Question 1easymultiple choice
Full question →easymultiple choiceObjective-mapped
Which data format is commonly used with REST APIs to represent objects, arrays, and key-value pairs?
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
Best answer
JSON
Correct. JSON is the API data format being described.
B
Distractor review
STP
STP is a switching protocol.
C
Distractor review
EIGRP
EIGRP is a routing protocol.
D
Distractor review
802.1Q
802.1Q is a VLAN tagging standard.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A frequent exam trap is mistaking JSON for network protocols like STP, EIGRP, or VLAN tagging standards such as 802.1Q. These options are commonly known Cisco technologies but do not represent data formats used in REST APIs. Candidates might incorrectly associate STP or EIGRP with data representation due to familiarity with Cisco protocols, but these are control plane protocols, not data interchange formats. Similarly, 802.1Q is a VLAN tagging standard and unrelated to API data formats. Recognizing that JSON is a lightweight, text-based format specifically designed for data interchange helps avoid this confusion and ensures correct identification of the API data format.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a lightweight, text-based data format that represents structured data as objects, arrays, and key-value pairs. It is human-readable and easy for machines to parse and generate, making it ideal for data exchange in network automation and programmability contexts. In Cisco networking, JSON is widely used to represent configuration data, operational states, and telemetry information when interacting with REST APIs and network controllers. REST APIs commonly use JSON to encode the data payload because JSON's structure aligns well with the hierarchical nature of network configurations and state data. When a Cisco device or controller exposes a REST API, it typically sends and receives JSON-formatted data, allowing automation tools and scripts to easily interpret and manipulate network information. This standardization simplifies integration with network management platforms and scripting languages like Python. A common exam trap is confusing JSON with unrelated networking protocols or standards such as STP, EIGRP, or 802.1Q. These options represent protocols and standards for switching, routing, and VLAN tagging, respectively, and do not serve as data formats for APIs. Understanding that JSON is a data representation format, not a protocol, helps avoid this confusion. Practically, network engineers use JSON daily when automating Cisco devices through REST APIs, making it a fundamental skill for the CCNA Automation and Programmability domain.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- JSON is a lightweight, text-based data format that represents structured data as objects, arrays, and key-value pairs.
- REST APIs use JSON to encode and decode data payloads for network device configuration and telemetry in Cisco automation.
- Cisco devices and controllers commonly expose REST APIs that send and receive JSON-formatted data for programmability.
- STP is a Layer 2 switching protocol that prevents loops and does not serve as a data format for APIs.
- EIGRP is a dynamic routing protocol used to exchange routing information, not a data interchange format.
- 802.1Q is a VLAN tagging standard used to identify VLANs on Ethernet frames, unrelated to API data representation.
- Understanding the difference between protocols and data formats is critical to correctly identifying JSON as the API data format.
- JSON’s human-readable structure and compatibility with scripting languages make it essential for Cisco network automation.
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.
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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 objects, arrays, and key-value pairs.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: JSON — JSON is a common data-interchange format used in APIs and automation systems.
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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