200-901 Infrastructure and Automation Practice Question
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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
---
- name: Configure interfaces
hosts: switches
gather_facts: no
tasks:
- name: Set interface description
ios_config:
lines:
- description Lab-Interface
parents: interface GigabitEthernet0/1
In the Ansible playbook snippet, what connection method is typically used for the ios_config module to communicate with the devices?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
network_cli
The ios_config module is designed for Cisco IOS devices and requires a persistent network connection to send configuration commands. The network_cli connection method establishes an SSH session that remains open for the duration of the playbook task, allowing the module to send multiple CLI commands and handle prompts. This is the recommended connection method for ios_config because it supports privilege escalation and command responses needed for configuration changes.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
local
Why it's wrong here
local connection runs tasks on the control node, not on remote devices.
✓
network_cli
Why this is correct
The ios_config module requires the network_cli connection to send CLI commands over SSH.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
netconf
Why it's wrong here
netconf is used for NETCONF-based modules, not ios_config.
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between connection methods by making candidates think 'local' is correct because it runs on the control node, but the trap is that ios_config requires a persistent SSH session to the device, which only network_cli provides.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The network_cli connection method leverages Ansible's internal SSH connection plugin that maintains a persistent SSH session using paramiko or OpenSSH, enabling the ios_config module to send commands line-by-line and wait for device prompts (e.g., '#' or '>'). This is critical for handling configuration mode transitions and commit operations. In real-world scenarios, using the wrong connection method can cause the playbook to fail silently or leave devices in an inconsistent state, especially when applying complex configurations like ACLs or VLANs.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Infrastructure and Automation — This question tests Infrastructure and Automation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: network_cli — The ios_config module is designed for Cisco IOS devices and requires a persistent network connection to send configuration commands. The network_cli connection method establishes an SSH session that remains open for the duration of the playbook task, allowing the module to send multiple CLI commands and handle prompts. This is the recommended connection method for ios_config because it supports privilege escalation and command responses needed for configuration changes.
What should I do if I get this 200-901 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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