200-901 Infrastructure and Automation Practice Question
An engineer is writing a Python script using the Cisco DevNet sandbox to configure OSPF on a CSR1000v via RESTCONF. What authentication method is typically used for RESTCONF requests?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between RESTCONF and NETCONF authentication, where candidates might mistakenly think RESTCONF uses SSH keys or no authentication, but RESTCONF always requires HTTPS-based authentication, typically Basic.
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
✓
Basic authentication over HTTPS
RESTCONF typically uses Basic authentication over HTTPS (RFC 7235) because it is a lightweight, stateless mechanism that sends a base64-encoded username:password pair in the Authorization header. In the Cisco DevNet sandbox CSR1000v environment, this is the standard method for authenticating RESTCONF requests, as the sandbox provides a username and password for 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.
- ✗
No authentication
Why it's wrong here
Production devices always require authentication.
- ✗
OAuth2
Why it's wrong here
OAuth2 is not typical for device-level RESTCONF.
- ✗
API token only
Why it's wrong here
API tokens are common for cloud APIs, but not standard for device RESTCONF.
- ✓
Basic authentication over HTTPS
Why this is correct
Basic auth over HTTPS is widely used for RESTCONF on Cisco devices.
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JA
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.