CCNA AI and Network Operations Practice Test 10 — 15 Questions

Question 1

Match each automation transport or interaction term to its most accurate description.

Accepted Answer

RESTCONF: A stateless, HTTP-based protocol that uses RESTful APIs and supports both XML and JSON data encoding.. Options A and B are correct. RESTCONF is a stateless, HTTP-based protocol that supports both XML and JSON encoding. NETCONF is a stateful, RPC-based protocol that uses XML encoding and operates over SSH or TLS. Option C is incorrect because gRPC is an RPC framework that can support both stateless and stateful interactions, but it is not stateless; it uses HTTP/2 and Protocol Buffers. Option D is incorrect because SSH is a stateful protocol that establishes an encrypted session for secure remote access and file transfers.

Answer

gRPC: A stateless, HTTP/2-based protocol that uses Protocol Buffers for data serialization.

Answer

SSH: A stateless, secure shell protocol used for remote CLI access and file transfers.

Question 2

Why might an automation script prefer a token-based API session over repeatedly prompting a human operator for credentials?

Accepted Answer

Because tokens support controlled repeated API access in a way that is practical for automation workflows.. Token-based API sessions allow scripts to make repeated, programmatic requests without requiring a human to re-enter credentials each time. This makes them more practical for automation workflows than constant interactive prompts. Options B, C, and D are incorrect: tokens do not eliminate the need for security controls (they still require proper management like expiration and revocation); they have nothing to do with VLAN creation; and they do not replace routing protocols—tokens are strictly used for authentication and authorization in API interactions.

Answer

Because tokens eliminate the need for any security controls.

Answer

Because tokens automatically create VLANs on the switch.

Answer

Because tokens replace all routing protocols.

Question 3

Which two statements accurately describe APIs in controller-based networking?

Accepted Answer

They provide a defined interface through which software can communicate with the controller.. APIs are important in controller-based networking because they give external software a defined way to request data or trigger changes on the controller. In plain language, they make the controller accessible to automation tools, dashboards, orchestration systems, and custom scripts. This helps integrate the controller into broader workflows. APIs do not eliminate the need for security controls, but they do make software-driven operations possible.

The wrong answers usually confuse APIs with physical interfaces or claim that they remove the need for authentication. The two correct answers are the ones focused on programmatic access and software integration.

Answer

They replace all need for forwarding devices.

Answer

They remove the need for authentication and authorization.

Answer

They are Ethernet cabling standards.

Question 4

Why is HTTPS usually preferred over HTTP when accessing controller APIs?

Accepted Answer

Because HTTPS provides encrypted transport for sensitive API communication.. HTTPS is preferred because it protects the API traffic in transit with encryption. In plain language, controller APIs may carry credentials, tokens, device state, or configuration data, and sending that information in clear text over plain HTTP would expose it to interception. HTTPS helps protect that communication channel.

This does not make HTTPS a data format or an access policy by itself, but it is a major transport-security improvement. The correct answer is the one focused on secure transport for sensitive API traffic.

Answer

Because HTTPS provides better throughput for API responses

Answer

Because HTTPS replaces the need for authentication.

Answer

Because HTTPS is the only protocol that can carry JSON.

Question 5

Match each controller or automation term to its most accurate description.

Accepted Answer

PLC: Industrial computer used for automation of electromechanical processes. PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) is an industrial computer for automating electromechanical processes. SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) is a system for remote monitoring and control. DCS (Distributed Control System) controls production processes within a plant. RTU (Remote Terminal Unit) interfaces with sensors and actuators in remote locations. All given pairings are correct.

Question 6

Match each common API or data term to its most accurate meaning.

Accepted Answer

API: Defined software interface used for communication. API (Application Programming Interface) is a defined set of rules that allows software components to communicate, matching 'Defined software interface used for communication.' JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a lightweight data-interchange format with key-value pairs, matching 'Structured data format.' HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) encrypts HTTP traffic using TLS/SSL, providing secure transport, matching 'Secure transport for the communication.' Token is a unique string used for authentication and authorization, matching 'Credential-like value used to help control access.'

Question 7

Why is a northbound API valuable to orchestration tools in a controller-based network?

Accepted Answer

It gives orchestration tools a defined software interface to interact with the controller.. A northbound API is valuable because it gives orchestration tools a defined way to request data and trigger changes on the controller programmatically. In plain language, the tool can interact with the controller through software rather than relying on manual device-by-device operations. That makes higher-level automation and service coordination possible.

The controller is the platform, and the northbound API is the application-facing interface into it. The correct answer is the one focused on orchestration and software-driven interaction.

Answer

It replaces the need for all physical network devices.

Answer

It is a cabling standard for data center uplinks.

Answer

It makes security controls unnecessary.

Question 8

Why might a controller return interface information as a JSON array instead of a single JSON object?

