- A
requests.exceptions.RequestException
Why wrong: This is a base class for all requests exceptions; it is broader than needed.
- B
requests.exceptions.ConnectionError
ConnectionError specifically indicates network problems like failed DNS or refused connection.
- C
requests.exceptions.HTTPError
Why wrong: HTTPError is for 4xx/5xx responses, not network-level issues.
- D
requests.exceptions.Timeout
Why wrong: Timeout is for when the server does not respond within the timeout period, not connection failures.
Question 340 of 1,000
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 network engineer writes a Python script to handle exceptions when making REST API calls. Which exception type should be caught to handle network connectivity issues (e.g., DNS failure, refused connection)?
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
✓
requests.exceptions.ConnectionError
Option B is correct because `requests.exceptions.ConnectionError` is specifically raised when the underlying TCP connection fails, which includes scenarios like DNS resolution failures, refused connections, or the remote host being unreachable. This exception is a subclass of `RequestException` and directly maps to network-level issues at the transport layer, making it the precise exception to catch for connectivity problems.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
requests.exceptions.RequestException
Why it's wrong here
This is a base class for all requests exceptions; it is broader than needed.
- ✓
requests.exceptions.ConnectionError
Why this is correct
ConnectionError specifically indicates network problems like failed DNS or refused connection.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
requests.exceptions.HTTPError
Why it's wrong here
HTTPError is for 4xx/5xx responses, not network-level issues.
- ✗
requests.exceptions.Timeout
Why it's wrong here
Timeout is for when the server does not respond within the timeout period, not connection failures.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between the broad `RequestException` and the specific `ConnectionError`, trapping candidates who choose the base class thinking it covers all errors, when the question explicitly asks for network connectivity issues.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, `requests.exceptions.ConnectionError` wraps `urllib3.exceptions.ConnectTimeoutError` and `urllib3.exceptions.NewConnectionError`, which themselves catch socket-level errors such as `socket.gaierror` for DNS failures and `ConnectionRefusedError` for refused connections. In real-world scenarios, catching this exception allows a script to implement retry logic with exponential backoff, avoiding unnecessary retries on other error types like HTTP 503 (Service Unavailable), which would be caught by `HTTPError` instead.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 200-901 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Visual reference
Quick reference
OSI Model Reference
| Layer | Name | PDU | Key Protocols / Devices |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Application | Data | HTTP, HTTPS, DNS, SMTP, FTP, SSH |
| 6 | Presentation | Data | TLS / SSL, JPEG, ASCII encoding |
| 5 | Session | Data | NetBIOS, RPC, SIP |
| 4 | Transport | Segment / Datagram | TCP, UDP |
| 3 | Network | Packet | IP, ICMP, OSPF — Routers |
| 2 | Data Link | Frame | Ethernet, Wi-Fi, PPP — Switches, Bridges |
| 1 | Physical | Bits | Cables, NICs, Hubs, Repeaters |
What to study next
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-901 question test?
Software Development and Design — This question tests Software Development and Design — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: requests.exceptions.ConnectionError — Option B is correct because `requests.exceptions.ConnectionError` is specifically raised when the underlying TCP connection fails, which includes scenarios like DNS resolution failures, refused connections, or the remote host being unreachable. This exception is a subclass of `RequestException` and directly maps to network-level issues at the transport layer, making it the precise exception to catch for connectivity problems.
What should I do if I get this 200-901 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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.
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