350-601 Automation Practice Question
A DevOps team uses Ansible to automate the configuration of Cisco Nexus switches. After running a playbook, some switches have the correct configuration but others do not. The playbook uses the 'nxos_config' module. Which action should be taken to ensure consistent configuration?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse 'backup' with a simple logging feature, when in fact it is a critical rollback mechanism that directly addresses configuration drift and failed deployments in network automation.
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
✓
Use the 'backup' option to save the running config before changes
The 'nxos_config' module's 'backup' option saves the running configuration to a file before applying changes. This ensures that if a switch fails to apply the configuration correctly, the original configuration is preserved for rollback, enabling consistent recovery across all switches. Without this, some switches may have partial or incorrect configurations that cannot be easily reverted.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Set 'ignore_errors' to true in the playbook
Why it's wrong here
Ignoring errors can lead to incomplete configurations.
- ✓
Use the 'backup' option to save the running config before changes
Why this is correct
Backup provides a restore point for rollback.
- ✗
Use 'serial' directive to run the playbook on one switch at a time
Why it's wrong here
Serial execution does not guarantee consistency.
- ✗
Enable check mode to verify changes before applying
Why it's wrong here
Check mode only simulates, does not apply changes.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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