- A
Increase the buffer size in the paramiko SSH client.
Why wrong: Incorrect because buffer size affects data transfer, not connection keepalive.
- B
Run a dummy command like 'show clock' every 30 seconds to keep the session active.
Why wrong: Incorrect because while this may work, it is not the best practice; it adds unnecessary commands and may interfere with the log output.
- C
Set the 'keepalive' parameter in the paramiko Transport object to send keepalive packets every 30 seconds.
Correct because keepalive packets prevent the firewall from closing the idle connection.
- D
Use the netmiko library instead, which automatically handles keepalives.
Why wrong: Incorrect because netmiko does not automatically enable keepalives; it uses paramiko under the hood and requires explicit configuration.
Quick Answer
The answer is to set the keepalive parameter in the paramiko Transport object to send keepalive packets every 30 seconds. This works because network devices like the Cisco ASA often have idle-timeout settings that terminate SSH sessions after a period of inactivity; by configuring a keepalive interval, the script sends a lightweight, encrypted packet through the transport layer at regular intervals, which resets the ASA’s inactivity timer without interfering with the ongoing command output. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of SSH session management and automation reliability—a common trap is confusing keepalive with buffer size or assuming a different library will magically fix the drop. Remember the mnemonic “Keep it alive, not just buffered” to distinguish keepalive from transport buffer adjustments.
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 is automating the collection of syslog messages from a Cisco ASA firewall using a Python script that connects via SSH and runs 'show log'. The script uses the paramiko library. The script works for a few minutes, but then the SSH connection drops with an error 'Server connection dropped'. The engineer suspects that the ASA is closing the connection due to inactivity. What is the best way to keep the connection alive?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"best"Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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
Set the 'keepalive' parameter in the paramiko Transport object to send keepalive packets every 30 seconds.
The correct answer is to enable keepalive packets in the SSH transport. Option A is incorrect because increasing the buffer size does not prevent disconnection. Option B is incorrect because running a command repeatedly may not be efficient and could interfere with the log collection. Option D is incorrect because using a different library does not automatically solve the keepalive issue.
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.
- ✗
Increase the buffer size in the paramiko SSH client.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because buffer size affects data transfer, not connection keepalive.
- ✗
Run a dummy command like 'show clock' every 30 seconds to keep the session active.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because while this may work, it is not the best practice; it adds unnecessary commands and may interfere with the log output.
- ✓
Set the 'keepalive' parameter in the paramiko Transport object to send keepalive packets every 30 seconds.
Why this is correct
Correct because keepalive packets prevent the firewall from closing the idle connection.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Use the netmiko library instead, which automatically handles keepalives.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because netmiko does not automatically enable keepalives; it uses paramiko under the hood and requires explicit configuration.
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
Incorrect because while this may work, it is not the best practice; it adds unnecessary commands and may interfere with the log output.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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.
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Python for Network Automation — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-401 question test?
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: Set the 'keepalive' parameter in the paramiko Transport object to send keepalive packets every 30 seconds. — The correct answer is to enable keepalive packets in the SSH transport. Option A is incorrect because increasing the buffer size does not prevent disconnection. Option B is incorrect because running a command repeatedly may not be efficient and could interfere with the log collection. Option D is incorrect because using a different library does not automatically solve the keepalive issue.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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.
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