300-435 Question 33
Select 3A network engineer is tasked with automating the configuration of multiple Cisco IOS XE devices across an enterprise network. The engineer wants to use tools that allow for declarative configuration, version control, and scalability while minimizing manual intervention. Which benefits of using tools like Ansible and Terraform for this task should the engineer consider?
- A
Declarative configuration enables easy definition of the desired state of network devices.
- B
Ansible and Terraform provide native support for all Cisco IOS XE features without requiring plugins or modules.
- C
Automation with these tools reduces manual errors and increases consistency across devices.
- D
Both tools integrate seamlessly with version control systems, enabling better change management.
- E
Using Ansible or Terraform eliminates the need for network engineers to understand device-specific configurations.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answers: A, C, D
Explanation
Ansible and Terraform are powerful tools for automating network configuration on Cisco IOS XE platforms. They enable declarative configuration, reduce errors, and promote consistency. Additionally, their integration with version control systems enhances collaboration and change management. However, engineers must still have a solid understanding of device-specific configurations and use plugins or modules for broader feature support.
- A. Correct.
Declarative configuration is a key feature of tools like Ansible and Terraform, making it easier to define and maintain the desired state of network devices.
- B. Incorrect.
While Ansible and Terraform support many Cisco IOS XE features, additional plugins or modules may be required for full compatibility, so this statement is incorrect.
- C. Correct.
Automation significantly reduces manual errors and ensures consistent configurations across devices, which is a primary advantage of using these tools.
- D. Correct.
Integration with version control systems allows for better tracking of configuration changes, rollbacks, and collaboration, which is a core benefit.
- E. Incorrect.
While these tools simplify network automation, network engineers still need to understand device-specific configurations to properly define the desired state.