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200-901 Practice Question: A network administrator uses the Cisco IOS XE CLI…

A network administrator uses the Cisco IOS XE CLI to configure a router. They want to use a Python script to automate this configuration via the guest shell. Which library should they use to interact with the CLI from within the guest shell?

⚠ Common exam trap

Cisco often tests the distinction between on-box automation (using the `cli` library) and off-box automation (using libraries like paramiko, ncclient, or requests), and the trap here is that candidates may assume any SSH library (paramiko) works for local Guest Shell interaction, not realizing the `cli` library is purpose-built for direct host communication.

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

✓

cli

The `cli` library is a built-in Python module available within the Cisco Guest Shell that allows scripts to execute IOS XE CLI commands directly on the host device. This library provides functions like `cli.execute()` and `cli.configure()` to send commands and retrieve output, making it the correct choice for automating configuration via the Guest Shell without external dependencies.

Answer analysis

Option-by-option breakdown

For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.

  • ✓

    cli

    Why this is correct

    The cli library allows Python to execute IOS XE commands.

  • ✗

    requests

    Why it's wrong here

    requests is for HTTP, not CLI.

  • ✗

    ncclient

    Why it's wrong here

    ncclient is for NETCONF, not CLI.

  • ✗

    paramiko

    Why it's wrong here

    paramiko is for SSH, not needed in guest shell.

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JA

Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security

Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva

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.