The answer is that a NETCONF session fails to establish on IOS-XE when NETCONF is not enabled or SSH is not configured for NETCONF. This is because NETCONF relies on SSH as its secure transport layer, using TCP port 830 by default; if the device has not been configured with the `netconf-yang` feature or SSH access is not permitted on that port, the session simply cannot negotiate. On the Cisco SPCOR 350-501 exam, this question tests your understanding of NETCONF’s dependency on SSH and basic transport configuration, often appearing as a trap where candidates mistakenly blame YANG module namespaces or NTP synchronization. Remember, session establishment is purely about enabling the service and opening the correct port—nothing else matters at that stage. A useful memory tip: “NETCONF needs SSH and port 830—no SSH, no handshake.”
350-501 Automation and Assurance Practice Question
This 350-501 practice question tests your understanding of automation and assurance. 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.
Which TWO are possible causes for a NETCONF session failing to establish with a Cisco IOS-XE device?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
TCP port 830 is blocked by a firewall
NETCONF over SSH requires SSH to be enabled and TCP port 830 (default) to be accessible. If NETCONF is not enabled, or port 830 is blocked, the session fails. YANG module namespace does not affect session establishment. Device platform (XR) is irrelevant as IOS-XR also supports NETCONF. NTP synchronization is not required for SSH.
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 device is running IOS-XR
Why it's wrong here
IOS-XR supports NETCONF, so this would not prevent session establishment.
✗
The YANG module namespace is incorrect
Why it's wrong here
YANG namespace is relevant for data operations, not for session establishment.
✗
NTP is not synchronized
Why it's wrong here
NTP synchronization is not required for NETCONF session establishment.
✓
TCP port 830 is blocked by a firewall
Why this is correct
NETCONF over SSH uses port 830 by default; if blocked, the TCP connection fails.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
NETCONF is not enabled or SSH is not configured for NETCONF
Why this is correct
If the device does not have NETCONF enabled or SSH is not configured for NETCONF, the session will not establish.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 350-501 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 350-501 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Automation and Assurance — This question tests Automation and Assurance — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: TCP port 830 is blocked by a firewall — NETCONF over SSH requires SSH to be enabled and TCP port 830 (default) to be accessible. If NETCONF is not enabled, or port 830 is blocked, the session fails. YANG module namespace does not affect session establishment. Device platform (XR) is irrelevant as IOS-XR also supports NETCONF. NTP synchronization is not required for SSH.
What should I do if I get this 350-501 question wrong?
Identify which 350-501 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
This 350-501 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 350-501 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.