Quick Answer
The answer is an Ansible playbook with the nxos_config backup option, as it provides the best combination of reliability and version history for automating backups of running-configurations across 200 Nexus switches. This solution leverages the nxos_config module’s built-in backup parameter, which idempotently pushes desired configurations while automatically creating timestamped backup files on the Ansible control node, ensuring consistent, repeatable execution and a clear version history without fragile scripting. On the Cisco DCCOR / CCNP Data Center Core 350-601 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of scalable automation for data center operations, often contrasting Ansible’s native backup feature against less reliable methods like manual SCP scripts or SNMP polling. A common trap is choosing a simple copy command, which lacks idempotency and version tracking. Remember the mnemonic: “Ansible’s backup flag gives you both a safety net and a time machine.”
This 350-601 practice question tests your understanding of automation. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 company wants to automate backup of running-configurations for 200 Nexus switches. Which solution provides the best combination of reliability and version history?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Manual backup via CLI
Why wrong: Manual, not scalable, no history.
Custom Python script using TFTP
Why wrong: TFTP is unreliable and no versioning.
Ansible playbook with the nxos_config backup option
Idempotent, stores backups with timestamps, supports diffs.
A cron job that SCPs config to a server
Why wrong: No versioning, overwrites previous configs.
Answer choices
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.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
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.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
A cron job that SCPs config to a server
Why it's wrong here
No versioning, overwrites previous configs.
Common exam traps
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.
Detailed technical explanation
The nxos_config module in Ansible leverages the NX-API or SSH to retrieve the running-config and saves it locally with a timestamp in the filename (e.g., config.<hostname>.<timestamp>). This approach ensures each backup is uniquely identified, enabling easy rollback to any previous state. In a real-world scenario with frequent configuration changes, this version history is critical for auditing and disaster recovery, whereas TFTP or SCP alone would require additional tooling to track versions.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Automation — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Automation — This question tests Automation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: 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.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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