This 200-901 practice question tests your understanding of infrastructure and automation. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
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?
No authentication
Why wrong: Production devices always require authentication.
OAuth2
Why wrong: OAuth2 is not typical for device-level RESTCONF.
API token only
Why wrong: API tokens are common for cloud APIs, but not standard for device RESTCONF.
Basic authentication over HTTPS
Basic auth over HTTPS is widely used for RESTCONF on Cisco devices.
Answer choices
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.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
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.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
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.
Detailed technical explanation
RESTCONF uses HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, PATCH, DELETE) to manipulate YANG-defined data stores, and authentication is handled at the HTTP layer. Basic authentication sends credentials in plaintext, so HTTPS (TLS) is mandatory to encrypt the session; without HTTPS, credentials are exposed. In production, you might also see digest authentication or certificate-based authentication, but the DevNet sandbox defaults to Basic over HTTPS for simplicity.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A network engineer at a university connects two campus buildings via a fibre link. Both routers run OSPF, but no adjacency forms — even though both routers can ping each other. The engineer finds one router is in area 0 and the other in area 1. OSPF adjacency requires matching area numbers, hello/dead timers, and network type. IP reachability alone is not enough.
What to study next
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FAQ
Infrastructure and Automation — This question tests Infrastructure and Automation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: 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.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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