasks with reduced repetitive manual intervention.

 

Question 10

Which defined software interface allows programs to exchange data or request functions from another system?

1. API
2. Orchestration
3. Intent-based networking
4. Automation

Correct Answer: A

 

Correct Answer

Answer A is correct because the selected answer describes a defined software interface that allows programs to exchange data or request functions from another system.

Incorrect Answers

Answer B is incorrect because the “Orchestration” option describes a different concept: Coordinating multiple automated tasks, systems, or workflows into an end-to-end process.

Answer C is incorrect because the “Intent-based networking” option describes a different concept: an approach that expresses desired outcomes and uses automation and validation to translate intent into network state.

Answer D is incorrect because the “Automation” option describes a different concept: Using software to perform network tasks with reduced repetitive manual intervention.

 

Question 11

For Automation, which statement is accurate?

1. The difference that develops when actual device configuration no longer matches the intended or approved state.
2. Using software to perform network tasks with reduced repetitive manual intervention.
3. An automation benefit in which the same process can be executed consistently across devices or environments.
4. The ability to apply operational processes efficiently as the number of devices, sites, or changes grows.

Correct Answer: B

 

Correct Answer

Answer B is correct because the selected answer describes using software to perform network tasks with reduced repetitive manual intervention.

Incorrect Answers

Answer A is incorrect because the “Configuration drift” option describes a different concept: the difference that develops when actual device configuration no longer matches the intended or approved state.

Answer C is incorrect because the “Repeatability” option describes a different concept: an automation benefit in which the same process can be executed consistently across devices or environments.

Answer D is incorrect because the “Scalability” option describes a different concept: the ability to apply operational processes efficiently as the number of devices, sites, or changes grows.

 

Question 12

For Orchestration, which statement is accurate?

1. Coordinating multiple automated tasks, systems, or workflows into an end-to-end process.
2. An approach that expresses desired outcomes and uses automation and validation to translate intent into network state.
3. Machine-generated operational data exported from network systems for monitoring and analysis.
4. An automation benefit in which the same process can be executed consistently across devices or environments.

Correct Answer: A

 

Correct Answer

Answer A is correct because it accurately defines Orchestration. The matching definition is: Coordinating multiple automated tasks, systems, or workflows into an end-to-end process.

Incorrect Answers

Answer B is incorrect because the “Intent-based networking” option describes a different concept: an approach that expresses desired outcomes and uses automation and validation to translate intent into network state.

Answer C is incorrect because the “Telemetry” option describes a different concept: Machine-generated operational data exported from network systems for monitoring and analysis.

Answer D is incorrect because the “Repeatability” option describes a different concept: an automation benefit in which the same process can be executed consistently across devices or environments.

 

Question 13

For Idempotency, which statement is accurate?

1. Machine-generated operational data exported from network systems for monitoring and analysis.
2. An automation benefit in which the same process can be executed consistently across devices or environments.
3. The property that repeatedly applying the same desired configuration produces the same final state without unintended repeated changes.
4. The ability to apply operational processes efficiently as the number of devices, sites, or changes grows.

Correct Answer: C

 

Correct Answer

Answer C is correct because the choice accurately describes Idempotency: The property that repeatedly applying the same desired configuration produces the same final state without unintended repeated changes.

Incorrect Answers

Answer A is incorrect because the “Telemetry” option describes a different concept: Machine-generated operational data exported from network systems for monitoring and analysis.

Answer B is incorrect because the “Repeatability” option describes a different concept: an automation benefit in which the same process can be executed consistently across devices or environments.

Answer D is incorrect because the “Scalability” option describes a different concept: the ability to apply operational processes efficiently as the number of devices, sites, or changes grows.

 

Question 14

For Source of truth, which statement is accurate?

1. An authoritative data repository that defines the intended state or inventory of the network.
2. Coordinating multiple automated tasks, systems, or workflows into an end-to-end process.
3. The difference that develops when actual device configuration no longer matches the intended or approved state.
4. An approach that expresses desired outcomes and uses automation and validation to translate intent into network state.

Correct Answer: A

 

Correct Answer

Answer A is correct because the selected answer describes an authoritative data repository that defines the intended state or inventory of the network.

Incorrect Answers

Answer B is incorrect because the “Orchestration” option describes a different concept: Coordinating multiple automated tasks, systems, or workflows into an end-to-end process.

Answer C is incorrect because the “Configuration drift” option describes a different concept: the difference that develops when actual device configuration no longer matches the intended or approved state.

Answer D is incorrect because the “Intent-based networking” option describes a different concept: an approach that expresses desired outcomes and uses automation and validation to translate intent into network state.

 

Question 15

For Configuration drift, which statement is accurate?

