Cisco 300-435 Practice Test Questions, Exam Dumps

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300-435 Cisco Practice Test Questions and Exam Dumps

Question No 1:

In the context of software development and network communication, Remote Procedure Call (RPC) APIs are widely used for enabling interaction between systems or services. When designing or working with RPC-style APIs, it is important to understand their fundamental characteristics.

Which two of the following accurately describe key features of RPC API calls? Select exactly two options.

A. RPC APIs are limited to use exclusively on network infrastructure devices such as routers and switches.
B. RPC-based communication relies solely on the User Datagram Protocol (UDP) for message exchange.
C. RPC calls support the passing of input parameters to facilitate customized operations or data retrieval.
D. The use of SSL/TLS encryption is mandatory for all RPC-based communication.
E. RPC APIs are designed to invoke a single specific function or service remotely, emulating a local function call.

Correct Answers:

C. Parameters can be passed to the calls.
E. They call a single function or service.

Explanation:

Remote Procedure Call (RPC) is a protocol that allows a program to execute a procedure (subroutine) on another address space, typically on another physical machine in a shared network. The concept is foundational in distributed systems and network-based API architectures. RPC APIs abstract the complexity of network communication, allowing developers to invoke remote methods as if they were local function calls. Let’s explore the key characteristics of RPC APIs and evaluate each option in the question:

1. Passing Parameters to RPC Calls (Correct - Option C)

One of the fundamental features of RPC is the ability to pass parameters to the remote function. This behavior mimics the way local functions work in programming languages. When a client makes an RPC call, it can pass arguments (such as strings, numbers, or complex data structures) to the server-side method. The RPC framework serializes these parameters (via techniques like JSON, XML, or binary formats), transmits them over the network, and the server deserializes them to perform the intended operation.

For example, a remote function like getWeather(cityName) would need the cityName parameter passed to it. The ability to pass parameters makes RPC flexible and applicable to a wide range of operations, from data queries to service control.

2. Calling a Single Function or Service (Correct - Option E)

RPC APIs are typically designed to invoke a specific function or service on the remote server. This is different from RESTful APIs, which are resource-oriented. An RPC call generally maps to a specific action or method—like createUser, getInvoice, or updateSettings. This model promotes tight coupling between the client and the server's function signatures but also enables more procedural-style communication.

For example, when calling an RPC endpoint like /api/calculateTax, the API is expected to perform a discrete action and return a result—similar to how a local function operates. This single-action focus is a core trait of RPC APIs.

3. Use Only on Network Devices (Incorrect - Option A)

RPC is not confined to network devices like routers and switches. While network infrastructure may use RPC (e.g., in NETCONF or gRPC for device management), RPC is widely used across all kinds of software systems—ranging from microservices to cloud platforms. It's a general-purpose communication protocol and not exclusive to any hardware category.

4. Use Only UDP for Communication (Incorrect - Option B)

RPC can operate over different transport protocols. While some implementations may use UDP for faster, connectionless communication, many common RPC frameworks, such as gRPC or XML-RPC, use TCP for reliable data transmission. Moreover, some RPC systems even operate over HTTP/HTTPS. Therefore, stating that RPC "uses only UDP" is incorrect and overly restrictive.

5. Must Use SSL/TLS (Incorrect - Option D)

While using SSL/TLS encryption is a good security practice—especially over public networks—it's not a mandatory feature of RPC itself. Many RPC frameworks allow communication over unencrypted channels, particularly in secure internal networks. Developers can choose whether or not to enable SSL/TLS based on the deployment environment and security requirements.

Summary:

RPC APIs provide a straightforward and efficient means of executing remote methods by encapsulating function calls, arguments, and responses over a network. Their two key characteristics are:

The ability to pass parameters (Option C).
The design to invoke a single function or service (Option E).

Incorrect choices reflect common misconceptions: RPC is not limited to network devices, it doesn’t require UDP or SSL/TLS by default. Understanding these traits is essential for designing robust and secure API interactions in distributed systems.

Question No 2:

In the context of Python development, what are two major capabilities that Python virtual environments provide to developers? (Select two correct answers from the options below.)

A. Help simplify the continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipeline by easing project versioning with tools like Git.
B. Allow developers to efficiently convert or port code across programming languages such as JavaScript and Python.
C. Provide functionality to emulate or simulate different operating systems within the Python development ecosystem.
D. Enable developers to rapidly create tailored Python environments specifically for testing and debugging different codebases.
E. Allow developers to quickly set up isolated Python environments that include only the required third-party libraries and dependencies for a specific project.

