200-901 Network Fundamentals Practice Question
A developer is writing a Python script that must retrieve the current operational state of a Cisco IOS XE device through its RESTCONF API. The device uses YANG models, and the script must read interface statistics without altering the configuration. Which HTTP method should the script use, and what is the correct URL structure?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming that any HTTP method can read data as long as the URL points to the interfaces container, when only GET is safe and idempotent for retrieval.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use GET with the URL https://<device>/restconf/data/ietf-interfaces:interfaces
RESTCONF uses HTTP methods that map to CRUD operations: GET reads data, POST creates, PUT replaces, and DELETE removes. To read interface statistics without modifying configuration, the script must use GET against the data resource identified by the module-qualified YANG container. The URL must include /restconf/data and the correct module prefix to locate the interfaces container in the datastore.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Use POST with the URL https://<device>/restconf/data/ietf-interfaces:interfaces
Why it's wrong here
POST is used to create a new resource or invoke an operation, not to read existing state. Sending a POST to the interfaces container would attempt to create or modify configuration data, which violates the requirement of read-only access and could return a 405 Method Not Allowed if the server disallows creation at that path.
- ✗
Use PUT with the URL https://<device>/restconf/data/ietf-interfaces:interfaces
Why it's wrong here
PUT is used to replace an existing resource or create it if it does not exist. Issuing a PUT to the interfaces container would attempt to overwrite the entire interface configuration, which is destructive and violates the read-only requirement. PUT is not idempotent for reading state and would likely fail or corrupt the configuration.
- ✗
Use GET with the URL https://<device>/restconf/operations/ietf-interfaces:interfaces
Why it's wrong here
The /restconf/operations path is for invoking RPCs or actions defined in YANG models, not for reading data. The ietf-interfaces module defines a data tree, not an RPC named interfaces. A GET to this URL would return a 404 or 405 because the operations endpoint expects a specific RPC name.
- ✓
Use GET with the URL https://<device>/restconf/data/ietf-interfaces:interfaces
Why this is correct
GET is the correct HTTP method for retrieving data without side effects. In RESTCONF, the /restconf/data path accesses the datastore, and the module-qualified name ietf-interfaces:interfaces identifies the YANG container. A GET returns the configured and operational state of interfaces, matching the requirement to read statistics without altering configuration.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Cisco exam blueprint
This 200-901 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 200-901 exam.