- A
NETCONF uses HTTP methods such as GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE to manipulate configuration data.
Why wrong: NETCONF uses XML-based Remote Procedure Calls (RPCs) over a secure transport like SSH or TLS, not HTTP methods.
- B
NETCONF uses XML-encoded RPCs over a secure transport such as SSH or TLS.
NETCONF encodes operations in XML and sends them as RPCs over a secure connection (SSH or TLS). This is a core characteristic of NETCONF.
- C
RESTCONF supports both XML and JSON encoding and uses HTTP methods.
RESTCONF is a RESTful protocol that uses HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) and supports both XML and JSON data formats for requests and responses.
- D
Both NETCONF and RESTCONF rely on YANG data models to define the structure of configuration and operational data.
YANG is the data modeling language used by both NETCONF and RESTCONF to define the hierarchical structure of data that can be configured or retrieved from network devices.
- E
NETCONF uses a separate commit operation to apply changes, while RESTCONF uses a similar commit mechanism.
Why wrong: NETCONF has a distinct commit operation to apply candidate configuration changes, but RESTCONF does not have a commit operation; changes are applied immediately with each HTTP request.
Quick Answer
The correct answer identifies three key characteristics: NETCONF uses XML-encoded RPCs over SSH or TLS, RESTCONF supports both XML and JSON encoding via standard HTTP methods, and both protocols rely on YANG data models to define configuration and operational data structures. NETCONF’s reliance on XML-encoded Remote Procedure Calls over a secure transport like SSH or TLS ensures a robust, session-oriented approach, while RESTCONF’s use of HTTP verbs (GET, POST, PUT, PATCH, DELETE) with XML or JSON encoding aligns with web-based APIs. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between the two protocols, with a common trap being the assumption that NETCONF uses HTTP methods or that RESTCONF has a separate commit operation. Remember the memory tip: “NETCONF is SSH+XML with a commit; RESTCONF is HTTP+JSON with instant changes.”
CCNA AI and Network Operations Practice Question
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of ai and network operations. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Which THREE statements accurately describe the characteristics of NETCONF and RESTCONF for programmatic network configuration?
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
NETCONF uses XML-encoded RPCs over a secure transport such as SSH or TLS.
NETCONF uses XML-encoded Remote Procedure Calls (RPCs) over a secure transport such as SSH or TLS, making option B correct. RESTCONF supports both XML and JSON encoding and uses standard HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, PATCH, DELETE), so option C is correct. Both NETCONF and RESTCONF rely on YANG data models to define the structure of configuration and operational data, confirming option D. Option A is incorrect because NETCONF does not use HTTP methods; that is a characteristic of RESTCONF. Option E is wrong because RESTCONF does not use a separate commit operation; changes are applied immediately with each HTTP request, unlike NETCONF's candidate config and commit model.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
NETCONF uses HTTP methods such as GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE to manipulate configuration data.
- ✓
NETCONF uses XML-encoded RPCs over a secure transport such as SSH or TLS.
- ✓
RESTCONF supports both XML and JSON encoding and uses HTTP methods.
- ✓
Both NETCONF and RESTCONF rely on YANG data models to define the structure of configuration and operational data.
Why this is correct
YANG is the data modeling language used by both NETCONF and RESTCONF to define the hierarchical structure of data that can be configured or retrieved from network devices.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
NETCONF uses a separate commit operation to apply changes, while RESTCONF uses a similar commit mechanism.
Why it's wrong here
NETCONF has a distinct commit operation to apply candidate configuration changes, but RESTCONF does not have a commit operation; changes are applied immediately with each HTTP request.
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.
✓NETCONF uses XML-encoded RPCs over a secure transport such as SSH or TLS.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
NETCONF encodes operations in XML and sends them as RPCs over a secure connection (SSH or TLS). This is a core characteristic of NETCONF.
✗NETCONF uses HTTP methods such as GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE to manipulate configuration data.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
NETCONF does not use HTTP methods; it uses XML-encoded Remote Procedure Calls (RPCs) over secure transports like SSH or TLS. HTTP methods are characteristic of RESTCONF, not NETCONF.
Why candidates choose this
Students may confuse NETCONF with RESTCONF, assuming both use HTTP methods since both are used for network configuration. The similar-sounding names and overlapping functionality can lead to this misconception.
✗NETCONF uses a separate commit operation to apply changes, while RESTCONF uses a similar commit mechanism.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
RESTCONF does not have a separate commit operation; changes are applied immediately with each HTTP request (e.g., PUT or POST). NETCONF uses a distinct commit operation to apply candidate configuration changes, but RESTCONF lacks this mechanism.
Why candidates choose this
Students might assume that because both protocols use YANG models and serve similar purposes, they would share a commit mechanism. However, RESTCONF follows RESTful principles where each request is atomic and immediately applied.
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?”
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that NETCONF uses HTTP methods like RESTCONF, leading candidates to incorrectly select option A as a correct statement about NETCONF.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NETCONF operates over a persistent, session-oriented connection (typically SSH) and uses XML-encoded RPCs to perform operations like <get-config>, <edit-config>, and <commit>. In contrast, RESTCONF uses stateless HTTP methods and can return data in either XML or JSON, making it lighter for web-based automation. A real-world scenario: a network engineer might use NETCONF for transactional, multi-step configuration changes (e.g., deploying a new VLAN across multiple devices) where atomicity is critical, while RESTCONF is preferred for quick, single-resource queries via a REST API.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
- →
AI and Network Operations — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
AI and Network Operations practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All 200-301 questions
1,819 questions across all exam domains
- →
CCNA 200-301 v2 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
200-301 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related 200-301 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Network Infrastructure and Connectivity practice questions
Practise 200-301 questions linked to Network Infrastructure and Connectivity.
Switching and Network Access practice questions
Practise 200-301 questions linked to Switching and Network Access.
IP Routing practice questions
Practise 200-301 questions linked to IP Routing.
Network Services and Security practice questions
Practise 200-301 questions linked to Network Services and Security.
AI and Network Operations practice questions
Practise 200-301 questions linked to AI and Network Operations.
CCNA subnetting practice questions
Practise IPv4 subnetting, CIDR, masks, host ranges and subnet selection.
CCNA OSPF practice questions
Practise OSPF neighbours, router IDs, metrics, areas and routing-table interpretation.
CCNA VLAN practice questions
Practise VLANs, access ports, trunks, allowed VLANs and switching scenarios.
CCNA STP practice questions
Practise spanning tree, root bridge election, port roles and STP troubleshooting.
CCNA EtherChannel practice questions
Practise LACP, PAgP, port-channel behaviour and bundle requirements.
CCNA ACL practice questions
Practise standard and extended ACLs, permit/deny logic and traffic filtering.
CCNA NAT practice questions
Practise static NAT, dynamic NAT, PAT and inside/outside address translation.
Practice this exam
Start a free 200-301 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-301 question test?
AI and Network Operations — This question tests AI and Network Operations — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: NETCONF uses XML-encoded RPCs over a secure transport such as SSH or TLS. — NETCONF uses XML-encoded Remote Procedure Calls (RPCs) over a secure transport such as SSH or TLS, making option B correct. RESTCONF supports both XML and JSON encoding and uses standard HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, PATCH, DELETE), so option C is correct. Both NETCONF and RESTCONF rely on YANG data models to define the structure of configuration and operational data, confirming option D. Option A is incorrect because NETCONF does not use HTTP methods; that is a characteristic of RESTCONF. Option E is wrong because RESTCONF does not use a separate commit operation; changes are applied immediately with each HTTP request, unlike NETCONF's candidate config and commit model.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.