Accepted Answer

Because an array is the appropriate structure for an ordered list of multiple interface entries.. A controller might return interface information as a JSON array because there are multiple interface records to present as a list. In practical terms, an array is the correct structure when the response includes several similar items, such as multiple interfaces, routes, or VLANs. Each element in the array can then be its own object with fields like name, status, or IP address.

This is a data-structure recognition question. It is not about networking behavior directly, but about understanding how automation systems represent repeated information.

Answer

Because a JSON object cannot contain fields.

Answer

Because arrays are used only for IPv6 interfaces.

Answer

Because arrays eliminate the need for API authentication.

Question 9

Why is HTTPS usually preferred over HTTP when accessing a controller API?

Accepted Answer

Because HTTPS provides encrypted transport for API traffic.. HTTPS is preferred because it protects the communication with encryption while it crosses the network. In practical terms, controller APIs often carry tokens, credentials, device state, or configuration information that should not be exposed in clear text. HTTPS helps protect those requests and responses in transit.

This does not make HTTPS the same thing as JSON, nor does it remove the need for authentication. It is simply the more secure transport choice for sensitive API communication.

Answer

Because HTTPS automatically replaces authentication.

Answer

Because HTTPS is the only format that can carry JSON.

Answer

Because HTTP cannot carry controller data at all.

Question 10

Match each API or programmability term to its most accurate meaning.

Accepted Answer

Controller: Centralized management or policy platform. The 'Controller' is a centralized platform that manages network devices and enforces policies. The 'Northbound API' provides an interface for applications and users to interact with the controller. 'JSON' is a lightweight, structured data format commonly used to exchange data in API payloads. A 'Token' is a credential-like value used to authenticate and authorize API requests, ensuring secure access to the controller.

Question 11

Which two statements accurately describe controller-based networking?

Accepted Answer

It can centralize management and policy decisions.. Controller-based networking centralizes certain management and policy functions and commonly exposes APIs for software interaction. In practical terms, the controller becomes the coordination point while outside applications or automation tools can talk to it through structured interfaces. This does not eliminate the need for actual forwarding devices, but it changes how the network is managed.

The wrong answers usually go too far and pretend the controller replaces everything. The two correct answers are the ones that keep centralization and programmability as the core ideas.

Answer

It eliminates the need for network devices such as switches and routers.

Answer

It removes the need for authentication and authorization.

Answer

It works only on wireless networks.

Question 12

Why is HTTPS preferred over HTTP when accessing sensitive controller APIs?

Accepted Answer

Because HTTPS encrypts the API traffic in transit.. HTTPS is preferred because it encrypts the traffic in transit. In practical terms, sensitive controller APIs may carry tokens, credentials, operational details, and configuration data. Sending that information over plain HTTP would expose it to interception on the network. HTTPS reduces that risk by protecting the session.

This does not make HTTPS a replacement for authentication. It is a transport-security choice that works alongside access control, not instead of it.

Answer

Because HTTPS removes the need for tokens and credentials.

Answer

Because HTTPS is the only way JSON can be transmitted.

Answer

Because HTTP cannot carry API requests at all.

Question 13

Why is a northbound API generally more useful to orchestration software than a human-readable CLI screen?

Accepted Answer

Because the API provides a structured interface intended for software interaction.. A northbound API is more useful because it is designed for structured software interaction. In practical terms, orchestration systems need predictable data and predictable request methods. Human-readable CLI output is optimized for people, not for stable machine parsing. APIs provide the cleaner contract between the controller and the automation platform.

This is a core programmability idea. Human-readable output is useful for operators, but structured APIs are better for software systems.

Answer

Because CLI output cannot be read by humans.

Answer

Because APIs remove the need for authentication.

Answer

Because orchestration software cannot use HTTPS.

Question 14

Why are tokens commonly used in API workflows instead of sending raw credentials with every request?

Accepted Answer

They allow controlled repeated API access without resending raw credentials on every request.. Tokens are commonly used because they provide a more controlled and practical way to manage repeated API access. In practical terms, a client can authenticate, receive a token, and then present that token on later requests instead of resending a username and password every time. That makes automation workflows easier to operate while still fitting into an access-control model.

This does not eliminate the need for transport security or authorization. It simply provides a common mechanism for controlled repeated API access.

Answer

They replace the need for HTTPS.

Answer

They automatically assign IP addresses to controllers.

Answer

They convert API data into VLAN tags.

Question 15

Match each basic automation term to its most accurate meaning.

Accepted Answer

Automation: Use of technology to perform tasks with minimal human intervention. Automation refers to the use of technology to perform tasks with minimal human intervention, reducing manual effort and errors. Orchestration is the coordination of multiple automated tasks into a seamless workflow, ensuring proper sequencing and dependencies. A script is a set of instructions written in a scripting language that is executed by an interpreter, often used to automate repetitive tasks. A workflow is a defined sequence of steps that accomplishes a specific business process, which can be automated to streamline operations.