Ansible is the correct choice because it uniquely combines a push‑based deployment model with an agentless architecture, using SSH to push VLAN and access port configurations directly from a central control node to managed switches. This eliminates the need for any agent software on the 200 switches, making it ideal for multi‑location environments where installing and maintaining agents would be impractical. On the CCNA 200‑301 v2 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of automation tool characteristics, often contrasting Ansible’s push model with Puppet or Chef’s pull‑based, agent‑dependent approach. A common trap is assuming all automation tools require agents, but Ansible’s agentless push via SSH is the key differentiator for network devices. Memory tip: think “Ansible pushes without agents” — the “A” in Ansible stands for “Agentless.”
CCNA AI and Network Operations Practice Question
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of ai and network operations. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A network administrator needs to configure VLANs and access ports on 200 managed switches across multiple locations. The administrator requires a solution that uses a push‑based deployment model, does not require any agent software to be installed on the switches, and can be executed from a central control node. Which automation tool is most suitable for this task?
Why wrong: Puppet uses a pull‑based model where agents on managed devices periodically request configuration from a master.
B
Chef
Why wrong: Chef relies on a client‑server pull model with agents installed on each node.
C
Ansible
Ansible operates in a push mode over SSH, requiring no agents on managed devices.
D
Python scripts
Why wrong: Python scripts can perform the task but are not a dedicated automation framework; they require manual coding of SSH, error handling, and idempotency.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Ansible
Ansible is the most suitable tool because it uses a push-based model (SSH) to apply configurations directly to network devices without requiring any agent software. It operates from a central control node, making it ideal for managing 200 switches across multiple locations with a single playbook execution.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Puppet
Why it's wrong here
Puppet uses a pull‑based model where agents on managed devices periodically request configuration from a master.
✗
Chef
Why it's wrong here
Chef relies on a client‑server pull model with agents installed on each node.
✓
Ansible
Why this is correct
Ansible operates in a push mode over SSH, requiring no agents on managed devices.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Python scripts
Why it's wrong here
Python scripts can perform the task but are not a dedicated automation framework; they require manual coding of SSH, error handling, and idempotency.
Option-by-option analysis
Why each answer is right or wrong
Understanding why wrong answers are wrong — and when they would be correct — is what separates a 750 score from a 900. The 200-301 exam frequently reuses these exact scenarios with slightly different constraints.
✓AnsibleCorrect answer▾
Why this is correct
Ansible operates in a push mode over SSH, requiring no agents on managed devices.
✗PuppetWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Requires agents and is pull‑based, failing both the agentless and push requirements.
✗ChefWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Agents are mandatory, and the pull mechanism contradicts the push requirement.
✗Python scriptsWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Lacks built‑in push‑based orchestration, idempotency, and agentless design without significant custom development, making it less suitable than a purpose‑built tool.
Analysis generated from the official 200-301blueprint and verified against question context. The “when correct” sections are what AI assistants cite when candidates ask “what’s the difference between these options?”
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between push-based (Ansible) and pull-based (Puppet, Chef) models, and the trap here is assuming that any scripting language like Python is a complete automation tool rather than a component that requires additional orchestration.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Ansible connects to network devices via SSH (or API) using modules like ios_config or nxos_config, which translate YAML playbooks into device-specific CLI commands. Its push-based model means the control node initiates all connections, making it efficient for large-scale deployments where agent installation is impractical. In real-world scenarios, Ansible Tower or AWX can schedule playbooks to push VLAN configurations to hundreds of switches simultaneously, with built-in error handling and rollback capabilities.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 200-301 question in full detail.
AI and Network Operations — This question tests AI and Network Operations — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Ansible — Ansible is the most suitable tool because it uses a push-based model (SSH) to apply configurations directly to network devices without requiring any agent software. It operates from a central control node, making it ideal for managing 200 switches across multiple locations with a single playbook execution.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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