Which pairing is correct?
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.
Distractor review
JSON — data modeling language used to define network schemas such as YANG modules
This describes YANG, not JSON.
Distractor review
YANG — lightweight interchange format built from curly braces and arrays
This describes JSON syntax characteristics, not YANG.
Best answer
RESTCONF — protocol that can use YANG-defined data models over HTTP-based access
Correct. RESTCONF commonly exposes YANG-modeled data over HTTP methods.
Distractor review
NETCONF — spanning-tree enhancement for rapid convergence
NETCONF is a network configuration protocol, not a spanning-tree enhancement.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A frequent exam trap is confusing JSON with YANG or NETCONF with spanning-tree enhancements. JSON is a data format, not a modeling language, so pairing it with YANG modules is incorrect. Similarly, NETCONF is often mistakenly thought to be related to spanning-tree protocols, but it is actually a network configuration protocol. Candidates might also confuse YANG’s role with JSON’s syntax or RESTCONF’s protocol function. This confusion arises because these technologies often work together but serve distinct purposes. Understanding each technology’s specific role prevents selecting incorrect answers based on superficial similarities.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
RESTCONF is a network management protocol designed to provide a programmatic interface for accessing YANG-defined data models using HTTP methods such as GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE. It enables network automation and programmability by exposing device configuration and operational data in a standardized, RESTful manner. RESTCONF leverages the hierarchical structure of YANG models to represent network elements and their states, making it easier for network engineers to interact with devices through web-based APIs. In the CCNA context, RESTCONF is recognized as a protocol that complements YANG by providing HTTP-based access to the data models defined in YANG. This contrasts with NETCONF, which uses XML over SSH for device communication. Understanding that RESTCONF uses YANG models over HTTP is crucial for distinguishing it from other protocols and data formats like JSON or NETCONF. JSON itself is a lightweight data interchange format often used within RESTCONF payloads but is not a modeling language. A common exam trap is confusing JSON and YANG or misattributing NETCONF’s purpose. JSON is often mistaken as a data modeling language, but it only formats data. YANG defines the schema and structure of network data, while NETCONF is a protocol for configuration management, not related to spanning-tree or rapid convergence features. Recognizing these distinctions helps avoid selecting incorrect options and clarifies the role of RESTCONF in modern network automation.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- RESTCONF uses HTTP methods to access and manipulate network device data modeled by YANG, enabling standardized network programmability.
- YANG defines the hierarchical schema and structure of network configuration and state data used by protocols like RESTCONF and NETCONF.
- JSON is a lightweight data interchange format often used within RESTCONF payloads but does not define network data models.
- NETCONF is a network configuration protocol that uses XML over SSH and is distinct from RESTCONF’s HTTP-based approach.
- NETCONF does not relate to spanning-tree protocol enhancements or rapid convergence features in Cisco networks.
- RESTCONF exposes YANG-modeled data over HTTP, facilitating automation and programmability in modern Cisco network environments.
- Confusing JSON as a data modeling language or NETCONF as a spanning-tree protocol leads to common exam mistakes.
- Understanding the distinct roles of YANG, JSON, RESTCONF, and NETCONF is essential for correctly answering CCNA automation questions.
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
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.
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.
CCNA DHCP practice questions
Practise DHCP scopes, relay, leases and troubleshooting.
CCNA show ip route practice questions
Practise routing-table output, longest-prefix match, AD and route selection.
CCNA show interfaces trunk practice questions
Practise trunk verification and VLAN forwarding across switches.
CCNA wireless security practice questions
Practise WLAN security, authentication and wireless architecture concepts.
CCNA IPv6 practice questions
Practise IPv6 addressing, routes, neighbour discovery and common IPv6 exam traps.
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?
RESTCONF uses HTTP methods to access and manipulate network device data modeled by YANG, enabling standardized network programmability.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: RESTCONF — protocol that can use YANG-defined data models over HTTP-based access — RESTCONF is an HTTP-based API approach that commonly uses YANG-defined data models. JSON is a data-interchange format, YANG is the data modeling language, and NETCONF is a network management protocol rather than an STP feature.
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.
Discussion
Sign in to join the discussion.