1. The property that repeatedly applying the same desired configuration produces the same final state without unintended repeated changes.
2. The difference that develops when actual device configuration no longer matches the intended or approved state.
3. Coordinating multiple automated tasks, systems, or workflows into an end-to-end process.
4. A defined software interface that allows programs to exchange data or request functions from another system.

Correct Answer: B

 

Correct Answer

Answer B is correct because the selected answer describes the difference that develops when actual device configuration no longer matches the intended or approved state.

Incorrect Answers

Answer A is incorrect because the “Idempotency” option describes a different concept: the property that repeatedly applying the same desired configuration produces the same final state without unintended repeated changes.

Answer C is incorrect because the “Orchestration” option describes a different concept: Coordinating multiple automated tasks, systems, or workflows into an end-to-end process.

Answer D is incorrect because the “API” option describes a different concept: a defined software interface that allows programs to exchange data or request functions from another system.

 

Question 16

For Telemetry, which statement is accurate?

1. Machine-generated operational data exported from network systems for monitoring and analysis.
2. Coordinating multiple automated tasks, systems, or workflows into an end-to-end process.
3. Using software to perform network tasks with reduced repetitive manual intervention.
4. An authoritative data repository that defines the intended state or inventory of the network.

Correct Answer: A

 

Correct Answer

Answer A is correct because it accurately defines Telemetry. The matching definition is: Machine-generated operational data exported from network systems for monitoring and analysis.

Incorrect Answers

Answer B is incorrect because the “Orchestration” option describes a different concept: Coordinating multiple automated tasks, systems, or workflows into an end-to-end process.

Answer C is incorrect because the “Automation” option describes a different concept: Using software to perform network tasks with reduced repetitive manual intervention.

Answer D is incorrect because the “Source of truth” option describes a different concept: an authoritative data repository that defines the intended state or inventory of the network.

 

Question 17

For Intent-based networking, which statement is accurate?

1. Coordinating multiple automated tasks, systems, or workflows into an end-to-end process.
2. An automation benefit in which the same process can be executed consistently across devices or environments.
3. An approach that expresses desired outcomes and uses automation and validation to translate intent into network state.
4. Using software to perform network tasks with reduced repetitive manual intervention.

Correct Answer: C

 

Correct Answer

Answer C is correct because the choice accurately describes Intent-based networking: An approach that expresses desired outcomes and uses automation and validation to translate intent into network state.

Incorrect Answers

Answer A is incorrect because the “Orchestration” option describes a different concept: Coordinating multiple automated tasks, systems, or workflows into an end-to-end process.

Answer B is incorrect because the “Repeatability” option describes a different concept: an automation benefit in which the same process can be executed consistently across devices or environments.

Answer D is incorrect because the “Automation” option describes a different concept: Using software to perform network tasks with reduced repetitive manual intervention.

 

Question 18

For Repeatability, which statement is accurate?

1. A defined software interface that allows programs to exchange data or request functions from another system.
2. An automation benefit in which the same process can be executed consistently across devices or environments.
3. The difference that develops when actual device configuration no longer matches the intended or approved state.
4. The property that repeatedly applying the same desired configuration produces the same final state without unintended repeated changes.

Correct Answer: B

 

Correct Answer

Answer B is correct because the selected answer describes an automation benefit in which the same process can be executed consistently across devices or environments.

Incorrect Answers

Answer A is incorrect because the “API” option describes a different concept: a defined software interface that allows programs to exchange data or request functions from another system.

Answer C is incorrect because the “Configuration drift” option describes a different concept: the difference that develops when actual device configuration no longer matches the intended or approved state.

Answer D is incorrect because the “Idempotency” option describes a different concept: the property that repeatedly applying the same desired configuration produces the same final state without unintended repeated changes.

 

Question 19

For Scalability, which statement is accurate?

1. An authoritative data repository that defines the intended state or inventory of the network.
2. The ability to apply operational processes efficiently as the number of devices, sites, or changes grows.
3. Using software to perform network tasks with reduced repetitive manual intervention.
4. A defined software interface that allows programs to exchange data or request functions from another system.

Correct Answer: B

 

Correct Answer

Answer B is correct because the selected answer describes the ability to apply operational processes efficiently as the number of devices, sites, or changes grows.

Incorrect Answers

Answer A is incorrect because the “Source of truth” option describes a different concept: an authoritative data repository that defines the intended state or inventory of the network.

Answer C is incorrect because the “Automation” option describes a different concept: Using software to perform network tasks with reduced repetitive manual intervention.

Answer D is incorrect because the “API” option describes a different concept: a defined software interface that allows programs to exchange data or request functions from another system.

