The answer is that the NETCONF filter did not include the correct YANG path for QoS statistics. NETCONF retrieves data by querying specific branches of a YANG data model; if the filter omits or mis-specifies the path for queueing counters—such as those defined under Cisco‑IOS‑XE‑qos‑oper.yang—the server simply does not return that data, even if the overall XML response is valid. On the Cisco SPCOR / CCNP Service Provider Core 350-501 exam, this question tests your understanding that NETCONF is not a "dump all" protocol—it returns exactly what the YANG path requests. A common trap is assuming a successful NETCONF reply means all operational data is present, when in fact the filter must explicitly target the QoS queueing subtree. Memory tip: think "NETCONF is a sniper, not a shotgun"—you must aim the YANG path precisely to hit the statistics you need.
350-501 Automation and Quality of Service Practice Question
This 350-501 practice question tests your understanding of automation and quality of service. 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.
An engineer is using NETCONF to retrieve the operational QoS statistics from a router. The response contains XML data but does not include the queueing statistics. What is the most likely reason?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The NETCONF filter did not include the correct YANG path for QoS statistics
NETCONF retrieves data based on YANG models. If the filter does not specify the correct YANG path for QoS queueing statistics, the server will not include that data in the response. The YANG data model for QoS (e.g., Cisco‑IOS‑XE‑qos‑oper.yang) defines specific paths for queueing counters; omitting or mis‑specifying the filter path results in an incomplete reply.
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.
✓
The NETCONF filter did not include the correct YANG path for QoS statistics
Why this is correct
NETCONF filters are used to select specific data; omitting the path for queueing statistics results in their omission from the response.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The user does not have enough privilege level
Why it's wrong here
Insufficient privilege would typically result in an access-denied error, not a partial response.
✗
The statistics are only available via SNMP
Why it's wrong here
QoS statistics can be retrieved via NETCONF if the YANG model includes them.
✗
The router is running an older IOS that does not support NETCONF
Why it's wrong here
Since the router responds with XML, it must support NETCONF.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that a successful NETCONF reply means all requested data is present, when in reality a missing or incorrect YANG path filter silently omits specific subtrees like queueing statistics.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NETCONF uses YANG‑defined data stores; operational QoS statistics reside in the <operational> datastore under paths like /qos‑oper:qos‑statistics/queue‑statistics. The engineer must specify an exact XPath filter (e.g., <filter type='xpath' select='/qos‑oper:qos‑statistics/queue‑statistics'/>) to retrieve queueing data. A common mistake is using a top‑level filter that returns only container metadata without child leafs, or omitting the namespace prefix entirely.
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 and Quality of Service — This question tests Automation and Quality of Service — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The NETCONF filter did not include the correct YANG path for QoS statistics — NETCONF retrieves data based on YANG models. If the filter does not specify the correct YANG path for QoS queueing statistics, the server will not include that data in the response. The YANG data model for QoS (e.g., Cisco‑IOS‑XE‑qos‑oper.yang) defines specific paths for queueing counters; omitting or mis‑specifying the filter path results in an incomplete reply.
What should I do if I get this 350-501 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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