- A
The routers have a different IOS version that interprets 'outbound' as 'in'.
Why wrong: IOS does not interpret 'outbound'; the module itself validates the parameter, and an invalid value would likely cause an error, not a silent misinterpretation.
- B
The playbook uses 'direction: outbound' but the module expects 'direction: out'.
The ios_acl_interfaces module expects 'in' or 'out'; 'outbound' is not a valid value, causing the module to either ignore the parameter or default to 'in'.
- C
The engineer forgot to include the 'state: present' parameter, so the module did not apply the ACL.
Why wrong: If the module did not apply the ACL, the interface would have no ACL, not an inbound one.
- D
The ACL itself is defined with the wrong direction in the playbook.
Why wrong: The ACL definition is separate from the binding; the binding direction is what determines inbound/outbound.
CCNP Ansible Automation Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of ansible automation. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 engineer is using Ansible to push ACL changes to a group of Cisco IOS routers. The playbook uses the ios_acl_interfaces module to bind ACLs to interfaces. After running the playbook, the engineer notices that some routers have the ACL applied inbound instead of outbound as intended. The playbook specifies 'direction: outbound'. What is the most likely cause of this issue?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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
The playbook uses 'direction: outbound' but the module expects 'direction: out'.
The ios_acl_interfaces module requires the direction to be specified in lowercase (e.g., 'out'). If the playbook uses 'outbound' instead of 'out', the module may not recognize the value and could default to 'in' or ignore the parameter. The module documentation clearly states the valid values are 'in' or 'out'.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The routers have a different IOS version that interprets 'outbound' as 'in'.
Why it's wrong here
IOS does not interpret 'outbound'; the module itself validates the parameter, and an invalid value would likely cause an error, not a silent misinterpretation.
- ✓
The playbook uses 'direction: outbound' but the module expects 'direction: out'.
Why this is correct
The ios_acl_interfaces module expects 'in' or 'out'; 'outbound' is not a valid value, causing the module to either ignore the parameter or default to 'in'.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- ✗
The engineer forgot to include the 'state: present' parameter, so the module did not apply the ACL.
Why it's wrong here
If the module did not apply the ACL, the interface would have no ACL, not an inbound one.
- ✗
The ACL itself is defined with the wrong direction in the playbook.
Why it's wrong here
The ACL definition is separate from the binding; the binding direction is what determines inbound/outbound.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
- The first matching ACL entry is used.
- There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
- Check inbound versus outbound direction.
- Read the ACL from top to bottom.
- Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related 350-401 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-401 question test?
Ansible Automation — This question tests Ansible Automation — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The playbook uses 'direction: outbound' but the module expects 'direction: out'. — The ios_acl_interfaces module requires the direction to be specified in lowercase (e.g., 'out'). If the playbook uses 'outbound' instead of 'out', the module may not recognize the value and could default to 'in' or ignore the parameter. The module documentation clearly states the valid values are 'in' or 'out'.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related 350-401 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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