Question 1easymultiple choice
Full question →easymultiple choiceObjective-mapped
What data format is commonly used in REST API responses because it is lightweight and easy for applications to parse?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Good practice is not just finding the correct option. The wrong answers often show the exact trap the exam wants you to fall into.
A
Distractor review
BGP
BGP is a routing protocol, not a data serialization format.
B
Best answer
JSON
Correct. JSON is commonly used in RESTful APIs.
C
Distractor review
STP
STP is a Layer 2 protocol.
D
Distractor review
ARP
ARP is not an API data format.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A common exam trap is mistaking network protocols like BGP, STP, or ARP for data formats used in REST API responses. Candidates might incorrectly select BGP because it is a well-known Cisco protocol or confuse STP and ARP as related to data exchange. However, these protocols operate at different layers and serve distinct networking functions unrelated to data serialization. The exam tests your ability to distinguish between network protocols and data formats like JSON, which is specifically designed for lightweight, structured data exchange in automation and programmability contexts.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a lightweight, text-based data interchange format that is easy for humans to read and write and easy for machines to parse and generate. It represents data as key-value pairs and ordered lists, making it ideal for structured data exchange. In the context of REST APIs, JSON serves as the standard format for transmitting data between clients and servers, enabling interoperability across diverse systems and programming languages. REST APIs rely on stateless communication and standard HTTP methods to perform operations on resources. JSON is preferred in RESTful services because it is less verbose than XML, reducing bandwidth usage and improving performance. Cisco networking devices and automation tools commonly use JSON to represent configuration data, operational status, and telemetry information, facilitating programmability and integration with network management systems. A common exam trap is confusing JSON with network protocols or Layer 2/3 technologies such as BGP, STP, or ARP. These protocols serve different purposes—routing, switching, or address resolution—and are not data serialization formats. Understanding that JSON is a data format used in API responses, not a network protocol, is crucial for correctly answering questions about automation and programmability in the CCNA exam.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- JSON is a lightweight, text-based data format that represents structured data as key-value pairs and arrays for easy parsing by applications.
- REST APIs commonly use JSON to exchange data because it reduces bandwidth and improves readability compared to XML or other formats.
- Cisco network automation tools and programmability interfaces use JSON to represent configuration and telemetry data in a standardized way.
- BGP is a routing protocol used to exchange routing information between autonomous systems and is not a data serialization format.
- STP is a Layer 2 protocol that prevents switching loops and does not relate to API data formats or programmability.
- ARP resolves IPv4 addresses to MAC addresses on a local network and is unrelated to data formats used in REST API responses.
- Understanding the difference between network protocols and data formats is essential to avoid confusion in automation and programmability topics.
- JSON’s widespread adoption in REST APIs supports interoperability across diverse Cisco devices and network management applications.
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.
Related practice questions
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More questions from this exam
Keep practising from the same exam bank, or move into a focused topic page if this question exposed a weak area.
Question 1
A router learns the same prefix from both OSPF and EIGRP. Which route is installed by default?
Question 2
A router shows this output: R1#show ip ospf neighbor Neighbor ID Pri State Dead Time Address Interface 10.1.1.2 1 FULL/DR 00:00:34 192.168.12.2 GigabitEthernet0/0 10.1.1.3 1 2WAY/DROTHER 00:00:39 192.168.12.3 GigabitEthernet0/0 Which statement is correct?
Question 3
What is the OSPF metric called?
Question 4
A non-root switch has two uplinks toward the root bridge. One path has a lower total STP cost than the other. What role will the lower-cost uplink have?
Question 5
A router interface applies this ACL inbound: 10 deny tcp any any eq 80 20 permit ip any any A user reports that web browsing to a server by IP address fails, but ping works. Which statement best explains the behavior?
Question 6
A router learns route 198.51.100.0/24 from OSPF with AD 110 and also has a static route to the same prefix configured with AD 150. Which route is installed?
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-301 question test?
JSON is a lightweight, text-based data format that represents structured data as key-value pairs and arrays for easy parsing by applications.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: JSON — JSON is widely used in REST APIs for structured data exchange.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Then try more questions from the same exam bank and focus on understanding why the wrong options are tempting.
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