EX294 Transform data with filters and plugins Practice Question
This EX294 practice question tests your understanding of transform data with filters and plugins. 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 DevOps team uses Ansible to manage a large fleet of web servers. They have a custom filter plugin, `custom_encrypt`, stored in `/opt/ansible/filter_plugins/custom_encrypt.py`. This filter works correctly in Ansible 2.9. After upgrading the control node to Ansible 2.14 (ansible-core 2.14), the filter is no longer found. The `ansible.cfg` includes `filter_plugins = /opt/ansible/filter_plugins` and the file permissions are 644. The team verified the Python file is valid and contains the correct `FilterModule` class with a `filters()` method. Which of the following is the most likely cause of the issue?
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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The filter plugin must be part of an Ansible collection because standalone filter plugins are deprecated.
Starting with ansible-core 2.12, standalone custom filter plugins placed directly in a directory are deprecated. The recommended approach is to package them into a collection. The filter is not part of any collection, and while the `filter_plugins` directory still works, it is deprecated and may stop working in future releases. In ansible-core 2.14, the behavior is unchanged, but the deprecation warning might indicate that the path is not being recognized if the plugin was not loaded correctly. However, the most likely cause given the upgrade is that the filter must be part of a collection for proper compatibility. Option A is incorrect because the `FilterModule` class is present. Option C is incorrect because the path is absolute and valid. Option D is incorrect because the plugin's name does not need to match the file name exactly (though it's good practice).
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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 `ansible.cfg` path must be under `~/.ansible/plugins/filter_plugins`.
Why it's wrong here
Custom paths are allowed and work if configured correctly.
✗
The filter plugin name must match the module name exactly.
Why it's wrong here
While naming consistency helps, it is not a requirement.
✗
The filter plugin is missing a `filters()` method.
Why it's wrong here
The team verified the method exists.
✓
The filter plugin must be part of an Ansible collection because standalone filter plugins are deprecated.
Why this is correct
Ansible 2.14 deprecates standalone plugins; collections are the recommended format.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related EX294 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Transform data with filters and plugins — This question tests Transform data with filters and plugins — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The filter plugin must be part of an Ansible collection because standalone filter plugins are deprecated. — Starting with ansible-core 2.12, standalone custom filter plugins placed directly in a directory are deprecated. The recommended approach is to package them into a collection. The filter is not part of any collection, and while the `filter_plugins` directory still works, it is deprecated and may stop working in future releases. In ansible-core 2.14, the behavior is unchanged, but the deprecation warning might indicate that the path is not being recognized if the plugin was not loaded correctly. However, the most likely cause given the upgrade is that the filter must be part of a collection for proper compatibility. Option A is incorrect because the `FilterModule` class is present. Option C is incorrect because the path is absolute and valid. Option D is incorrect because the plugin's name does not need to match the file name exactly (though it's good practice).
What should I do if I get this EX294 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related EX294 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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