- A
The script will fail because the device_type should be 'cisco_ios_xe' for IOS-XE devices.
Why wrong: cisco_ios is the correct device_type for IOS-XE; there is no separate type.
- B
The script will fail because the send_command method cannot be used for show commands; it requires send_command_timing.
Why wrong: send_command works fine for show commands; it waits for the prompt.
- C
The script will fail because the device is not in enable mode, and 'show ip interface brief' may not execute or return restricted output.
Without enable mode, the command may be rejected or return limited output. The script should call connection.enable() after connecting.
- D
The script will fail because the password is not encrypted; Netmiko requires an encrypted password.
Why wrong: Netmiko accepts plaintext passwords; encryption is not required.
Quick Answer
The answer is that the script will fail because the device is not placed into enable mode before executing the command. In Netmiko, when connecting to a Cisco IOS device with the cisco_ios device type, the connection starts in user EXEC mode (privilege level 1), and commands like 'show ip interface brief' require privileged EXEC mode (level 15) to return full output. Without calling connection.enable() or passing the 'secret' parameter in the device dictionary, the send_command method cannot elevate privileges, causing the command to either fail or return restricted data. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this tests your understanding of Netmiko's authentication flow and Cisco IOS privilege levels, often appearing as a trap where candidates assume send_command automatically escalates privileges. A common memory tip is "Enable before you show" — always call enable() or include the secret key to ensure your script runs with full administrative access.
CCNP Python for Network Automation Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of python for network 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 writes the following Python script using Netmiko to configure a Cisco IOS-XE device:
```python
from netmiko import ConnectHandler
device = { 'device_type': 'cisco_ios', 'ip': '192.168.1.1', 'username': 'admin', 'password': 'cisco123',
}
connection = ConnectHandler(**device) output = connection.send_command('show ip interface brief')
print(output)
connection.disconnect() ```
What is the primary issue with this script?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"primary"Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
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 script will fail because the device is not in enable mode, and 'show ip interface brief' may not execute or return restricted output.
The script does not enable privileged EXEC mode (enable) before running 'show ip interface brief', which requires privilege level 15. Netmiko's send_command does not automatically enter enable mode unless the device_type expects it, and cisco_ios requires an explicit enable() call or use of secret parameter.
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 script will fail because the device_type should be 'cisco_ios_xe' for IOS-XE devices.
Why it's wrong here
cisco_ios is the correct device_type for IOS-XE; there is no separate type.
- ✗
The script will fail because the send_command method cannot be used for show commands; it requires send_command_timing.
Why it's wrong here
send_command works fine for show commands; it waits for the prompt.
- ✓
The script will fail because the device is not in enable mode, and 'show ip interface brief' may not execute or return restricted output.
Why this is correct
Without enable mode, the command may be rejected or return limited output. The script should call connection.enable() after connecting.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
The script will fail because the password is not encrypted; Netmiko requires an encrypted password.
Why it's wrong here
Netmiko accepts plaintext passwords; encryption is not required.
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
send_command works fine for show commands; it waits for the prompt.
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 junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
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.
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Python for Network Automation — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-401 question test?
Python for Network Automation — This question tests Python for Network Automation — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The script will fail because the device is not in enable mode, and 'show ip interface brief' may not execute or return restricted output. — The script does not enable privileged EXEC mode (enable) before running 'show ip interface brief', which requires privilege level 15. Netmiko's send_command does not automatically enter enable mode unless the device_type expects it, and cisco_ios requires an explicit enable() call or use of secret parameter.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "primary". Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
This 350-401 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 350-401 exam.
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