The answer is to use the 'backup' option in the Ansible nxos_config module to save the running configuration before changes are applied. This option creates a timestamped backup file on the Ansible control node, preserving the exact pre-change state so that if a Nexus switch fails to apply the new configuration correctly, you can perform a reliable rollback to the known-good baseline. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of idempotency and configuration recovery in network automation—a common trap is assuming the module automatically reverts failed changes, but without the backup flag, the original config is lost. Remember the memory tip: "Backup before you break" to ensure every switch has a rollback path, preventing the inconsistent state described in the question.
350-601 Automation Practice Question
This 350-601 practice question tests your understanding of 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 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?
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.
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.
✗
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.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
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.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates 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.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, the 'nxos_config' module uses NX-API or SSH to push CLI commands to the switch. The 'backup' option triggers a 'show running-config' before any changes, storing the output locally. In real-world scenarios, network devices may reject commands due to syntax errors, resource constraints, or version mismatches; having a backup allows the playbook to automatically restore the previous state using the 'restore' option or manual intervention, ensuring configuration consistency across the fleet.
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.
TExam Day Tips
→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 350-601 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 exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Automation — This question tests Automation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: 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.
What should I do if I get this 350-601 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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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