200-901 Infrastructure and Automation Practice Question
A network team uses an Ansible playbook to automate the configuration of multiple Cisco IOS XE devices. The playbook includes the 'ios_config' module. Which of the following best describes the purpose of the 'provider' parameter in the ios_config module?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between the 'provider' parameter (connection details) and the 'lines' parameter (configuration commands), leading candidates to mistakenly think 'provider' specifies the configuration content.
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
✓
It defines the connection details for the device.
The 'provider' parameter in the ios_config module is a dictionary that encapsulates the connection details required to access the network device, such as hostname, username, password, port, and transport protocol (e.g., SSH). This allows the module to establish a session with the Cisco IOS XE device before applying configuration changes. Without the provider, the module would not know how to reach or authenticate to the target device.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
It defines the connection details for the device.
Why this is correct
Provider includes transport credentials.
- ✗
It identifies the name of the playbook being used.
Why it's wrong here
Playbook name is outside the module.
- ✗
It specifies the configuration lines to be applied.
Why it's wrong here
Configuration lines are specified by 'lines' parameter, not provider.
- ✗
It sets the timeout for the module execution.
Why it's wrong here
Timeout can be set but not the primary purpose of provider.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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