Junos Configuration Groups: Definition and Application
Which TWO statements about configuration groups in Junos are correct? (Choose two.)
Quick Answer
The correct answer is that the 'apply-groups' statement is used to include a group's configuration at a specific hierarchy level, and configuration groups are defined under the [edit groups] hierarchy. This works because Junos configuration groups act as reusable templates: you define a block of configuration under [edit groups], then reference it with apply-groups at any hierarchy level, from global to interface-specific, to inherit those settings without rewriting them. On the JNCIA-Junos exam, this concept tests your understanding of configuration inheritance and hierarchy—a common trap is confusing apply-groups with apply-groups-except, which excludes a group from a specific level. A strong memory tip is to think of groups as "configuration macros" and apply-groups as the "include directive" that pulls them into place, reducing duplication and simplifying large-scale device management.
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates confuse configuration groups with Junos's 'apply-path' or 'apply-macro' features, or mistakenly think groups are external files, when in fact they are defined inline under [edit groups] and applied via 'apply-groups'.
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
✓
Configuration groups are defined under the [edit groups] hierarchy.
Configuration groups in Junos are defined under the [edit groups] hierarchy. This allows you to create reusable configuration snippets that can be applied to multiple parts of the configuration, reducing duplication and simplifying management.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Configuration groups are defined under the [edit groups] hierarchy.
Why this is correct
Configuration groups are indeed defined under the 'groups' hierarchy and can be inherited.
- ✗
Configuration groups are stored in separate files that are imported using the 'file' statement.
Why it's wrong here
Configuration groups are part of the configuration hierarchy, not separate files.
- ✓
The 'apply-groups' statement is used to include a group's configuration at a specific hierarchy level.
Why this is correct
'apply-groups' is used to apply a group's configuration at the desired hierarchy level.
- ✗
The 'replace' tag is used to reference a configuration group.
Why it's wrong here
The 'replace' tag is used in other contexts, not to reference groups; 'apply-groups' is used.
- ✗
Configuration groups are applied only at the [edit interfaces] hierarchy level.
Why it's wrong here
Configuration groups can be applied at any hierarchy level, not just interfaces.
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on JN0-106
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which TWO statements about configuration groups are correct? (Choose two.)
medium- A.The 'apply-groups' statement is only valid at the top level of the configuration.
- B.Configuration groups can only contain interface-related configuration.
- C.The 'apply-groups' statement can be used to apply only specific statements from a group.
- ✓ D.Multiple groups can be applied, and the order of application determines priority.
- ✓ E.Configuration groups are defined under the 'groups' hierarchy.
Why D: When multiple configuration groups are applied, the order of the 'apply-groups' statements determines the priority: the last group listed has the highest priority and overrides conflicting settings from earlier groups. This allows administrators to layer configuration changes predictably, with more specific groups overriding more general ones.
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This JN0-106 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Juniper Networks 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 JN0-106 exam.