This 200-901 practice question tests your understanding of network fundamentals. 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 needs to transfer a router configuration file to a server in the same network using a simple protocol that does not require authentication. Which protocol is best?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
SCP
Why wrong: SCP uses SSH for authentication and encryption, requiring credentials.
TFTP
TFTP has no authentication and is simple to implement.
FTP
Why wrong: FTP requires authentication (username/password) and is more complex.
HTTP
Why wrong: HTTP typically requires a web server and may involve authentication; it's not as simple as TFTP for file transfers.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
TFTP
TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) is the best choice because it is a lightweight, connectionless protocol that operates over UDP (port 69) and does not require any authentication or user credentials. It is commonly used for transferring router configuration files and IOS images in local network environments where simplicity and speed are prioritized over security.
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.
SCP
Why it's wrong here
SCP uses SSH for authentication and encryption, requiring credentials.
TFTP
Why this is correct
TFTP has no authentication and is simple to implement.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
FTP
Why it's wrong here
FTP requires authentication (username/password) and is more complex.
HTTP
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between TFTP and SCP, where candidates mistakenly choose SCP because it is secure, overlooking the explicit requirement for a protocol that does not require authentication.
Detailed technical explanation
TFTP uses UDP port 69 and a lock-step acknowledgment mechanism, where each data packet must be acknowledged before the next is sent, making it simple but inefficient for large transfers. In real-world scenarios, TFTP is often used for backing up router configs to a TFTP server during initial setup or disaster recovery, where security is not a concern because the devices are on a trusted, isolated network segment.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Network Fundamentals — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Network Fundamentals practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All 200-901 questions
505 questions across all exam domains
Cisco DevNet Associate 200-901 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
200-901 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise 200-901 questions linked to Software Development and Design.
Practise 200-901 questions linked to Understanding and Using APIs.
Practise 200-901 questions linked to Cisco Platforms and Development.
Practise 200-901 questions linked to Application Deployment and Security.
Practise 200-901 questions linked to Infrastructure and Automation.
Practise 200-901 questions linked to Network Fundamentals.
Practise 200-901 questions linked to 200-901 fundamentals.
Practise 200-901 questions linked to 200-901 scenario.
Practise 200-901 questions linked to 200-901 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Network Fundamentals — This question tests Network Fundamentals — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: TFTP — TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) is the best choice because it is a lightweight, connectionless protocol that operates over UDP (port 69) and does not require any authentication or user credentials. It is commonly used for transferring router configuration files and IOS images in local network environments where simplicity and speed are prioritized over security.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Keep practising
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.