The answer is that the cisco.ios collection is not installed on the Ansible control node. This is because the ios_vlans module is part of the cisco.ios collection, which must be present on the control node where Ansible runs, not on the managed switches themselves. The error "module not found" occurs when the control node lacks the collection or the playbook fails to reference it correctly, even though the switches are identical and properly configured. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this tests your understanding that Ansible collections are control-node dependencies, not device features—a common trap is assuming modules reside on the managed devices. Remember the memory tip: "Control node collects, switches just connect."
350-401 Ansible Automation Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of ansible automation. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
A network engineer is automating the deployment of VLAN configurations on a set of Cisco IOS-XE switches using Ansible. The playbook uses the ios_vlans module and runs successfully on the first switch, but fails on the second switch with an error indicating that the module is not found. Both switches are running the same IOS-XE version and have the same management access configured. What is the most likely cause of this issue?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The cisco.ios collection is not installed on the Ansible control node.
The ios_vlans module is part of the cisco.ios collection, which must be installed on the Ansible control node, not on the managed devices. The error 'module not found' typically indicates the collection is missing or not properly referenced in the playbook. The switches themselves do not need to have the module installed.
Key principle: A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
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 second switch does not have the ios_vlans module installed locally.
Why it's wrong here
Ansible modules run on the control node, not on the managed devices; the switch does not need the module installed.
✓
The cisco.ios collection is not installed on the Ansible control node.
Why this is correct
The ios_vlans module is part of the cisco.ios collection; without it, the playbook fails on any device.
Clue confirmation
The clue words "first", "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
✗
The second switch has a different SSH key that is not accepted by the Ansible control node.
Why it's wrong here
SSH key issues would cause connection failures, not a 'module not found' error.
✗
The playbook uses a fully qualified collection name (FQCN) incorrectly.
Why it's wrong here
An incorrect FQCN would cause a similar error, but the first switch succeeded, indicating the FQCN is correct.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: an active trunk can still block the VLAN you need
A trunk being up does not prove every VLAN is crossing it. Check allowed VLAN lists, native VLAN mismatch, VLAN existence and access-port assignment.
Trap categories for this question
Similar concept trap
An incorrect FQCN would cause a similar error, but the first switch succeeded, indicating the FQCN is correct.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
VLAN questions usually combine access-port and trunking clues. The key is to identify whether the issue is local to one switchport, caused by the trunk, or caused by the VLAN not existing where it needs to exist.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
Trunk ports carry multiple VLANs between switches.
Allowed VLAN lists decide which VLANs can cross a trunk.
Native VLAN mismatch can create confusing symptoms.
TExam Day Tips
→Use show vlan brief to verify access VLANs.
→Use show interfaces trunk to verify trunk state and allowed VLANs.
→Do not treat every same-VLAN issue as a routing problem.
Key takeaway
A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 350-401 question in full detail.
Review VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related 350-401 questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
Ansible Automation — This question tests Ansible Automation — Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The cisco.ios collection is not installed on the Ansible control node. — The ios_vlans module is part of the cisco.ios collection, which must be installed on the Ansible control node, not on the managed devices. The error 'module not found' typically indicates the collection is missing or not properly referenced in the playbook. The switches themselves do not need to have the module installed.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Review VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related 350-401 questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first", "most likely". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
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