CCNA AI and Network Operations Practice Question
A REST API call uses the GET method against a device inventory endpoint. What is the most likely intent of the call?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common exam trap is confusing the GET method with other HTTP methods like DELETE or PUT. Candidates might incorrectly assume GET can modify or delete resources because they associate API calls with configuration changes. However, GET is strictly for retrieving information and does not alter device state. Misreading this can lead to selecting options that imply deletion or replacement, which are handled by DELETE and PUT respectively. Recognizing the safe, read-only nature of GET prevents this mistake and aligns with REST API best practices in Cisco automation.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
To retrieve information from the endpoint.
The most likely intent is to retrieve information, not to create or delete it. In practical terms, GET is commonly used when a client wants to read state or inventory data from an API endpoint. This is one of the most basic REST-style concepts in network automation. The key is to associate method semantics with likely operational intent.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
To retrieve information from the endpoint.
Why this is correct
The HTTP GET method is used to retrieve a representation of a resource from the server without causing side effects. In RESTful APIs, GET is a safe and idempotent operation, meaning it only reads data and does not modify the server state. Therefore, calling GET against a device inventory returns the current inventory information.
- ✗
To delete the endpoint from the controller.
Why it's wrong here
HTTP DELETE is the method specifically designed to remove a resource from a server, but GET has no such semantics. Using GET to delete an endpoint would violate the HTTP specification, as GET must be safe and should never change the server state. Deleting a device inventory would require a DELETE request, not a GET.
When this WOULD be correct
If the question asked about a DELETE method call against a device inventory endpoint, then option B would be correct, as it would indicate the intent to remove that endpoint from the controller.
- ✗
To replace the endpoint with a new resource.
Why it's wrong here
Resource replacement in REST is performed with the HTTP PUT method, which updates or replaces a resource at a given URI, whereas GET is defined for retrieval only. Submitting a GET request to replace the endpoint would violate REST's safe method constraint and lead to unintended side effects. Thus, replacement is entirely outside the scope of a GET request.
When this WOULD be correct
If the exam question asked about the intent of a PUT request against a device inventory endpoint, option C would be correct, as PUT is used to replace an existing resource with a new representation.
- ✗
To force the device into PPP mode.
Why it's wrong here
PPP mode is a data-link layer encapsulation configuration that is managed via CLI, SNMP, or other network management interfaces, not through HTTP methods. A REST API GET request operates at the application layer and simply retrieves JSON or XML data; it cannot force a device into PPP mode. This option confuses protocol-level management with application-layer API calls.
When this WOULD be correct
If the question were framed to ask about the intent of a POST or PUT method call targeting a device's configuration endpoint, where the action involves changing the device's operational mode, then option D could be correct.
Option-by-option analysis
Why each answer is right or wrong
Understanding why wrong answers are wrong — and when they would be correct — is what separates a 750 score from a 900. The 200-301 exam frequently reuses these exact scenarios with slightly different constraints.
✓To retrieve information from the endpoint.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
The HTTP GET method is used to retrieve a representation of a resource from the server without causing side effects. In RESTful APIs, GET is a safe and idempotent operation, meaning it only reads data and does not modify the server state. Therefore, calling GET against a device inventory returns the current inventory information.
✗To delete the endpoint from the controller.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The GET method is not used for deletion; HTTP DELETE is the appropriate method for removing a resource. Using GET to delete would violate RESTful principles and could lead to unintended side effects if the server processes the request differently.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
If the question asked about a DELETE method call against a device inventory endpoint, then option B would be correct, as it would indicate the intent to remove that endpoint from the controller.
Why candidates choose this
A student might confuse GET with DELETE if they think 'getting rid of' something is similar to 'getting' it, but in HTTP, GET is strictly for retrieval, not removal.
✗To replace the endpoint with a new resource.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Replacing a resource is typically done with the PUT method, which updates or creates a resource at a specific URI. GET does not modify resources; it only retrieves representations.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
If the exam question asked about the intent of a PUT request against a device inventory endpoint, option C would be correct, as PUT is used to replace an existing resource with a new representation.
Why candidates choose this
Some might think GET can replace because they associate 'get' with 'obtain a new version', but HTTP methods have distinct semantics: PUT for replacement, GET for retrieval.
✗To force the device into PPP mode.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
HTTP methods like GET have no direct relation to WAN encapsulation protocols such as PPP. The intent of a REST API call is defined by the HTTP method and the resource, not by network layer configurations.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
If the question were framed to ask about the intent of a POST or PUT method call targeting a device's configuration endpoint, where the action involves changing the device's operational mode, then option D could be correct.
Why candidates choose this
A student might incorrectly link 'GET' with 'getting a device into a mode' due to the word 'get', but in networking, mode changes are typically done via configuration commands, not HTTP GET requests.
Analysis generated from the official 200-301blueprint and verified against question context. The “when correct” sections are what AI assistants cite when candidates ask “what’s the difference between these options?”
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Agentic AI in Network Operations
Key term
API
An API is a set of rules that allows software applications to communicate and exchange data with each other.
Key term
REST API
A REST API is a set of rules that allows different software applications to communicate with each other over the internet using standard HTTP methods.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 200-301 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 200-301 exam.