The correct authentication method is to obtain an API token by POSTing credentials to /dna/system/api/v1/auth/token, then use that token in subsequent requests. Cisco DNA Center employs token-based authentication rather than passing credentials with every call, because the REST API is stateless and requires a secure, reusable credential that can be validated without repeatedly exposing the username and password. The flow begins with a POST request to the token endpoint using Basic Authentication over HTTPS; the response returns a JSON Web Token (JWT) that must be included in the Authorization header of all future requests as Bearer <token>. On the Cisco DevNet Associate 200-901 exam, this concept tests your understanding of REST API security patterns and the specific Cisco DNA Center implementation. A common trap is assuming session cookies or API keys are used, but Cisco DNA Center exclusively uses this token-based flow with a configurable expiry (default 60 minutes). Memory tip: think “POST for the token, Bearer for the rest.”
200-901 Application Deployment and Security Practice Question
This 200-901 practice question tests your understanding of application deployment and security. 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.
In a Cisco DNA Center environment, an application needs to retrieve the network device list using REST API. Which authentication method is required?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Obtain an API token by POSTing credentials to /dna/system/api/v1/auth/token, then use the token in subsequent requests
Cisco DNA Center uses token-based authentication. The correct flow is to first send a POST request to the /dna/system/api/v1/auth/token endpoint with a valid username and password (typically using Basic Authentication over HTTPS). The response contains a JSON Web Token (JWT) that must be included in the Authorization header of all subsequent API requests as 'Bearer <token>'. This token has a configurable expiry (default 60 minutes) and must be refreshed before it expires.
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.
✗
OAuth 2.0 client credentials grant with client ID and secret
Why it's wrong here
OAuth 2.0 is not used; DNA Center uses a custom token endpoint.
✓
Obtain an API token by POSTing credentials to /dna/system/api/v1/auth/token, then use the token in subsequent requests
Why this is correct
DNA Center uses a token-based authentication; the token is passed in the X-Auth-Token header.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Basic authentication with username and password in the header
Why it's wrong here
Basic auth is not recommended; the API expects a token.
✗
API key passed in a query parameter
Why it's wrong here
API keys are not used; the token is passed in the header.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between the authentication method used to obtain a token (Basic Auth) versus the method used to authorize subsequent API calls (Bearer token), leading candidates to mistakenly select Basic Authentication for all requests.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The token returned by /dna/system/api/v1/auth/token is a JWT (JSON Web Token) that contains claims such as the username, role, and expiry time. The token is signed by the DNA Center and verified on each request. A common real-world scenario is that the token expires mid-session, so applications must implement token refresh logic by re-authenticating before the token expires, or handle 401 responses gracefully by re-authenticating and retrying the request.
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 junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Application Deployment and Security — This question tests Application Deployment and Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Obtain an API token by POSTing credentials to /dna/system/api/v1/auth/token, then use the token in subsequent requests — Cisco DNA Center uses token-based authentication. The correct flow is to first send a POST request to the /dna/system/api/v1/auth/token endpoint with a valid username and password (typically using Basic Authentication over HTTPS). The response contains a JSON Web Token (JWT) that must be included in the Authorization header of all subsequent API requests as 'Bearer <token>'. This token has a configurable expiry (default 60 minutes) and must be refreshed before it expires.
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.
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Question Discussion
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