200-901 Network Fundamentals Practice Question
A developer is writing a script that uses a REST API to configure network devices via NETCONF. Which layer of the SDN architecture does NETCONF belong to?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between the protocol itself (NETCONF) and the architectural layer it belongs to, leading candidates to mistakenly select 'Control layer' because they associate NETCONF with the controller, rather than recognizing it as a southbound interface protocol.
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
✓
Southbound interface
NETCONF is a network management protocol used to install, manipulate, and delete the configuration of network devices. In the SDN architecture, the southbound interface is the layer that connects the control plane to the data plane, and NETCONF operates as a southbound protocol by carrying configuration data from a controller or management system down to network devices.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Northbound interface
Why it's wrong here
Northbound interfaces are between controller and applications.
- ✓
Southbound interface
Why this is correct
Correct. NETCONF is a southbound protocol.
- ✗
Application layer
Why it's wrong here
Application layer uses northbound APIs.
- ✗
Control layer
Why it's wrong here
The control layer contains the controller, but NETCONF is used to communicate with devices, so it's southbound.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.