The answer is an incorrect password, as the SSH permission denied error in Ansible for NX-OS almost always stems from authentication failure. Ansible relies on SSH to connect to network devices, and when the credentials provided in the playbook or inventory do not match what the NX-OS switch expects, the SSH session is rejected with a "Permission denied" message. On the Cisco DCCOR and CCNP Data Center Core 350-601 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how Ansible handles SSH connectivity to NX-OS, often appearing in troubleshooting questions where the playbook syntax is correct but the authentication parameters are wrong. A common trap is to suspect key-based authentication issues or SSH configuration problems, but the error explicitly points to credential mismatch. Remember the memory tip: "Permission denied? Check the password inside."
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.
Refer to the exhibit. An Ansible playbook targeting an NX-OS switch fails with this error. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The password is incorrect
The error message indicates an authentication failure during the SSH connection from Ansible to the NX-OS switch. Since Ansible uses SSH to execute tasks, a 'Permission denied' error most commonly points to incorrect credentials. The playbook likely specifies the wrong password for the given username, causing the SSH session to be rejected.
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.
✓
The password is incorrect
Why this is correct
'authentication failed' indicates wrong password or username, and password is the most common issue.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The username is incorrect
Why it's wrong here
The username is shown as 'admin', so likely correct; the error points to password.
✗
SSH is not enabled on the switch
Why it's wrong here
If SSH were not enabled, Ansible would fail to connect (timeout or connection refused).
✗
The Ansible version is incompatible with the switch
Why it's wrong here
Incompatibility would cause different errors, not authentication failure.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between SSH connectivity errors (e.g., 'Connection refused') and authentication errors (e.g., 'Permission denied'), leading candidates to mistakenly blame SSH configuration when the real issue is incorrect credentials.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The username is shown as 'admin', so likely correct; the error points to password.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Ansible connects to NX-OS switches via SSH using the 'paramiko' or 'libssh' library. The authentication process involves a password or SSH key exchange; a 'Permission denied' error occurs at the SSH protocol level (RFC 4252) when the server rejects the user authentication attempt. In Ansible, the 'ansible_password' or 'ansible_ssh_pass' variable must match the switch's local or AAA-configured password, and any mismatch triggers this exact error.
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 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
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: The password is incorrect — The error message indicates an authentication failure during the SSH connection from Ansible to the NX-OS switch. Since Ansible uses SSH to execute tasks, a 'Permission denied' error most commonly points to incorrect credentials. The playbook likely specifies the wrong password for the given username, causing the SSH session to be rejected.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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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