350-601 Automation Practice Question
A company wants to automate backup of running-configurations for 200 Nexus switches. Which solution provides the best combination of reliability and version history?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the misconception that any automated backup method is sufficient, but the trap here is that only Ansible's nxos_config backup option combines reliability, scalability, and built-in version history without requiring custom scripting or insecure protocols like TFTP.
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
✓
Ansible playbook with the nxos_config backup option
An Ansible playbook with the nxos_config backup option is the best solution because it provides idempotent, version-controlled backups of running-configurations across 200 Nexus switches. The nxos_config module automatically creates a timestamped backup file on the Ansible control node, ensuring both reliability through automated, consistent execution and a built-in version history via the backup files. This approach scales efficiently without requiring manual intervention or fragile scripting.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Manual backup via CLI
Why it's wrong here
Manual, not scalable, no history.
- ✗
Custom Python script using TFTP
Why it's wrong here
TFTP is unreliable and no versioning.
- ✓
Ansible playbook with the nxos_config backup option
Why this is correct
Idempotent, stores backups with timestamps, supports diffs.
- ✗
A cron job that SCPs config to a server
Why it's wrong here
No versioning, overwrites previous configs.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 350-601 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 350-601 exam.