Question 1,373 of 2,015

Ansible Automation →mediumMatchingObjective-mapped

Quick Answer

The answer is paramiko, which is the pure Python SSH implementation used as a fallback when native SSH is unavailable. This is correct because paramiko provides a portable, library-based SSH client that does not rely on the system’s OpenSSH, making it essential for environments where native SSH is missing or restricted. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this connection type appears in drag-and-drop tasks matching Ansible connection types to their protocols—paramiko specifically pairs with SSH as a fallback, while network_cli also uses SSH for CLI commands, netconf uses SSH for NETCONF XML, and httpapi uses HTTP/HTTPS for REST APIs like NX-API. A common trap is confusing paramiko with network_cli, since both use SSH, but paramiko is the Python-only fallback, not the default. Memory tip: think “paramiko = Python SSH fallback,” and remember that network_cli, netconf, and httpapi all rely on SSH or HTTP/HTTPS, but only paramiko is the pure Python safety net.

350-401 Ansible Automation Practice Question

This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of ansible automation. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.

Drag and drop each Ansible connection type on the left to its matching protocol on the right.

Question 1mediummatching

Read the full Ansible explanation →

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

✓

network_cli: SSH-based CLI connection to network devices

network_cli uses SSH for CLI commands, netconf uses SSH for NETCONF XML, httpapi uses HTTP/HTTPS for REST APIs (e.g., NX-API).

Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.

Common exam traps

Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic

NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.

Detailed technical explanation

How to think about this question

NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.

KKey Concepts to Remember

Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.

TExam Day Tips

Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.

Key takeaway

NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.

Real-world example

How this comes up in practice

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

Got this wrong? Here's your next step.

Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 350-401 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.

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FAQ

Questions learners often ask

What does this 350-401 question test?

Ansible Automation — This question tests Ansible Automation — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..

What is the correct answer to this question?

The correct answer is: network_cli: SSH-based CLI connection to network devices — network_cli uses SSH for CLI commands, netconf uses SSH for NETCONF XML, httpapi uses HTTP/HTTPS for REST APIs (e.g., NX-API).

What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?

What is the key concept behind this question?

Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.

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Same concept, more angles

1 more ways this is tested on 350-401

These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.

Variation 1. Drag and drop each Ansible connection type on the left to its matching protocol on the right.

medium

✓ P1.network_cli: SSH-based connection for Cisco IOS/IOS-XE CLI
✓ P2.netconf: SSH-based connection for NETCONF protocol
✓ P3.httpapi: HTTP/HTTPS-based connection for REST APIs
✓ P4.local: Runs modules on the control node, not on the target
✓ P5.paramiko: Pure Python SSH implementation for legacy devices

Why P1: network_cli uses SSH for CLI-based devices; netconf uses SSH for NETCONF-based devices; httpapi uses HTTP/HTTPS for REST APIs like NX-API or IOS-XE RESTCONF.

Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026

Question Discussion

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