The correct answer identifies that NETCONF uses XML-encoded RPCs over a secure SSH session, while RESTCONF relies on standard HTTP methods like GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, and PATCH for CRUD operations on YANG-defined data, supporting both JSON and XML encoding. This distinction is fundamental because NETCONF was designed as a network management protocol with a session-oriented, transaction-based model, whereas RESTCONF offers a lighter, web-friendly interface that aligns with RESTful principles. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this topic tests your understanding of how Cisco IOS XE implements both protocols for model-driven programmability, often appearing in questions that ask you to match each protocol to its transport and encoding. A common trap is confusing RESTCONF’s support for JSON with NETCONF’s exclusive use of XML, or assuming both use SSH—remember, NETCONF uses SSH, while RESTCONF uses HTTP or HTTPS. Memory tip: think “NETCONF = SSH + XML only” and “RESTCONF = HTTP + JSON or XML.”
CCNP Automation Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of automation. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Which TWO statements are true about RESTCONF and NETCONF in a Cisco IOS XE environment? (Choose two.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
RESTCONF uses HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) and supports JSON and XML encoding.
Option A is correct because RESTCONF is designed to use standard HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, PATCH) for CRUD operations on YANG-defined data, and it supports both JSON and XML encoding formats. This aligns with its goal of providing a simpler, web-friendly interface compared to NETCONF.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
RESTCONF uses HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) and supports JSON and XML encoding.
Why this is correct
RESTCONF indeed uses HTTP methods and supports JSON and XML.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
RESTCONF supports the candidate datastore for editing configurations.
Why it's wrong here
RESTCONF works only on the running datastore; candidate is supported by NETCONF.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that both protocols support JSON and XML equally, or that NETCONF uses HTTP, leading candidates to select option D or C incorrectly.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NETCONF (RFC 6241) uses XML-encoded RPCs over a secure SSH session (port 830) and supports multiple datastores (candidate, running, startup). RESTCONF (RFC 8040) uses HTTP methods over HTTPS (port 443) and supports both XML and JSON, but it does not natively support the candidate datastore—any candidate operations must be explicitly modeled in the YANG schema. In Cisco IOS XE, the 'netconf-yang' and 'restconf' commands enable these services, and the choice between them often depends on whether the operator prefers a programmatic, web-friendly interface (RESTCONF) or a transaction-oriented, datastore-aware interface (NETCONF).
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Automation — This question tests Automation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: RESTCONF uses HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) and supports JSON and XML encoding. — Option A is correct because RESTCONF is designed to use standard HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, PATCH) for CRUD operations on YANG-defined data, and it supports both JSON and XML encoding formats. This aligns with its goal of providing a simpler, web-friendly interface compared to NETCONF.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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