def a_send_password(password, ctx):
    """Send the password text.

    Before sending the password local echo is disabled.
    If password not provided it disconnects from the device and raises ConnectionAuthenticationError exception.
    """
    if password:
        ctx.ctrl.send_command(password, password=True)
        return True
    else:
        ctx.ctrl.disconnect()
        raise ConnectionAuthenticationError("Password not provided", ctx.ctrl.hostname)