The answer is that the script must include HTTP basic authentication with the correct username and password. A 401 Unauthorized response from RESTCONF specifically indicates that the request lacks valid authentication credentials, not that the API is unreachable or that the data format is wrong. Even with a privilege 15 user configured and RESTCONF enabled on port 443, the Python script will fail if it does not explicitly pass the username and password via an Authorization header using the Basic scheme. On the Cisco SPCOR 350-501 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of RESTCONF authentication requirements versus other common misconfigurations—a common trap is confusing a 401 error with a 415 Unsupported Media Type error, which would instead indicate a missing or incorrect Content-Type header. Remember the mnemonic: "401 for Auth, 415 for Type" to quickly differentiate these RESTCONF error codes.
350-501 Automation and Assurance Practice Question
This 350-501 practice question tests your understanding of automation and assurance. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
A junior automation engineer is writing a Python script to configure OSPF on a Cisco IOS-XE router using RESTCONF. The script sends a PUT request to update the OSPF configuration but receives a 401 Unauthorized response. The engineer has configured a local user with privilege 15 on the router and enabled restconf. The engineer verified that the router's RESTCONF API is running on port 443. What is the most likely missing element in the script?
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 script must use HTTP basic authentication with the correct username and password.
A 401 Unauthorized response indicates the request lacks proper authentication. The engineer likely forgot to include HTTP basic authentication headers with the correct username and password. Other options relate to content types or TLS, which would cause different errors (e.g., 415 Unsupported Media Type).
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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 script must include an Accept header.
Why it's wrong here
Missing Accept header might result in a 406 Not Acceptable, not 401.
✗
The script must include a Content-Type header set to application/yang-data+json.
Why it's wrong here
Missing Content-Type would result in a 415 Unsupported Media Type, not 401.
✓
The script must use HTTP basic authentication with the correct username and password.
Why this is correct
RESTCONF uses HTTP basic authentication by default; without it, the server returns 401.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
The script must use HTTPS with a valid certificate.
Why it's wrong here
The engineer already verified the API is on port 443, implying HTTPS is used; certificate issues would cause SSL errors, not HTTP 401.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Authentication checks who the user is.
Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
→Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
→Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
→Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A network engineer at a university connects two campus buildings via a fibre link. Both routers run OSPF, but no adjacency forms — even though both routers can ping each other. The engineer finds one router is in area 0 and the other in area 1. OSPF adjacency requires matching area numbers, hello/dead timers, and network type. IP reachability alone is not enough.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 350-501 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Automation and Assurance — This question tests Automation and Assurance — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The script must use HTTP basic authentication with the correct username and password. — A 401 Unauthorized response indicates the request lacks proper authentication. The engineer likely forgot to include HTTP basic authentication headers with the correct username and password. Other options relate to content types or TLS, which would cause different errors (e.g., 415 Unsupported Media Type).
What should I do if I get this 350-501 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 350-501 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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?
Authentication checks who the user is.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
This 350-501 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 350-501 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.