Question 1mediummulti select
Full question →mediummulti selectObjective-mapped
Which two statements accurately describe API authentication tokens? (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.
A
Best answer
Tokens are often sent in an HTTP header such as Authorization
That is a common REST API pattern.
B
Distractor review
Tokens are always permanent and never expire
Many tokens expire by design.
C
Best answer
Tokens can be used instead of resending credentials on every request
That is one of their main purposes.
D
Distractor review
Tokens require Telnet to be enabled on the device
Telnet is unrelated.
E
Distractor review
A token changes JSON into XML automatically
Authentication does not transform the data format.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A frequent exam trap is selecting that tokens are permanent or require Telnet to function. Many candidates mistakenly believe tokens never expire, but in reality, tokens are often time-limited to improve security. Another trap is associating tokens with Telnet, which is unrelated to API authentication. Additionally, some may incorrectly think tokens convert data formats like JSON to XML, which is false since tokens only handle authentication. Misunderstanding these points can lead to choosing incorrect options that seem plausible but do not align with Cisco’s API security practices.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
API authentication tokens are digital credentials used to verify the identity of a client or user accessing a network device or service via an API. Instead of repeatedly sending usernames and passwords, tokens provide a secure, temporary proof of authentication. They are typically generated after an initial login and then used for subsequent requests, reducing exposure of sensitive credentials. In Cisco automation and programmability contexts, tokens are commonly implemented in REST APIs to enable secure, stateless communication between clients and network devices. Tokens are usually included in HTTP headers, such as the Authorization header, following standard REST API practices. This placement allows the server to easily extract and validate the token on each request. Tokens often have expiration times to limit their validity period, enhancing security by reducing the risk of token misuse if intercepted. This mechanism contrasts with permanent credentials and supports scalable, secure automation workflows in Cisco network environments. A common exam trap is assuming tokens are permanent or require legacy protocols like Telnet. Tokens are designed to be temporary and do not depend on Telnet or any specific transport protocol. Also, tokens do not transform data formats like JSON to XML; their sole purpose is authentication. Understanding these distinctions helps avoid confusion and ensures correct answers related to API security in Cisco's automation and programmability domain.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- API authentication tokens provide temporary credentials that allow clients to authenticate without resending usernames and passwords on every request.
- Tokens are commonly included in HTTP headers like Authorization to enable secure and standardized REST API communication.
- Tokens often have expiration times to limit their validity and reduce security risks from token theft or misuse.
- Tokens do not require legacy protocols such as Telnet and operate independently of transport mechanisms.
- Authentication tokens do not perform data format transformations such as converting JSON to XML.
- Using tokens enhances security by reducing exposure of permanent credentials during automated network management.
- Cisco network devices support token-based authentication to facilitate secure programmability and automation workflows.
- Tokens enable stateless API interactions, allowing scalable and efficient authentication in Cisco automation environments.
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?
API authentication tokens provide temporary credentials that allow clients to authenticate without resending usernames and passwords on every request.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Tokens are often sent in an HTTP header such as Authorization — APIs often use tokens so clients can authenticate without sending usernames and passwords in every call. Tokens are commonly time-limited and are usually placed where the API expects them, such as an HTTP header.
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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