CCNA AI and Network Operations Practice Test 7 — 15 Questions

Question 1

Match each API interaction term to its most accurate description.

Accepted Answer

REST: An architectural style for designing networked applications, using stateless communication and standard HTTP methods.. GET is an HTTP method designed to retrieve data from a server without modifying resources. PUT is an HTTP method used to update or replace an existing resource at a given URI. HTTPS provides encrypted transport for the API exchange, ensuring confidentiality and integrity. A token serves as a credential-like value, often passed in headers, to authenticate and authorize API access.

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REST: A protocol for exchanging structured information in web services, using XML and built-in error handling.

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REST: A data format used to represent objects in API responses, often used with JavaScript.

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REST: A unique identifier for a specific resource on a web server, such as a URL or URN.

Question 2

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.

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It replaces the need for all physical network devices.

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It is a cabling standard for data center uplinks.

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It makes security controls unnecessary.

Question 3

Match each HTTP method to the action it most commonly represents in a REST-style API.

Accepted Answer

GET: Retrieve a resource. These HTTP methods correspond to standard CRUD operations in RESTful APIs. Each pairing matches the method with its typical action as defined in HTTP specifications.

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POST: Update a resource

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PUT: Delete a resource

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DELETE: Create a resource

Question 4

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.

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Because a JSON object cannot contain fields.

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Because arrays are used only for IPv6 interfaces.

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Because arrays eliminate the need for API authentication.

Question 5

Match each JSON term to its most accurate meaning.

Accepted Answer

Object: a collection of key/value pairs. JSON terms: Object is a collection of key/value pairs; Array is an ordered list; Key is the name; Value is the data; String is text in quotes; Boolean is true/false.

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Object: an ordered list of values

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Object: a single text value enclosed in double quotes

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Object: a true/false value

Question 6

Why would an orchestration platform prefer a northbound API over screen-scraping CLI output?

Accepted Answer

Because the northbound API provides a defined and structured interface intended for software interaction.. A northbound API is preferred because it is designed for software consumption. In practical terms, it provides a defined, structured, predictable interface that tools can interact with directly. Screen-scraping CLI output is much more fragile because CLI displays are primarily intended for human reading, not consistent machine parsing.

This is a practical architecture question. The API is the clean software interface. The CLI is useful for humans, but not usually the best primary interface for orchestration.

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Because APIs use encryption by default while CLI sessions are unencrypted.

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Because northbound APIs are designed for network-wide automation whereas screen-scraping only works on a single device.

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Because CLI commands are more error-prone due to human typing mistakes.

Question 7

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.

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Because HTTPS automatically replaces authentication.

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Because HTTPS is the only format that can carry JSON.

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Because HTTP cannot carry controller data at all.

Question 8

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 9

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.

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

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It removes the need for authentication and authorization.

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It works only on wireless networks.

Question 10

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.

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Because HTTPS removes the need for tokens and credentials.

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Because HTTPS is the only way JSON can be transmitted.

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Because HTTP cannot carry API requests at all.

Question 11

Match each programmability term to its most accurate meaning.

Accepted Answer

Northbound API: Interface between SDN controller and applications. Controller is the centralized management or policy platform that orchestrates network behavior. Northbound API is the application-facing interface that allows applications to communicate with the controller. JSON is a structured data format commonly used to exchange information between network devices and controllers. Token is a credential-like value used to authenticate and authorize access to network resources.

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Southbound API: Interface between SDN controller and network devices

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OpenFlow: Protocol for configuration management of network devices

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NETCONF: Protocol for forwarding plane control in SDN

Question 12

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.

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Because CLI output cannot be read by humans.

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Because APIs remove the need for authentication.

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Because orchestration software cannot use HTTPS.

Question 13

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.

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They replace the need for HTTPS.

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They automatically assign IP addresses to controllers.

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They convert API data into VLAN tags.

Question 14

Match each basic automation term to its most accurate meaning.

Accepted Answer

Automation: Use of technology to perform tasks with minimal human intervention. An API is a software interface that allows applications to communicate by defining how requests and responses are handled. JSON is a structured data format using key-value pairs, making it easy for machines to parse and generate. HTTPS provides secure transport by encrypting HTTP traffic with TLS, ensuring data confidentiality and integrity. A token acts as a credential-like value, often a bearer token, used to authenticate and authorize access to resources.

Question 15

Why is a northbound API valuable to orchestration systems in a controller-based architecture?

Accepted Answer

It provides a defined software interface through which orchestration tools can interact with the controller.. A northbound API is valuable because it provides a defined software interface for orchestration systems to interact with the controller programmatically. Option B is incorrect because northbound APIs do not enable direct device-to-device communication; that is a function of the data plane. Option C is incorrect because northbound APIs are logical software interfaces, not physical cables or ports. Option D is also incorrect as it mischaracterizes the API as a hardware standard.

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It allows network devices to communicate directly with each other without the controller.

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It is a physical interface used to connect the controller to the orchestration system.

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It is a physical cable standard for controller uplinks.