200-901 Software Development and Design Practice Question
This 200-901 practice question tests your understanding of software development and design. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 network developer is tasked with writing a Python script that uses the Cisco NX-API to retrieve the current VLAN configuration from a Nexus switch. The script should output the VLAN IDs in a JSON format. The developer wrote the following code:
After authentication, the developer attempts to get VLANs using a GET request to "https://192.168.1.1/api/mo/sys/vlan.json" but receives a 401 error. Which of the following should the developer do to fix the issue?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Include the token in the cookie header
Cisco NX-API requires the token obtained from the login to be sent as a cookie in subsequent requests. Option B correctly identifies this. Option A (using PUT) is not relevant to authentication. Option C (set Authorization header) is used for RESTCONF, not NX-API. Option D (use POST) is incorrect for retrieving data.
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.
✗
Set the 'Authorization' header to 'Bearer ' + token
Why it's wrong here
Bearer token authentication is not used by NX-API; it expects a cookie.
✗
Use a PUT request instead of GET
Why it's wrong here
Changing the method does not fix the authentication issue.
✓
Include the token in the cookie header
Why this is correct
NX-API uses cookie-based authentication; the token must be sent as a cookie.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
Use POST to retrieve VLANs
Why it's wrong here
POST is not idempotent and not appropriate for retrieving data; the issue is authentication.
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 help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
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 200-901 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Software Development and Design — This question tests Software Development and Design — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Include the token in the cookie header — Cisco NX-API requires the token obtained from the login to be sent as a cookie in subsequent requests. Option B correctly identifies this. Option A (using PUT) is not relevant to authentication. Option C (set Authorization header) is used for RESTCONF, not NX-API. Option D (use POST) is incorrect for retrieving data.
What should I do if I get this 200-901 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 200-901 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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