Correct Answers:

D. Enable developers to rapidly create tailored Python environments specifically for testing and debugging different codebases.
E. Allow developers to quickly set up isolated Python environments that include only the required third-party libraries and dependencies for a specific project.

Explanation:

In Python software development, managing dependencies and configurations across multiple projects can be challenging. Python virtual environments are a built-in solution (via the venv module) or enhanced tools (like virtualenv or pipenv) that allow developers to isolate project-specific dependencies from the global Python environment.

What is a Python Virtual Environment?

A Python virtual environment is a self-contained directory that contains its own Python interpreter and an independent set of installed packages. This means that libraries installed in one environment do not interfere with those in another or with system-wide packages. This is particularly helpful when different projects require different versions of the same library.

Explanation of Correct Options:

Option D: Create Custom Testing and Debugging Environments
This option is correct. Virtual environments let developers create multiple, isolated Python setups quickly. For instance, one project may require Django 3.2, while another may rely on Django 4.0. With virtual environments, you can switch between these setups seamlessly, avoiding version conflicts. This is critical for debugging legacy applications or testing code against multiple versions of a dependency.

Option E: Isolated Dependency Management
Also correct, this is the core purpose of virtual environments. Each environment can include just the packages and versions needed for one specific project. This leads to fewer dependency-related bugs and ensures that deployments are more predictable. It’s also essential for collaboration, as team members can replicate each other’s environments by using requirements.txt or pip freeze outputs.

Explanation of Incorrect Options:

Option A: CI/CD and Git Integration
While virtual environments can be used within CI/CD pipelines and help manage dependencies, they are not directly related to version control or Git. Their main purpose is isolation of dependencies, not simplifying Git workflows. CI/CD pipelines may use virtual environments, but the environments themselves do not inherently simplify Git processes.

Option B: Cross-Language Portability
Python virtual environments do not deal with other programming languages such as JavaScript. They are strictly focused on Python runtime management. Porting code between languages involves transpilers, language-specific tools, or rewriting logic—not virtual environments.

Option C: Simulating Operating Systems
Virtual environments only manage Python runtime and libraries, not operating system simulation. To simulate or emulate operating systems, tools like Docker or virtual machines (e.g., VirtualBox) are required. Python virtual environments do not provide this capability.

Summary:

Python virtual environments are a powerful tool that provides two main benefits:

Isolation of dependencies, preventing conflicts between different project requirements.
Flexibility in development and testing, allowing the user to create purpose-specific environments for testing code against different configurations.

By using virtual environments, developers maintain cleaner systems, improve code portability, and reduce deployment errors. These environments are especially useful in professional workflows, where maintaining consistent environments across teams and platforms is crucial for stability and productivity.

Question No 3:

In the context of network automation using Cisco IOS XE Software, what are two primary advantages of utilizing Ansible as an automation tool? Provide detailed reasons for your answer and explain how Ansible integrates with IOS XE to streamline configuration and management tasks. (Select two options from the list below and justify your choices.)

A. Ansible playbooks are automatically embedded into IOS XE devices and execute upon device reboot.
B. Cisco IOS XE operating systems come preloaded with Ansible playbooks for basic administrative functions.
C. Ansible provides a device-independent automation framework that supports multiple platforms, including Cisco IOS XE.
D. Network administrators can write and execute Ansible playbooks directly from the IOS XE command-line interface (CLI).
E. Ansible requires no additional software installation on IOS XE devices beyond secure SSH access.

Correct Answers:

C. Ansible provides a device-independent automation framework that supports multiple platforms, including Cisco IOS XE.
E. Ansible requires no additional software installation on IOS XE devices beyond secure SSH access.

Explanation:

Introduction to Ansible and Cisco IOS XE Integration

Ansible is a powerful and agentless IT automation tool widely used for configuring systems, deploying software, and orchestrating more complex IT tasks such as continuous deployments or rolling updates. Its compatibility with network devices like Cisco routers and switches running IOS XE has made it a valuable resource for network engineers looking to streamline and automate device configuration and management.

Cisco IOS XE is a modern, modular operating system that supports programmability, model-driven telemetry, and automation. When integrated with Ansible, network engineers can leverage Ansible’s declarative language (YAML-based playbooks) to manage devices more efficiently. The synergy between Ansible and IOS XE offers numerous benefits, but the most prominent ones are its platform independence and minimal installation requirements.

