- A
The playbook uses the 'vlan_id' parameter but not the 'name' parameter, causing the module to ignore the name mismatch.
Why wrong: If the name is not specified, the module does not compare it; the issue is more likely with the VLAN state.
- B
The playbook does not include the 'vlan_state' parameter, and the existing VLAN is in 'suspend' state, while the module defaults to 'active'.
If the module defaults to 'active' but the VLAN is 'suspend', the module sees a difference and reports 'changed'.
- C
The nxos_vlan module is not idempotent by design and always reports changes.
Why wrong: The nxos_vlan module is designed to be idempotent; this behavior indicates a configuration mismatch.
- D
The engineer is using the '--diff' flag, which forces the module to report changes.
Why wrong: The --diff flag shows changes but does not cause false 'changed' status.
Quick Answer
The answer is a missing `vlan_state` parameter, which causes the `nxos_vlan` module to default to `active` while the existing VLAN on the Cisco Nexus switch is in `suspend` state, breaking idempotency. This happens because Ansible compares the desired state from the playbook against the current state on the device; when `vlan_state` is omitted, the module assumes `active`, so any VLAN found in a different state—like `suspend`—triggers a `changed` result even if no other configuration differs. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this tests your understanding of idempotency in network automation and the importance of specifying all relevant parameters to avoid unintended changes. A common trap is assuming that omitting a parameter means “no change,” but modules often apply defaults that mismatch the device’s current state. Memory tip: “If you don’t state the state, the state will change.”
CCNP Ansible Automation Practice Question
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.
A network engineer is using Ansible to automate the deployment of a new VLAN on a Cisco Nexus switch. The playbook uses the nxos_vlan module. The engineer wants to ensure that if the VLAN already exists, the playbook does not make any changes (idempotent). However, the playbook always reports 'changed' even when the VLAN exists with the same configuration. What is a likely reason?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"always"Why it matters: Absolute qualifier. An answer using 'always' is only correct if there are genuinely no exceptions — absolute statements are often wrong in networking.
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 does not include the 'vlan_state' parameter, and the existing VLAN is in 'suspend' state, while the module defaults to 'active'.
The nxos_vlan module compares the desired state with the current state. If the playbook specifies parameters that the module does not fully manage or if the switch returns additional default parameters (e.g., 'state: active' vs 'state: suspend'), the module may detect a difference. A common cause is that the playbook does not specify the 'vlan_state' parameter, and the module defaults to 'active', but if the switch has the VLAN in a different state (e.g., 'suspend'), the module will report 'changed'.
Key principle: A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
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 uses the 'vlan_id' parameter but not the 'name' parameter, causing the module to ignore the name mismatch.
Why it's wrong here
If the name is not specified, the module does not compare it; the issue is more likely with the VLAN state.
- ✓
The playbook does not include the 'vlan_state' parameter, and the existing VLAN is in 'suspend' state, while the module defaults to 'active'.
- ✗
The nxos_vlan module is not idempotent by design and always reports changes.
Why it's wrong here
The nxos_vlan module is designed to be idempotent; this behavior indicates a configuration mismatch.
- ✗
The engineer is using the '--diff' flag, which forces the module to report changes.
Why it's wrong here
The --diff flag shows changes but does not cause false 'changed' status.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: an active trunk can still block the VLAN you need
A trunk being up does not prove every VLAN is crossing it. Check allowed VLAN lists, native VLAN mismatch, VLAN existence and access-port assignment.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The --diff flag shows changes but does not cause false 'changed' status.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
VLAN questions usually combine access-port and trunking clues. The key is to identify whether the issue is local to one switchport, caused by the trunk, or caused by the VLAN not existing where it needs to exist.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
- Trunk ports carry multiple VLANs between switches.
- Allowed VLAN lists decide which VLANs can cross a trunk.
- Native VLAN mismatch can create confusing symptoms.
TExam Day Tips
- Use show vlan brief to verify access VLANs.
- Use show interfaces trunk to verify trunk state and allowed VLANs.
- Do not treat every same-VLAN issue as a routing problem.
Key takeaway
A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
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 VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related 350-401 questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-401 question test?
Ansible Automation — This question tests Ansible Automation — Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The playbook does not include the 'vlan_state' parameter, and the existing VLAN is in 'suspend' state, while the module defaults to 'active'. — The nxos_vlan module compares the desired state with the current state. If the playbook specifies parameters that the module does not fully manage or if the switch returns additional default parameters (e.g., 'state: active' vs 'state: suspend'), the module may detect a difference. A common cause is that the playbook does not specify the 'vlan_state' parameter, and the module defaults to 'active', but if the switch has the VLAN in a different state (e.g., 'suspend'), the module will report 'changed'.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Review VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related 350-401 questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "always". Absolute qualifier. An answer using 'always' is only correct if there are genuinely no exceptions — absolute statements are often wrong in networking.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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