 

Question 20

For API, which statement is accurate?

1. A defined software interface that allows programs to exchange data or request functions from another system.
2. Coordinating multiple automated tasks, systems, or workflows into an end-to-end process.
3. The difference that develops when actual device configuration no longer matches the intended or approved state.
4. Using software to perform network tasks with reduced repetitive manual intervention.

Correct Answer: A

 

Correct Answer

Answer A is correct because it accurately defines API. The matching definition is: A defined software interface that allows programs to exchange data or request functions from another system.

Incorrect Answers

Answer B is incorrect because the “Orchestration” option describes a different concept: Coordinating multiple automated tasks, systems, or workflows into an end-to-end process.

Answer C is incorrect because the “Configuration drift” option describes a different concept: the difference that develops when actual device configuration no longer matches the intended or approved state.

Answer D is incorrect because the “Automation” option describes a different concept: Using software to perform network tasks with reduced repetitive manual intervention.

 

Question 21

A script applies a repeatable network configuration task that administrators previously entered by hand. Which operational approach does this illustrate?

1. API
2. Orchestration
3. Scalability
4. Automation

Correct Answer: D

 

Correct Answer

Answer D is correct because the operational requirement in the stem maps to Automation: Using software to perform network tasks with reduced repetitive manual intervention.

Incorrect Answers

Answer A is incorrect because the “API” option describes a different concept: a defined software interface that allows programs to exchange data or request functions from another system.

Answer B is incorrect because the “Orchestration” option describes a different concept: Coordinating multiple automated tasks, systems, or workflows into an end-to-end process.

Answer C is incorrect because the “Scalability” option describes a different concept: the ability to apply operational processes efficiently as the number of devices, sites, or changes grows.

 

Question 22

While working on an API integration project, an administrator encounters this requirement: Coordinating multiple automated tasks, systems, or workflows into an end-to-end process. Which answer is the most precise match?

1. Source of truth
2. API
3. Orchestration
4. Automation

Correct Answer: C

 

Correct Answer

Answer C is correct because Orchestration is the most precise fit for the stated requirement. Coordinating multiple automated tasks, systems, or workflows into an end-to-end process.

Incorrect Answers

Answer A is incorrect because the “Source of truth” option describes a different concept: an authoritative data repository that defines the intended state or inventory of the network.

Answer B is incorrect because the “API” option describes a different concept: a defined software interface that allows programs to exchange data or request functions from another system.

Answer D is incorrect because the “Automation” option describes a different concept: Using software to perform network tasks with reduced repetitive manual intervention.

 

Question 23

In a controller-based design review, the team must identify the technology that provides the following function: The property that repeatedly applying the same desired configuration produces the same final state without unintended repeated changes. Which option should be selected?

1. API
2. Configuration drift
3. Idempotency
4. Intent-based networking

Correct Answer: C

 

Correct Answer

Answer C is correct because the scenario is describing the role of Idempotency. The property that repeatedly applying the same desired configuration produces the same final state without unintended repeated changes.

Incorrect Answers

Answer A is incorrect because the “API” option describes a different concept: a defined software interface that allows programs to exchange data or request functions from another system.

Answer B is incorrect because the “Configuration drift” option describes a different concept: the difference that develops when actual device configuration no longer matches the intended or approved state.

Answer D is incorrect because the “Intent-based networking” option describes a different concept: an approach that expresses desired outcomes and uses automation and validation to translate intent into network state.

 

Question 24

An automation workflow reads the authoritative inventory and desired configuration before updating devices. What role does this repository serve?

1. Source of truth
2. Repeatability
3. Scalability
4. Intent-based networking

Correct Answer: A

 

Correct Answer

Answer A is correct because Source of truth directly provides the function required by the scenario. An authoritative data repository that defines the intended state or inventory of the network.

Incorrect Answers

Answer B is incorrect because the “Repeatability” option describes a different concept: an automation benefit in which the same process can be executed consistently across devices or environments.

Answer C is incorrect because the “Scalability” option describes a different concept: the ability to apply operational processes efficiently as the number of devices, sites, or changes grows.

Answer D is incorrect because the “Intent-based networking” option describes a different concept: an approach that expresses desired outcomes and uses automation and validation to translate intent into network state.

 

Question 25

During an operations automation assessment, the design calls for the following capability: The difference that develops when actual device configuration no longer matches the intended or approved state. Which option names that capability most accurately?

1. Intent-based networking
2. Configuration drift
3. Source of truth
4. Idempotency

Correct Answer: B

 

Correct Answer

Answer B is correct because the operational requirement in the stem maps to Configuration drift: The difference that develops when actual device configuration no longer matches the intended or approved state.

