Question 1,362 of 2,015

REST APIs and Data Models →hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

Quick Answer

The answer is that the engineer should use the uri module with the REST API instead of the iosxr_config module. This is because the iosxr_config module is designed exclusively for CLI-based connections using network_cli, not for RESTCONF; when paired with an invalid ansible_connection: restconf setting, the module cannot properly parse the device’s REST API response, so it defaults to reporting changed: false even after successful changes. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this question tests your understanding that Ansible’s RESTCONF support requires either a dedicated module like iosxr_restconf or the generic uri module, and that ansible_connection: restconf is not a valid connection plugin—the correct plugin is ansible.netcommon.restconf. A common trap is assuming any module works with any connection type, but the key is matching the module to the transport. Memory tip: “CLI for config, REST for uri—don’t mix the two or your changes will be invisible.”

350-401 REST APIs and Data Models Practice Question

This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of rest apis and data models. 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 team is using Ansible with the iosxr_config module to push configuration changes to a Cisco IOS-XR router. The playbook uses the REST API via the 'ansible_connection: restconf' setting. The engineer notices that the changes are applied but the playbook reports 'changed: false' even when changes were made. What is the most likely reason for this behavior?

Clue words in this question

Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.

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.

Question 1hardmultiple choice

Read the full Ansible explanation →

A
The REST API on the router does not return a proper response, so Ansible cannot determine if a change occurred.
Why wrong: Incorrect because the REST API does return responses; the issue is with how Ansible is configured.
B
The engineer should use the 'uri' module with the REST API instead of the 'iosxr_config' module.
Correct because 'iosxr_config' is for CLI-based connections; for RESTCONF, the 'uri' module or a dedicated RESTCONF module should be used.
C
The playbook is missing the 'gather_facts: no' directive, causing Ansible to skip change detection.
Why wrong: Incorrect because gather_facts does not affect change detection for RESTCONF operations.
D
The router requires a commit operation after configuration changes, and Ansible does not perform that.
Why wrong: Incorrect because IOS-XR with RESTCONF may require commit, but the issue is the module choice, not the commit.

Full breakdown with real-world context →

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

✓

The engineer should use the 'uri' module with the REST API instead of the 'iosxr_config' module.

When using RESTCONF, the Ansible module may not detect changes if the module does not properly parse the response from the device. However, in this scenario, the issue is that the 'iosxr_config' module is designed for CLI-based connections, not RESTCONF. The correct approach is to use a module like 'iosxr_restconf' or a generic 'uri' module. The 'ansible_connection: restconf' is not a valid connection type for Ansible; Ansible uses 'network_cli' or 'ansible.netcommon.restconf' connection plugin. The engineer should use the 'uri' module or a dedicated RESTCONF module.

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 REST API on the router does not return a proper response, so Ansible cannot determine if a change occurred.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because the REST API does return responses; the issue is with how Ansible is configured.
✓
The engineer should use the 'uri' module with the REST API instead of the 'iosxr_config' module.
Why this is correct
Correct because 'iosxr_config' is for CLI-based connections; for RESTCONF, the 'uri' module or a dedicated RESTCONF module should be used.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The playbook is missing the 'gather_facts: no' directive, causing Ansible to skip change detection.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because gather_facts does not affect change detection for RESTCONF operations.
✗
The router requires a commit operation after configuration changes, and Ansible does not perform that.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because IOS-XR with RESTCONF may require commit, but the issue is the module choice, not the commit.

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.

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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FAQ

Questions learners often ask

What does this 350-401 question test?

REST APIs and Data Models — This question tests REST APIs and Data Models — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..

What is the correct answer to this question?

The correct answer is: The engineer should use the 'uri' module with the REST API instead of the 'iosxr_config' module. — When using RESTCONF, the Ansible module may not detect changes if the module does not properly parse the response from the device. However, in this scenario, the issue is that the 'iosxr_config' module is designed for CLI-based connections, not RESTCONF. The correct approach is to use a module like 'iosxr_restconf' or a generic 'uri' module. The 'ansible_connection: restconf' is not a valid connection type for Ansible; Ansible uses 'network_cli' or 'ansible.netcommon.restconf' connection plugin. The engineer should use the 'uri' module or a dedicated RESTCONF module.

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

Are there clue words in this question I should notice?

Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.

What is the key concept behind this question?

Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.

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