- A
SSH: Provides secure remote access to network devices using encryption, typically on TCP port 22.
SSH (Secure Shell) is the standard protocol for secure remote administration, encrypting all traffic including passwords. It uses TCP port 22 and is the recommended replacement for Telnet.
- B
Telnet: Provides secure remote access to network devices using encryption, typically on TCP port 23.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because Telnet does not provide encryption; it transmits data (including passwords) in plaintext. Telnet uses TCP port 23.
- C
HTTP: Provides secure remote access to network devices using encryption, typically on TCP port 80.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because HTTP is not encrypted and is used for web traffic, not primarily for remote device access. HTTPS (port 443) provides encryption.
- D
FTP: Provides secure remote access to network devices using encryption, typically on TCP port 21.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because FTP is a file transfer protocol, not for remote access, and it transmits credentials in plaintext. SFTP or FTPS provide encryption.
Quick Answer
The answer is SSH, which provides secure remote access to network devices by encrypting the entire session, typically over TCP port 22. This encryption protects authentication credentials and command data from eavesdropping or tampering, unlike Telnet which sends everything in plaintext. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this distinction is tested through drag-and-drop tasks where you must pair SSH with secure remote access, while Telnet is matched with unencrypted remote access. A common trap is confusing SSH with other management protocols like NETCONF or RESTCONF; remember that SSH is the secure transport layer, whereas NETCONF uses SSH on port 830 for XML-based device configuration. The exam expects you to know that SSH is the go-to for encrypted CLI access, while Telnet is legacy and insecure. Memory tip: “Secure Shell, Secure Session” — if it needs encryption, think SSH on port 22.
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.
Drag and drop the protocols/technologies on the left to the descriptions on the right.
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
SSH: Provides secure remote access to network devices using encryption, typically on TCP port 22.
NETCONF uses XML-encoded RPCs over SSH (port 830) for device configuration. RESTCONF uses HTTP/HTTPS methods with JSON or XML. YANG is a data modeling language defining structure of configuration/state data. gRPC is a high-performance RPC framework using Protocol Buffers over HTTP/2. OpenConfig provides vendor-neutral YANG models. These pairings reflect their primary characteristics as tested on the CCNA.
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.
- ✓
SSH: Provides secure remote access to network devices using encryption, typically on TCP port 22.
- ✗
Telnet: Provides secure remote access to network devices using encryption, typically on TCP port 23.
- ✗
HTTP: Provides secure remote access to network devices using encryption, typically on TCP port 80.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because HTTP is not encrypted and is used for web traffic, not primarily for remote device access. HTTPS (port 443) provides encryption.
- ✗
FTP: Provides secure remote access to network devices using encryption, typically on TCP port 21.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because FTP is a file transfer protocol, not for remote access, and it transmits credentials in plaintext. SFTP or FTPS provide encryption.
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.
✓SSH: Provides secure remote access to network devices using encryption, typically on TCP port 22.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
SSH (Secure Shell) is the standard protocol for secure remote administration, encrypting all traffic including passwords. It uses TCP port 22 and is the recommended replacement for Telnet.
✗Telnet: Provides secure remote access to network devices using encryption, typically on TCP port 23.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Telnet is unencrypted, not secure. The description incorrectly attributes encryption to Telnet.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may confuse Telnet with SSH because both are used for remote CLI access, but Telnet lacks security.
✗HTTP: Provides secure remote access to network devices using encryption, typically on TCP port 80.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
HTTP uses port 80 and is unencrypted; it is not designed for secure remote access.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think HTTP can be used for device management (e.g., web interface) but forget that HTTPS is the secure version.
✗FTP: Provides secure remote access to network devices using encryption, typically on TCP port 21.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
FTP is for file transfer, not remote CLI access, and lacks encryption.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may associate FTP with remote access because it requires authentication, but it is not used for device administration.
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
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- 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 practitioner preparing for the 200-301 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which 200-301 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
- →
AI and Network Operations — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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AI and Network Operations practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
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All 200-301 questions
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CCNA 200-301 v2 study guide
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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: SSH: Provides secure remote access to network devices using encryption, typically on TCP port 22. — NETCONF uses XML-encoded RPCs over SSH (port 830) for device configuration. RESTCONF uses HTTP/HTTPS methods with JSON or XML. YANG is a data modeling language defining structure of configuration/state data. gRPC is a high-performance RPC framework using Protocol Buffers over HTTP/2. OpenConfig provides vendor-neutral YANG models. These pairings reflect their primary characteristics as tested on the CCNA.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Identify which 200-301 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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 6, 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.
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