Incorrect Answers

Answer A is incorrect because the “Intent-based networking” option describes a different concept: an approach that expresses desired outcomes and uses automation and validation to translate intent into network state.

Answer C is incorrect because the “Source of truth” option describes a different concept: an authoritative data repository that defines the intended state or inventory of the network.

Answer D is incorrect because the “Idempotency” option describes a different concept: the property that repeatedly applying the same desired configuration produces the same final state without unintended repeated changes.

 

Question 26

Routers export machine-generated measurements so an operations platform can analyze network behavior. What is the exported operational data called?

1. Configuration drift
2. Idempotency
3. Source of truth
4. Telemetry

Correct Answer: D

 

Correct Answer

Answer D is correct because Telemetry is the most precise fit for the stated requirement. Machine-generated operational data exported from network systems for monitoring and analysis.

Incorrect Answers

Answer A is incorrect because the “Configuration drift” option describes a different concept: the difference that develops when actual device configuration no longer matches the intended or approved state.

Answer B is incorrect because the “Idempotency” option describes a different concept: the property that repeatedly applying the same desired configuration produces the same final state without unintended repeated changes.

Answer C is incorrect because the “Source of truth” option describes a different concept: an authoritative data repository that defines the intended state or inventory of the network.

 

Question 27

While working on an API integration project, an administrator encounters this requirement: An approach that expresses desired outcomes and uses automation and validation to translate intent into network state. Which answer is the most precise match?

1. Scalability
2. Source of truth
3. Idempotency
4. Intent-based networking

Correct Answer: D

 

Correct Answer

Answer D is correct because the scenario is describing the role of Intent-based networking. An approach that expresses desired outcomes and uses automation and validation to translate intent into network state.

Incorrect Answers

Answer A is incorrect because the “Scalability” option describes a different concept: the ability to apply operational processes efficiently as the number of devices, sites, or changes grows.

Answer B is incorrect because the “Source of truth” option describes a different concept: an authoritative data repository that defines the intended state or inventory of the network.

Answer C is incorrect because the “Idempotency” option describes a different concept: the property that repeatedly applying the same desired configuration produces the same final state without unintended repeated changes.

 

Question 28

In a controller-based design review, the team must identify the technology that provides the following function: An automation benefit in which the same process can be executed consistently across devices or environments. Which option should be selected?

1. Source of truth
2. Configuration drift
3. Repeatability
4. Orchestration

Correct Answer: C

 

Correct Answer

Answer C is correct because Repeatability directly provides the function required by the scenario. An automation benefit in which the same process can be executed consistently across devices or environments.

Incorrect Answers

Answer A is incorrect because the “Source of truth” option describes a different concept: an authoritative data repository that defines the intended state or inventory of the network.

Answer B is incorrect because the “Configuration drift” option describes a different concept: the difference that develops when actual device configuration no longer matches the intended or approved state.

Answer D is incorrect because the “Orchestration” option describes a different concept: Coordinating multiple automated tasks, systems, or workflows into an end-to-end process.

 

Question 29

A team evaluates whether its management process remains effective as hundreds of additional devices are introduced. Which operational property is being assessed?

1. Intent-based networking
2. Telemetry
3. Idempotency
4. Scalability

Correct Answer: D

 

Correct Answer

Answer D is correct because the operational requirement in the stem maps to Scalability: The ability to apply operational processes efficiently as the number of devices, sites, or changes grows.

Incorrect Answers

Answer A is incorrect because the “Intent-based networking” option describes a different concept: an approach that expresses desired outcomes and uses automation and validation to translate intent into network state.

Answer B is incorrect because the “Telemetry” option describes a different concept: Machine-generated operational data exported from network systems for monitoring and analysis.

Answer C is incorrect because the “Idempotency” option describes a different concept: the property that repeatedly applying the same desired configuration produces the same final state without unintended repeated changes.

 

Question 30

During an operations automation assessment, the design calls for the following capability: A defined software interface that allows programs to exchange data or request functions from another system. Which option names that capability most accurately?

1. Source of truth
2. Orchestration
3. Intent-based networking
4. API

Correct Answer: D

 

Correct Answer

Answer D is correct because API is the most precise fit for the stated requirement. A defined software interface that allows programs to exchange data or request functions from another system.

Incorrect Answers

Answer A is incorrect because the “Source of truth” option describes a different concept: an authoritative data repository that defines the intended state or inventory of the network.

Answer B is incorrect because the “Orchestration” option describes a different concept: Coordinating multiple automated tasks, systems, or workflows into an end-to-end process.

Answer C is incorrect because the “Intent-based networking” option describes a different concept: an approach that expresses desired outcomes and uses automation and validation to translate intent into network state.