200-901 Infrastructure and Automation Practice Question
A junior developer is writing a Python script to gather interface statistics from a Cisco IOS-XE device using NETCONF. They use the 'ncclient' library and successfully connect. They want to retrieve the operational status of all interfaces. Which YANG model and XPATH expression should they use to get the operational data?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between configuration and operational data in YANG models, and the trap here is that candidates confuse '/interfaces/interface' (configuration) with '/interfaces-state/interface' (operational state), or they pick a too-broad XPATH like '/interfaces-state' instead of the specific list node.
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
✓
Model: ietf-interfaces, XPATH: /interfaces-state/interface
The 'ietf-interfaces' YANG model defines the '/interfaces-state' container specifically for operational state data (e.g., status, counters), as per RFC 7223. The XPATH '/interfaces-state/interface' retrieves the list of all interfaces with their operational status, which is exactly what the developer needs. The 'ncclient' library can filter using this XPATH to get read-only operational data from a NETCONF-enabled Cisco IOS-XE device.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Model: ietf-interfaces, XPATH: /interfaces-state/interface
Why this is correct
Interfaces-state contains operational data per IETF standard.
- ✗
Model: cisco-native, XPATH: /native/interface
Why it's wrong here
Cisco native is for configuration, not standard for operational.
- ✗
Model: ietf-interfaces, XPATH: /interfaces/interface
Why it's wrong here
/interfaces/interface refers to configuration, not operational status.
- ✗
Model: ietf-interfaces, XPATH: /interfaces-state
Why it's wrong here
Missing '/interface' – returns container not list entries.
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