mediumMultiple Choice
350-401 Practice Question: Given the following Ansible playbook snippet: ---…
Given the following Ansible playbook snippet: --- - name: Configure EIGRP hosts: routers gather_facts: no tasks: - name: EIGRP config ios_config: lines: - router eigrp 100 - network 192.168.1.0 parents: router eigrp 100 What is the effect of this playbook?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates assume the `network` command in EIGRP defaults to a classful mask (like in older IOS versions or with RIP), but Cisco explicitly tests that EIGRP requires a wildcard mask, and omitting it causes a configuration failure.
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 fails because the network statement requires a wildcard mask.
The `network` statement in EIGRP requires a wildcard mask to define the exact interfaces on which EIGRP will run. Without a wildcard mask, the command `network 192.168.1.0` is incomplete and will be rejected by the Cisco IOS device, causing the playbook task to fail. The Ansible `ios_config` module sends the lines as-is to the device, so the missing wildcard mask results in a configuration 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.
- ✓
It fails because the network statement requires a wildcard mask.
Why this is correct
In Cisco IOS, the EIGRP `network` command requires a dotted-decimal wildcard mask to define the inverse of the subnet mask; for example, `network 192.168.1.0 0.0.0.255`. If the wildcard mask is omitted, the CLI parser rejects the command as invalid, and the playbook task fails with a configuration error, so no EIGRP network is advertised.
- ✗
It configures EIGRP AS 100 and advertises network 192.168.1.0/24.
Why it's wrong here
This option is incorrect. While entering EIGRP configuration mode with `router eigrp 100` does set the AS number to 100, the subsequent `network 192.168.1.0` command is syntactically invalid because it lacks the required wildcard mask. Since the playbook runs as a single configuration transaction, the invalid command aborts the entire task; therefore, no network is actually advertised and the configuration is not applied.
- ✗
It only enters EIGRP configuration mode without applying any network statement.
Why it's wrong here
The playbook attempts to execute both the `router eigrp 100` and `network 192.168.1.0` commands in sequence. The `router eigrp 100` command does enter EIGRP configuration mode, but the following `network` command is rejected by the device due to the missing wildcard mask. Because Ansible treats the task as failed when a command returns an error, the playbook stops before any EIGRP network statement is successfully applied, so the result is not a successful configuration mode entry.
- ✗
It works correctly because the network statement defaults to a classful mask.
Why it's wrong here
Unlike EIGRP's classful legacy behavior, but contrary to this option's claim, the modern IOS `network` command does not default to a classful mask when no wildcard is supplied. The command requires an explicit wildcard mask; without it, the CLI returns a `% Invalid input detected` error. Therefore, the command does not 'work correctly' — it fails entirely, reinforcing the need for the wildcard mask in automated configuration.
Visual reference
Quick reference
Routing Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Metric | Max Hops | Algorithm | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RIP v2 | Hop count | 15 | Bellman-Ford | Distance vector |
| OSPF | Cost (bandwidth) | Unlimited | Dijkstra (SPF) | Link state |
| EIGRP | Composite metric | Unlimited | DUAL | Hybrid |
| IS-IS | Cost | Unlimited | Dijkstra | Link state |
| BGP | Policy / attributes | Unlimited | Path vector | Path vector |
RIP's 15-hop limit makes it unsuitable for large networks. OSPF and EIGRP dominate modern enterprise deployments.
Go deeper
Related to this question
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SDN Controllers and Cisco ACI
Key term
Ansible for Network Automation
Ansible for Network Automation is an open-source tool that allows network engineers to automate the configuration, management, and deployment of network devices like routers and switches using simple text files instead of manual commands.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 350-401 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 350-401 exam.