The answer is that the script will fail because Cisco IOS does not support SSH command execution via exec_command() and instead requires an interactive shell session. Paramiko’s exec_command() method opens a single channel for a non-interactive command, which works on Linux servers but not on Cisco IOS devices, as these expect an SSH shell to be established before sending commands. This distinction is critical for the ENCOR 350-401 exam, which often tests your understanding of how network devices differ from standard Linux hosts in automation contexts—a common trap is assuming exec_command() works universally. The exam may present this as a script debugging scenario, where the output is empty or an error occurs because the command never truly executes. Remember the memory tip: “Cisco needs a shell, not a single spell”—meaning you must invoke an interactive shell (via invoke_shell()) or use a library like Netmiko that handles this automatically.
350-401 Python for Network Automation Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of python for network 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 writes a Python script using Paramiko to execute a command on a Cisco IOS device:
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The script will fail because Cisco IOS does not support SSH command execution; it requires an interactive shell session.
Paramiko's exec_command() is designed for SSH command execution, but Cisco IOS devices do not support direct command execution via SSH like Unix systems. Instead, the device expects an interactive shell. The command may not execute or may return an error because the SSH channel is not a shell. Netmiko or similar libraries handle this by opening a shell and sending commands.
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.
✗
The script will work fine because exec_command() sends the command over SSH.
Why it's wrong here
Cisco IOS does not support exec_command() directly; it requires an interactive shell.
✗
The script will fail because the username and password are passed as plaintext; Paramiko requires key-based authentication.
Why it's wrong here
Paramiko supports password authentication.
✓
The script will fail because Cisco IOS does not support SSH command execution; it requires an interactive shell session.
Why this is correct
Paramiko's exec_command() opens a single channel that may not work with IOS; using invoke_shell() is needed.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The script will fail because the output should be read using stdout.readlines() instead of stdout.read().
Why it's wrong here
Both methods work, but read() is fine.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Cisco IOS does not support exec_command() directly; it requires an interactive shell.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 practitioner preparing for the 350-401 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 350-401 question in full detail.
Identify which 350-401 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Python for Network Automation — This question tests Python for Network Automation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The script will fail because Cisco IOS does not support SSH command execution; it requires an interactive shell session. — Paramiko's exec_command() is designed for SSH command execution, but Cisco IOS devices do not support direct command execution via SSH like Unix systems. Instead, the device expects an interactive shell. The command may not execute or may return an error because the SSH channel is not a shell. Netmiko or similar libraries handle this by opening a shell and sending commands.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Identify which 350-401 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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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