This 200-901 practice question tests your understanding of infrastructure and automation. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
An engineer needs to automate the backup of configuration files from multiple Cisco IOS devices to a central server. Which protocol is most appropriate for pushing configurations from the devices to the server?
TFTP
Why wrong: TFTP is insecure and not recommended for sensitive data.
FTP
Why wrong: FTP is not commonly used for Cisco device backups and is insecure.
HTTP
Why wrong: HTTP is not a standard protocol for device backups.
SCP
SCP uses SSH encryption, providing secure file transfer.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
SCP
SCP (Secure Copy Protocol) is the most appropriate choice because it provides encrypted, authenticated file transfers over SSH, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of Cisco IOS configuration backups. It is natively supported on Cisco IOS devices and allows secure push operations to a central server without requiring additional software.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
TFTP
Why it's wrong here
TFTP is insecure and not recommended for sensitive data.
FTP
Why it's wrong here
FTP is not commonly used for Cisco device backups and is insecure.
HTTP
Why it's wrong here
HTTP is not a standard protocol for device backups.
SCP
Why this is correct
SCP uses SSH encryption, providing secure file transfer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between secure and insecure file transfer protocols in automation contexts, and the trap here is that candidates may choose TFTP due to its simplicity and common use in lab environments, overlooking the security requirements for production backups.
Detailed technical explanation
SCP operates over TCP port 22 and leverages SSH for encryption, using the same authentication mechanisms (e.g., RSA keys or passwords). In a real-world scenario, an engineer might use an Ansible playbook with the `scp` module or a script invoking `ssh` and `scp` commands to automate backups, ensuring that configuration files are transferred securely even over untrusted networks.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
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FAQ
Infrastructure and Automation — This question tests Infrastructure and Automation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: SCP — SCP (Secure Copy Protocol) is the most appropriate choice because it provides encrypted, authenticated file transfers over SSH, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of Cisco IOS configuration backups. It is natively supported on Cisco IOS devices and allows secure push operations to a central server without requiring additional software.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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