This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of ansible automation. 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.
An Ansible playbook uses the cisco.nxos.nxos_config module to configure a Nexus switch:
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The playbook will fail because the 'parents' parameter cannot be the same as the lines.
The playbook attempts to configure VLAN 100 with a name. However, the 'parents' parameter is incorrectly set to 'vlan 100', which is the same as the lines being configured. This can cause idempotency issues or errors because the module may try to enter the same configuration mode again. The correct answer identifies this logical error.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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 playbook will successfully create VLAN 100 and set its name to Test_VLAN.
Why it's wrong here
The 'parents' parameter should be empty or omitted for global commands like VLAN creation.
✓
The playbook will fail because the 'parents' parameter cannot be the same as the lines.
Why this is correct
Using 'parents: vlan 100' when the lines also start with 'vlan 100' creates a conflict; the module may not apply the configuration correctly.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
The playbook will fail because 'cisco.nxos.nxos_config' does not support VLAN configuration.
Why it's wrong here
The module supports any configuration lines; the issue is the 'parents' parameter.
✗
The playbook will work but only if the Nexus switch runs NX-OS 7.0 or later.
Why it's wrong here
The NX-OS version is not relevant to this syntax issue.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The 'parents' parameter should be empty or omitted for global commands like VLAN creation.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Authentication checks who the user is.
Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
→Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
→Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
→Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 350-401 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Ansible Automation — This question tests Ansible Automation — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The playbook will fail because the 'parents' parameter cannot be the same as the lines. — The playbook attempts to configure VLAN 100 with a name. However, the 'parents' parameter is incorrectly set to 'vlan 100', which is the same as the lines being configured. This can cause idempotency issues or errors because the module may try to enter the same configuration mode again. The correct answer identifies this logical error.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 350-401 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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