Question 183 of 1,819
AI and Network OperationsmediumDrag & DropObjective-mapped

Quick Answer

The correct order is to first define the automation goal, then evaluate tool architecture (agent-based vs. agentless), consider Python for custom tasks, write the logic, test in a controlled environment, and finally deploy and verify. This sequence is correct because it mirrors a structured engineering lifecycle: you must understand the scope before selecting between Puppet/Chef’s persistent state enforcement or Ansible’s push-based orchestration, while reserving Python for bespoke scripting needs. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this drag-and-drop task tests your ability to map tool strengths to use cases—a common trap is jumping to “write the script” before evaluating the tool, or skipping the test phase. Remember the mnemonic “D-E-P-T-W-T-D” (Define, Evaluate, Python, Tool, Write, Test, Deploy) to lock in the order.

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.

Drag and drop the following steps into the correct order to select and implement a network automation solution using the appropriate tool based on the use cases and differences between Puppet, Chef, Ansible, and Python.

Question 1mediumdrag order
Read the full Ansible explanation →

Answer choices

Why each option matters

Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.

Correct answer & explanation

Define the network automation goal and the type of configuration changes required.

The correct order follows a systematic approach: First, define the specific network automation goal to understand the scope and constraints. Next, evaluate whether a persistent, agent-based configuration enforcement approach (Puppet/Chef) or an agentless, orchestration-driven approach (Ansible) is required. Then consider the flexibility of a scripting language like Python for custom or one-off tasks. After selecting the tool, write the automation logic (playbook, manifest, or script). Test it in a controlled environment to avoid production issues, and finally deploy and verify the automation to ensure it meets the intended outcome.

Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.

Common exam traps

Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword

Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.

Detailed technical explanation

How to think about this question

This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.

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.
  • Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.

TExam Day Tips

  • Underline the problem statement mentally.
  • 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 practitioner preparing for the 200-301 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.

What to study next

Got this wrong? Here's your next step.

Identify which 200-301 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.

Related practice questions

Related 200-301 practice-question pages

Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.

Practice this exam

Start a free 200-301 practice session

Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.

FAQ

Questions learners often ask

What does this 200-301 question test?

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: Define the network automation goal and the type of configuration changes required. — The correct order follows a systematic approach: First, define the specific network automation goal to understand the scope and constraints. Next, evaluate whether a persistent, agent-based configuration enforcement approach (Puppet/Chef) or an agentless, orchestration-driven approach (Ansible) is required. Then consider the flexibility of a scripting language like Python for custom or one-off tasks. After selecting the tool, write the automation logic (playbook, manifest, or script). Test it in a controlled environment to avoid production issues, and finally deploy and verify the automation to ensure it meets the intended outcome.

What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?

Identify which 200-301 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.

What is the key concept behind this question?

Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.

About these practice questions

Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →

How Courseiva writes practice questions · Editorial policy

Last reviewed: Jun 14, 2026

Question Discussion

Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.

Loading comments…

Sign in to join the discussion.

This 200-301 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 200-301 exam.