Which two statements about RESTful APIs are correct? (Choose two.)
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.
Best answer
They commonly use HTTP methods such as GET and POST.
Correct. Those verbs are central to REST interactions.
Distractor review
They require Layer 2 adjacency between client and server.
REST can work across routed networks like normal web traffic.
Best answer
They often exchange structured data such as JSON.
Correct. JSON is a common payload format.
Distractor review
They replace the need for routing protocols on the network.
APIs do not replace routing fundamentals.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A frequent exam trap is the misconception that RESTful APIs require Layer 2 adjacency between client and server devices. Some candidates mistakenly believe that because RESTful APIs use HTTP, they must operate only within the same broadcast domain or VLAN. However, RESTful APIs function over routed IP networks just like any other web traffic, so Layer 2 adjacency is not necessary. Another trap is thinking that RESTful APIs replace routing protocols, which is incorrect since APIs only provide programmable access to device functions and do not handle routing or forwarding.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
RESTful APIs (Representational State Transfer) are a set of architectural principles used to design networked applications. They rely on stateless communication and use standard HTTP methods such as GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE to interact with resources, which are identified by URLs. In the context of Cisco networking and the CCNA exam, RESTful APIs allow network engineers to automate device configuration and monitoring by sending HTTP requests to network devices that support these APIs. The decision process for using RESTful APIs involves understanding that they operate over TCP/IP networks without requiring Layer 2 adjacency, meaning clients and servers can communicate across routed networks. RESTful APIs typically exchange data in structured formats like JSON, which is easy to read and parse by automation tools and scripts. This makes RESTful APIs a fundamental component in network programmability, enabling integration with orchestration platforms and automation frameworks. A common exam trap is assuming that RESTful APIs require Layer 2 adjacency or replace traditional network functions like routing protocols. In reality, RESTful APIs are application-layer interfaces that do not influence underlying network protocols. They provide a programmable interface to network devices but do not handle packet forwarding or routing decisions. Understanding this distinction helps avoid confusion and correctly answer questions related to network automation and programmability on the CCNA exam.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- RESTful APIs commonly use HTTP methods such as GET, POST, PUT, DELETE to perform CRUD operations on network devices and services.
- RESTful APIs typically exchange structured data formats like JSON or XML to enable easy parsing and integration with network automation tools.
- RESTful APIs operate over standard TCP/IP networks and do not require Layer 2 adjacency between client and server devices.
- RESTful APIs do not replace network routing protocols; they provide programmable interfaces to configure and monitor network devices.
- HTTP methods in RESTful APIs correspond to specific actions: GET retrieves data, POST creates resources, PUT updates resources, and DELETE removes resources.
- JSON is the preferred data format in RESTful APIs due to its lightweight structure and compatibility with most programming languages used in network automation.
- RESTful APIs enable network programmability by allowing external applications to interact with Cisco devices using standard web protocols.
- Understanding RESTful API behavior is essential for network engineers preparing for the CCNA 200-301 exam, especially in the Automation and Programmability domain.
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?
RESTful APIs commonly use HTTP methods such as GET, POST, PUT, DELETE to perform CRUD operations on network devices and services.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: They commonly use HTTP methods such as GET and POST. — REST commonly uses HTTP verbs and typically exchanges structured data such as JSON.
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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