200-901 Infrastructure and Automation Practice Question
A Python script using the ncclient library connects to a Cisco IOS-XE device to retrieve the running configuration. The script raises an exception: 'TimeoutError: Session timed out'. Which is the most likely cause?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between connection-level errors (like timeouts) and protocol-level errors (like capability mismatches or malformed payloads), so candidates must identify that a timeout points to a network connectivity issue rather than a configuration or data format problem.
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
✓
The SSH port (830) is blocked by a firewall
The ncclient library uses NETCONF over SSH, which by default connects to TCP port 830. A 'TimeoutError: Session timed out' indicates that the TCP connection to the device could not be established within the timeout period. The most likely cause is that a firewall is blocking port 830, preventing the SSH session from being initiated.
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 does not support NETCONF
Why it's wrong here
If not supported, ncclient would get a connection refused error, not a timeout.
- ✓
The SSH port (830) is blocked by a firewall
Why this is correct
If port 830 is blocked, the connection cannot be established, leading to a timeout.
- ✗
The device's running configuration is too large
Why it's wrong here
A large configuration might cause slow response but not necessarily a timeout, and often ncclient handles streaming.
- ✗
The XML payload is malformed
Why it's wrong here
Malformed XML would cause an RPC error, not a timeout.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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