1. Device-Independent Automation Framework (Correct Answer - Option C)

One of the major strengths of Ansible is its device-agnostic approach. It does not rely on proprietary software or a particular operating system to function. Instead, Ansible uses standard communication protocols like SSH (for UNIX-based systems) and WinRM (for Windows) to interact with remote systems. For Cisco IOS XE, Ansible uses SSH to send CLI commands or interact through APIs such as NETCONF or RESTCONF.

This platform-agnostic design means that Ansible can manage not just Cisco devices but also those from other vendors like Juniper, Arista, or even Linux servers. Network administrators can create a single Ansible playbook that targets a heterogeneous environment, significantly simplifying operations and reducing the risk of human error.

Furthermore, Ansible modules for Cisco IOS XE, such as ios_config and ios_facts, abstract much of the complexity involved in scripting, making it easier to create reusable, version-controlled automation scripts. This level of abstraction and flexibility is why Ansible is considered device-independent and is one of the main benefits of using it with Cisco IOS XE.

2. Minimal Software Requirements (Correct Answer - Option E)

Another key advantage of using Ansible with Cisco IOS XE is its agentless architecture. Traditional configuration management tools often require a client or agent to be installed on the managed nodes. However, Ansible requires only that the device supports SSH connectivity. Since SSH is universally supported and enabled by default on Cisco IOS XE devices, Ansible can interact with these devices without any additional software installation or configuration.

This minimal dependency model simplifies security and compliance concerns. Network teams do not need to worry about updating agents or dealing with potential compatibility issues across firmware updates. This is particularly advantageous in large-scale environments where managing software installations on hundreds or thousands of devices would be a logistical nightmare.

Additionally, Ansible’s use of playbooks and modules means all logic is executed on the Ansible control node, not on the IOS XE device itself. This reduces processing overhead on network devices and ensures that changes can be tested and verified on staging environments before being deployed in production.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A: Ansible playbooks are not stored on IOS XE devices for automatic execution. Playbooks reside on the control machine and are executed remotely.
Option B: Cisco IOS XE does not include preinstalled Ansible playbooks. Automation scripts must be written and managed by the user.
Option D: Ansible playbooks are not written or executed directly from the IOS XE CLI. They are created on a separate system (usually a Linux server or Ansible Tower).

In summary, Ansible’s platform independence and agentless operation provide two key advantages when automating Cisco IOS XE devices. These features reduce complexity, increase flexibility, and enhance operational efficiency in managing modern network infrastructures.

Question No 4:

In the context of modern network architecture, Software-Defined Networking (SDN) has emerged as a transformative approach compared to traditional networking. SDN focuses on improving network agility, automation, and centralized management through software-based controls. Unlike conventional networks that rely heavily on manual configuration and hardware-centric logic, SDN decouples control and forwarding functions to enable programmable network management.

Which two characteristics below represent foundational principles of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) when compared to traditional network architectures? (Choose two.)

A. The control plane and data plane are tightly integrated within each network device
B. SDN architecture is built upon a robust and scalable software stack for centralized control
C. Network configuration requires manual, device-by-device administration
D. SDN enables centralized automation through intent-based directives sent to a software controller
E. SDN requires extensive deployment of additional physical hardware resources to function

Correct Answers:

B. SDN architecture is built upon a robust and scalable software stack for centralized control
D. SDN enables centralized automation through intent-based directives sent to a software controller

Explanation:

Software-Defined Networking (SDN) is a paradigm shift in how networks are designed, deployed, and managed. Traditional network architectures are characterized by tightly coupled hardware and software systems, where the control plane (which makes decisions about where traffic is sent) and the data plane (which forwards traffic to the selected destination) are both embedded in each network device such as routers or switches. This results in a decentralized and static infrastructure that can be complex, inflexible, and challenging to scale or manage dynamically.

In contrast, SDN introduces a decoupled architecture where the control plane is abstracted from the data plane. This fundamental separation allows centralized control through software, offering greater flexibility, programmability, and automation.

Let’s analyze each option in detail to understand why B and D are the correct answers.

A. Control plane and data plane are tightly coupled – (Incorrect)

This describes traditional networking. In SDN, the control plane is separated from the data plane. The control logic resides in a centralized SDN controller, while the network devices act mainly as packet-forwarding devices, simplifying management and enhancing agility.

B. SDN architecture is built upon a robust and scalable software stack – (Correct)

This is a fundamental characteristic of SDN. At the core of an SDN deployment is a centralized controller that manages network policies and configurations through software. These controllers are part of a larger software stack that may include APIs, orchestration tools, and virtualization layers, enabling the network to respond intelligently to real-time conditions. This architecture supports scalability, ease of integration with business applications, and centralized policy enforcement.

