The answer is that the playbook is missing the `connection: network_cli` and `become: yes` directives required for Cisco NX-OS. Ansible modules for network devices like the Nexus switch operate over a CLI or API transport, not the default SSH connection used for Linux hosts; without explicitly setting `connection: network_cli`, the playbook cannot properly communicate with the switch. Additionally, `become: yes` with `become_method: enable` is necessary to enter privileged EXEC mode, as most configuration tasks—like creating a VLAN—require elevated privileges. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this tests your understanding of Ansible’s network-specific connection requirements versus standard server automation, and it’s a common trap to forget these directives when writing playbooks for Cisco devices. A reliable memory tip is “CLI + Enable” for Cisco network automation: always pair `connection: network_cli` with `become: yes` to avoid privilege-related failures.
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 an Ansible playbook to configure a VLAN on a Cisco Nexus switch:
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The playbook is missing the 'connection: network_cli' and 'become: yes' directives to enable privileged mode.
The playbook does not specify the connection type or become method. For Cisco NX-OS, Ansible requires connection: network_cli and become: yes with become_method: enable (or ansible_connection: network_cli in inventory). Without these, the module may fail to execute.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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 module name is incorrect; it should be 'nxos_vlan_config' instead of 'nxos_vlan'.
Why it's wrong here
cisco.nxos.nxos_vlan is a valid module for VLAN configuration.
✓
The playbook is missing the 'connection: network_cli' and 'become: yes' directives to enable privileged mode.
Why this is correct
Network modules require network_cli connection and privilege escalation.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
The VLAN ID must be a string, not an integer.
Why it's wrong here
The vlan_id parameter accepts integers.
✗
The 'state: present' is invalid; it should be 'state: create'.
Why it's wrong here
state: present is correct for ensuring the VLAN exists.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Authentication checks who the user is.
Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
→Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
→Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
→Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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 Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 350-401 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Python for Network Automation — This question tests Python for Network Automation — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The playbook is missing the 'connection: network_cli' and 'become: yes' directives to enable privileged mode. — The playbook does not specify the connection type or become method. For Cisco NX-OS, Ansible requires connection: network_cli and become: yes with become_method: enable (or ansible_connection: network_cli in inventory). Without these, the module may fail to execute.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 350-401 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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