hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
200-901 Practice Question: In a Python application that uses the ncclient…
In a Python application that uses the ncclient library to manage Cisco devices via NETCONF, the developer encounters an error: 'ncclient.transport.errors.SessionCloseError: session closed on error'. Which of the following is the most likely cause?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between session-level errors (like timeout) and capability/operation errors, tempting candidates to pick a datastore or SSH key issue when the error explicitly mentions 'session closed'.
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 NETCONF session timed out due to inactivity
The 'SessionCloseError: session closed on error' in ncclient typically occurs when the NETCONF server (Cisco device) closes the session due to inactivity. NETCONF sessions have a default idle timeout (often 10 minutes on Cisco IOS-XE/IOS-XR). If the client does not send any RPCs or keepalive messages within that period, the server terminates the session, causing this error.
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 NETCONF session timed out due to inactivity
Why this is correct
Idle session timeouts are a common cause of SessionCloseError.
- ✗
The device does not support base NETCONF 1.0
Why it's wrong here
Lack of support for base NETCONF would cause a capability exchange failure, not a session close.
- ✗
The device's SSH key has changed
Why it's wrong here
A changed SSH key would cause an authentication or host key verification error, not a session close.
- ✗
The device does not support the candidate datastore
Why it's wrong here
Unsupported datastore leads to a capability error, not a session close error.
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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.