C. Requires device-by-device configuration – (Incorrect)

Traditional networks often require manual configuration of individual network devices via command-line interfaces (CLI), which is time-consuming and error-prone. SDN eliminates this need through centralized control, allowing administrators to define network policies once and automatically push them across the entire network.

D. Automated through expressed intent to a software controller – (Correct)

This is a key advantage of SDN. Network administrators can express high-level policies or intents (e.g., “optimize video traffic” or “prioritize VoIP calls”), which the SDN controller then translates into device-level instructions. This level of automation greatly simplifies network management, accelerates deployment of services, and reduces operational overhead.

E. Requires significant physical hardware resources – (Incorrect)

One of the advantages of SDN is that it reduces dependency on specialized or high-end hardware. Since intelligence is shifted to the software layer, commodity hardware can often be used. In fact, SDN supports virtualization and can operate in environments that minimize physical infrastructure, enabling more efficient use of resources.

SDN fundamentally changes the way networks are managed and operated. By decoupling the control and data planes, and utilizing a centralized, software-based controller, SDN enables more dynamic, automated, and scalable network operations. Unlike traditional networks, which are static and hardware-centric, SDN empowers administrators to manage their infrastructure with the flexibility of software—leading to faster deployment, easier scaling, and improved alignment with business needs.

Question No 5:

In the context of API communication, particularly in web or software development, synchronous API calls are one of the two primary methods for handling data exchanges between a client and a server. What are two defining characteristics of synchronous API calls? (Choose two.)

A. Synchronous API calls are restricted to specific programming languages and cannot be used universally.
B. Synchronous API calls hinder application portability, making asynchronous alternatives more favorable.
C. Synchronous API calls can contribute to increased perceived latency in your application when data retrieval takes time.
D. Synchronous API calls pause the execution of the program until a response is received from the server.
E. Synchronous API calls continue the execution of code while the API response is pending.

Correct Answers:

C. They can add perceived latency to your application if data is not received.
D. They block until a response is returned from the servers.

Explanation:

In software development, APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) allow communication between different software systems. When developers interact with APIs, they typically choose between two communication models: synchronous and asynchronous. Understanding the characteristics of these models is essential for designing efficient and responsive applications.

A synchronous API call is a blocking call — it pauses the execution of code at the point where the request is made and waits for the server to respond before continuing. This behavior can significantly affect how an application performs and responds to users.

Let’s examine the two correct options in detail:

1. Blocking Behavior (Correct – D):

One of the most important characteristics of a synchronous API call is blocking behavior. When your application makes a synchronous call to an API, the thread executing the request is halted until the API responds. This means no further instructions are executed while waiting.

For example, suppose an application sends a request to a weather API to fetch current conditions. If it uses a synchronous call, the application will not proceed to the next line of code until it receives the weather data — even if the API takes several seconds to respond.

This behavior is simple and straightforward to implement, especially for tasks that must be completed in sequence (e.g., logging in before accessing user data). However, it can reduce the responsiveness of applications, particularly in environments where performance and user experience are crucial (e.g., mobile or web apps).

2. Perceived Latency (Correct – C):

Synchronous calls can introduce what is known as perceived latency. Because the application is waiting on a response before doing anything else, any delay in server response is noticeable to the end user. For example, if a user clicks a button and the server takes three seconds to respond, the interface might appear frozen or unresponsive during that time.

This can lead to a negative user experience, especially in situations where the delay is due to network issues, server load, or large data processing. In contrast, asynchronous calls handle this better because they allow the application to continue running other tasks while waiting for the response.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

A. "They can be used only with certain programming languages" is incorrect. Synchronous calls are a concept implemented in virtually all modern programming languages. The method of implementation might differ, but no major language restricts its usage.
B. "They make your application less portable..." is misleading. Portability refers to how easily an application can be moved between environments. While synchronous calls may affect user experience or efficiency, they do not inherently reduce application portability.
E. "They do not block while waiting..." is the opposite of what defines synchronous calls. This is actually a characteristic of asynchronous API calls, not synchronous ones.

Summary:

Synchronous API calls are easy to implement and understand because they follow a straightforward, linear flow. However, they come with trade-offs such as blocking behavior and potential latency issues, especially in user-facing applications. These calls wait for the server response before continuing execution, which can slow down the application and make it feel unresponsive if not managed properly.

Understanding these characteristics helps developers decide when to use synchronous vs. asynchronous methods based on performance, responsiveness, and the specific needs of the application.