The answer is that the script will fail because the NAPALM driver name 'ios' is incorrect for a Cisco IOS-XE device; the correct driver is 'iosxe'. NAPALM uses distinct driver strings to match the underlying operating system API, and while the legacy 'ios' driver targets classic IOS, IOS-XE requires the 'iosxe' driver to properly interface with its NETCONF or SSH-based data models. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this question tests your understanding of automation tooling and device-specific driver selection, often appearing as a subtle trap where candidates assume 'ios' covers all Cisco IOS variants. A common memory tip is to remember that "XE" adds an "xe" to the driver name—think "IOS-XE" becomes "iosxe" just as "NX-OS" becomes "nxos". Always verify the exact platform family in the exam scenario, as using a deprecated or mismatched driver will cause the script to throw an error when retrieving data like the ARP table.
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 Python script uses NAPALM to retrieve the ARP table from a Cisco IOS-XE device:
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The script will fail because the driver name 'ios' is incorrect; it should be 'iosxe' for IOS-XE devices.
The NAPALM driver for IOS-XE is 'ios' but the correct driver for IOS-XE is 'iosxe'. Using 'ios' may work for some devices but is deprecated. The correct answer identifies the driver name mismatch.
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.
✓
The script will fail because the driver name 'ios' is incorrect; it should be 'iosxe' for IOS-XE devices.
Why this is correct
NAPALM uses 'iosxe' for IOS-XE; 'ios' is for classic IOS.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The script will work correctly because 'ios' is the correct driver for all Cisco IOS devices.
Why it's wrong here
IOS-XE requires a different driver.
✗
The script will fail because the 'get_arp_table()' method requires an argument.
Why it's wrong here
The method does not require arguments; it returns a list of dictionaries.
✗
The script will work but only if the device is running IOS-XE 16.12 or later.
Why it's wrong here
The driver name is the issue, not the version.
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 350-401 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 350-401 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.
Ansible Automation — This question tests Ansible Automation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The script will fail because the driver name 'ios' is incorrect; it should be 'iosxe' for IOS-XE devices. — The NAPALM driver for IOS-XE is 'ios' but the correct driver for IOS-XE is 'iosxe'. Using 'ios' may work for some devices but is deprecated. The correct answer identifies the driver name mismatch.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Identify which 350-401 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.
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Question Discussion
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