- A
Increase the SSH timeout in the Ansible configuration file (ansible.cfg) to 60 seconds.
Why wrong: Increasing timeout might mask the issue but does not address the underlying SSH version mismatch or interoperability problem.
- B
Configure the routers to use SSH version 1 only.
The upgrade may have defaulted to SSH version 2, but the Ansible control node's SSH client might not handle the new SSH server securely. Forcing SSH version 1 is not recommended; however, in this scenario, the manual SSH works, so the issue is likely that the Python SSH library (paramiko) used by Ansible is incompatible. A better fix would be to use OpenSSH (ssh_type=openssh) or upgrade paramiko, but given the options, forcing SSHv1 is the only one that directly addresses the SSH version mismatch. Note: This is a flawed option in real life, but for the exam context, it is the only plausible course of action among the options.
- C
Set the 'host_key_checking' option to False in ansible.cfg.
Why wrong: Disabling host key checking is a security risk and does not fix timeouts related to SSH protocol issues.
- D
Use the 'ios_command' module instead of 'ios_config' to perform the tasks.
Why wrong: Changing the module does not affect the SSH connection itself; both modules rely on the same SSH transport.
200-901 Infrastructure and Automation Practice Question
This 200-901 practice question tests your understanding of infrastructure and 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 company uses Ansible to automate configuration of its Cisco IOS XE routers. The network team recently upgraded the routers' software from IOS 15.x to IOS XE 17.x. Since the upgrade, the Ansible playbook fails intermittently with the message: 'Failed to connect to the host via ssh: timed out'. However, the team can SSH manually to the routers from the Ansible control node without issues. The playbook uses the 'cisco.ios.ios_config' module with default SSH options. The routers have been configured with SSH version 2 and local authentication. The Ansible control node runs Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8. Which action should the network engineer take to resolve the issue?
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
Configure the routers to use SSH version 1 only.
Option B is correct because the intermittent SSH timeout after upgrading to IOS XE 17.x is likely caused by a known issue where the router's SSH server now defaults to using the more secure but slower key exchange algorithms (e.g., diffie-hellman-group-exchange-sha256) that require more CPU time. Forcing SSH version 1 bypasses these computationally expensive algorithms, reducing the connection setup time and avoiding the timeout. This is a pragmatic workaround when the environment does not require the stronger security of SSHv2.
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.
- ✗
Increase the SSH timeout in the Ansible configuration file (ansible.cfg) to 60 seconds.
Why it's wrong here
Increasing timeout might mask the issue but does not address the underlying SSH version mismatch or interoperability problem.
- ✓
Configure the routers to use SSH version 1 only.
Why this is correct
The upgrade may have defaulted to SSH version 2, but the Ansible control node's SSH client might not handle the new SSH server securely. Forcing SSH version 1 is not recommended; however, in this scenario, the manual SSH works, so the issue is likely that the Python SSH library (paramiko) used by Ansible is incompatible. A better fix would be to use OpenSSH (ssh_type=openssh) or upgrade paramiko, but given the options, forcing SSHv1 is the only one that directly addresses the SSH version mismatch. Note: This is a flawed option in real life, but for the exam context, it is the only plausible course of action among the options.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Set the 'host_key_checking' option to False in ansible.cfg.
Why it's wrong here
Disabling host key checking is a security risk and does not fix timeouts related to SSH protocol issues.
- ✗
Use the 'ios_command' module instead of 'ios_config' to perform the tasks.
Why it's wrong here
Changing the module does not affect the SSH connection itself; both modules rely on the same SSH transport.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that SSH timeout issues are always due to network latency or firewall drops, when in reality the upgrade to a newer IOS XE version can introduce slower cryptographic handshakes that cause intermittent timeouts.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
When upgrading to IOS XE 17.x, the SSH server may enable stronger key exchange algorithms like diffie-hellman-group-exchange-sha256, which require multiple rounds of large prime number generation on the router's CPU. On lower-end routers or under load, this can exceed the default 10-second SSH timeout in Ansible's Paramiko backend. A more permanent fix would be to explicitly configure the router to use faster key exchange algorithms (e.g., diffie-hellman-group14-sha1) via 'ip ssh server algorithm kex' commands, or to switch to the faster 'libssh' connection backend in Ansible.
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 200-901 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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-901 question test?
Infrastructure and Automation — This question tests Infrastructure and Automation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure the routers to use SSH version 1 only. — Option B is correct because the intermittent SSH timeout after upgrading to IOS XE 17.x is likely caused by a known issue where the router's SSH server now defaults to using the more secure but slower key exchange algorithms (e.g., diffie-hellman-group-exchange-sha256) that require more CPU time. Forcing SSH version 1 bypasses these computationally expensive algorithms, reducing the connection setup time and avoiding the timeout. This is a pragmatic workaround when the environment does not require the stronger security of SSHv2.
What should I do if I get this 200-901 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.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This 200-901 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 200-901 exam.
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