JN0-481 Exam Dumps : Data Center - Specialist (JNCIS-DC)

A configuration deviation (also called a configuration anomaly) in Apstra indicates that the device’s running configuration differs from Apstra’s intended (golden) configuration for that node. In day-to-day operations, this most commonly occurs when an operator makes a change outside of Apstra’s control, such as entering commands directly on the device CLI (for example, on a Junos v24.4 switch), using another automation system, or applying an out-of-band configuration method.

Apstra continuously compares the device’s operational configuration against what it expects based on blueprint intent. When it detects drift, it raises a deviation anomaly so operators can decide how to restore compliance. Typical remediations are either (1) remove/revert the out-of-band change so the device matches intent again, or (2) explicitly acknowledge the change in Apstra (for example, via an accept/suppress workflow, depending on the exact UI action and version), so the deviation is no longer treated as unexpected.

While it is also possible for a deviation to be triggered by a device not accepting a rendered command (capability mismatch), the question asks what the anomaly indicates in this scenario; the primary meaning of “configuration deviation” is configuration changed outside of Apstra and therefore the network is no longer aligned with the intended state. That corresponds to option C.

In EVPN multihoming, the Ethernet Segment Identifier (ESI) is the mandatory identifier used to represent a multihomed Ethernet segment—for example, a server or downstream switch that is dual-homed to two leaf devices using a single logical LAG/port-channel. By assigning the same ESI to the participating leaf-facing interfaces, the fabric recognizes those links as belonging to one Ethernet segment and can apply EVPN multihoming procedures consistently across the pair.

A key outcome of EVPN multihoming is loop prevention for multi-attached Layer 2 domains. EVPN uses the Ethernet segment concept (identified by the ESI) along with Designated Forwarder (DF) election to ensure that only the appropriate device forwards BUM (broadcast, unknown unicast, multicast) traffic toward the multihomed segment, avoiding duplicate forwarding and L2 loops. In addition, ESI-based multihoming supports resilient forwarding behavior during failures (for example, link or node loss) while maintaining correct advertisement and convergence in the EVPN control plane.

Therefore, among the provided options, the purpose that best matches how ESI is used operationally is to prevent loops within a LAG/multihomed connection, which is fundamental to EVPN-VXLAN data center designs on Junos v24.4 leaf devices and is also explicitly supported by Apstra when modeling ESI-based dual-homing.

Verified Juniper sources (URLs):

In Apstra 5.1, the cabling map is part of the blueprint’s intended physical topology. Cable-map edits are performed in the Staged workspace because Staged is where you modify intent (what the fabric should look like) before committing those changes and deploying them. The Staged → Physical → Links view provides both a tabular and topology-oriented representation of spine-to-leaf and other physical connections. When Apstra auto-assigns interfaces during initial build, the logical mapping may not match the real patching in the data center. The cabling map editor allows you to override interface names (and where applicable, link addressing metadata) so the blueprint accurately reflects the actual patch panel and switchport usage.

This accuracy is critical in a Junos v24.4 leaf-spine fabric because underlay correctness depends on the real physical adjacencies: link membership, LAG expectations (where used), and the resulting BGP neighbor relationships that carry EVPN signaling for VXLAN overlays. By updating the cabling map in Staged, you ensure Apstra can correctly validate neighbor discovery, verify intent, and produce consistent device configuration aligned to the real-world wiring. After making the cabling corrections, you commit the staged changes and then deploy/apply so that Apstra’s intent and the running network converge. This work is not performed under Active (which reflects deployed state) and is not a function of Connectivity Templates (which are for endpoint/service attachment rather than fabric cabling).

Verified Juniper sources (URLs):