The correct answer is that NETCONF provides a standardized data model (YANG) for configuration, while NX-API uses HTTP or HTTPS as its transport protocol. This distinction is fundamental because NETCONF, defined in RFC 6241, relies on SSH for secure, session-oriented communication and enforces a structured, datastore-driven approach using YANG models, ensuring consistency across devices. In contrast, NX-API is a RESTful API that operates over standard web ports with HTTP verbs like GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE, offering flexibility but lacking the rigid, standardized data modeling that NETCONF mandates. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this question tests your ability to differentiate between programmability protocols for Nexus switches, often appearing as a multi-select item where a common trap is assuming both use the same transport. Remember the memory tip: “NETCONF needs SSH to shape the YANG; NX-API rides HTTP for RESTful play.”
350-601 Automation Practice Question
This 350-601 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 regarding the differences between REST API (NX-API) and NETCONF for automating Nexus switches?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
NX-API uses HTTP/HTTPS as the transport protocol
NX-API (REST API) uses HTTP or HTTPS as its transport protocol, allowing RESTful operations (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) over standard web ports. This is in contrast to NETCONF, which uses SSH as its transport (RFC 6241). Therefore, option B is correct.
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.
✗
NETCONF can only be used for configuration, not for operational state
Why it's wrong here
NETCONF can retrieve operational state via <get> operations.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
NETCONF primarily uses JSON for data encoding
Why it's wrong here
NETCONF uses XML encoding as per the standard.
✓
NETCONF provides a standardized data model (YANG) for configuration
Why this is correct
NETCONF tightly integrates with YANG models for structured configuration.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Both use SSH as their default transport
Why it's wrong here
NX-API uses HTTP/HTTPS, not SSH; NETCONF uses SSH.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that NETCONF only handles configuration (ignoring its <get> operation for operational state) and that NX-API uses SSH, when in fact NX-API uses HTTP/HTTPS and NETCONF uses SSH.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NETCONF relies on YANG data models to define a structured, standardized schema for configuration and state data, ensuring consistency across devices. NX-API, while also supporting YANG models via RESTCONF-like interfaces, primarily exposes a Cisco-specific REST API that can return JSON or XML, making it more accessible for web developers but less standardized than NETCONF's strict YANG-driven approach.
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 practitioner preparing for the 350-601 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
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: NX-API uses HTTP/HTTPS as the transport protocol — NX-API (REST API) uses HTTP or HTTPS as its transport protocol, allowing RESTful operations (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) over standard web ports. This is in contrast to NETCONF, which uses SSH as its transport (RFC 6241). Therefore, option B is correct.
What should I do if I get this 350-601 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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