Quick Answer
The answer is HTTP Basic Authentication over HTTPS. This is the most appropriate authentication method for RESTCONF on a Cisco Catalyst 9000 switch because it sends credentials in the HTTP Authorization header, and when combined with HTTPS, the entire session is encrypted, securing the username and password in transit without requiring extra infrastructure like an OAuth provider or a certificate authority. On the Cisco DevNet Associate 200-901 exam, this question tests your understanding of RESTCONF’s supported authentication mechanisms for programmatic access; a common trap is assuming token-based or certificate-based methods are required, but Cisco’s implementation keeps it simple with Basic Auth over TLS. Remember that RESTCONF is a lightweight, stateless protocol, so it pairs naturally with Basic Auth—no session management needed. Memory tip: think “Basic over TLS” as the default for device-to-code communication.
This 200-901 practice question tests your understanding of cisco platforms and development. 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.
A developer is building a chatbot that retrieves interface status from a Cisco Catalyst 9000 switch using RESTCONF. Which authentication method is most appropriate for programmatic access?
HTTP Basic Authentication over HTTPS.
RESTCONF on Cisco devices supports basic auth over HTTPS.
API key passed in the HTTP header.
Why wrong: RESTCONF does not use API keys.
OAuth 2.0 with client credentials grant.
Why wrong: OAuth 2.0 is not supported on network devices.
Client certificate authentication.
Why wrong: Not commonly used with RESTCONF.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
HTTP Basic Authentication over HTTPS.
RESTCONF on Cisco Catalyst 9000 switches supports HTTP Basic Authentication over HTTPS as a straightforward, standards-based method for programmatic access. Basic authentication sends the username and password in the HTTP Authorization header, and when combined with HTTPS, the credentials are encrypted in transit, providing adequate security for device management without requiring additional infrastructure like an OAuth provider or certificate authority.
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.
HTTP Basic Authentication over HTTPS.
Why this is correct
RESTCONF on Cisco devices supports basic auth over HTTPS.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
API key passed in the HTTP header.
Why it's wrong here
RESTCONF does not use API keys.
OAuth 2.0 with client credentials grant.
Why it's wrong here
OAuth 2.0 is not supported on network devices.
Client certificate authentication.
Why it's wrong here
Not commonly used with RESTCONF.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the misconception that RESTCONF requires OAuth or API keys because it is a RESTful API, but in reality, IOS XE devices rely on traditional AAA and HTTP Basic Auth over HTTPS for programmatic access.
Detailed technical explanation
RESTCONF uses HTTP methods to access YANG-defined data, and the Authorization header carries the Base64-encoded credentials per RFC 7617. On Cisco IOS XE, the 'ip http authentication local' or 'aaa authentication login' commands control how credentials are validated, and the switch enforces HTTPS to protect the plaintext password from eavesdropping. A common pitfall is forgetting that the username and password must correspond to a local user with privilege level 15 or appropriate RBAC permissions, otherwise RESTCONF returns a 401 Unauthorized.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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FAQ
Cisco Platforms and Development — This question tests Cisco Platforms and Development — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: HTTP Basic Authentication over HTTPS. — RESTCONF on Cisco Catalyst 9000 switches supports HTTP Basic Authentication over HTTPS as a straightforward, standards-based method for programmatic access. Basic authentication sends the username and password in the HTTP Authorization header, and when combined with HTTPS, the credentials are encrypted in transit, providing adequate security for device management without requiring additional infrastructure like an OAuth provider or certificate authority.
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 11, 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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