Quick Answer
The correct answer is gRPC, the protocol commonly used for real-time streaming telemetry from network devices. gRPC is purpose-built for high-performance, low-latency data streaming because it leverages HTTP/2 for multiplexed connections and Protocol Buffers for efficient binary serialization, allowing network devices like Cisco IOS XR and NX-OS to continuously push telemetry data to collectors without the overhead of traditional polling. On the Cisco DevNet Associate 200-901 exam, this question tests your understanding of modern network programmability and the shift from pull-based SNMP to push-based streaming telemetry; a common trap is confusing gRPC with RESTCONF or NETCONF, which are better suited for configuration management rather than real-time streaming. Remember the memory tip: gRPC streams telemetry “great and Rapidly over Persistent Connections,” linking the “g” to “great” and “RPC” to the real-time push model that eliminates polling latency.
This 200-901 practice question tests your understanding of infrastructure and automation. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Which protocol is commonly used to retrieve real-time telemetry data from network devices in a streaming fashion?
SNMP polling
Why wrong: Polling is not streaming.
NETCONF
Why wrong: NETCONF is for configuration, not streaming telemetry.
HTTP
Why wrong: HTTP is not typically used for streaming telemetry.
gRPC
gRPC supports streaming telemetry.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
gRPC
gRPC is correct because it is designed for high-performance, real-time streaming of telemetry data using HTTP/2 and Protocol Buffers. Network devices like Cisco IOS XR and NX-OS use gRPC to push telemetry data to collectors in a continuous stream, eliminating the need for polling and reducing latency.
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.
SNMP polling
Why it's wrong here
Polling is not streaming.
NETCONF
Why it's wrong here
NETCONF is for configuration, not streaming telemetry.
HTTP
Why it's wrong here
HTTP is not typically used for streaming telemetry.
gRPC
Why this is correct
gRPC supports streaming telemetry.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between configuration protocols (NETCONF) and streaming telemetry protocols (gRPC), so the trap here is that candidates confuse NETCONF's subscription capability with true real-time streaming, but NETCONF subscriptions are typically poll-based or have higher latency compared to gRPC's push model.
Detailed technical explanation
gRPC leverages HTTP/2 multiplexing and server-side streaming to push telemetry data asynchronously, reducing CPU and bandwidth overhead compared to polling. Under the hood, gRPC uses Protocol Buffers (protobuf) for efficient serialization, and the telemetry data is often encoded in GPB (Google Protocol Buffers) or KV (Key-Value) formats. In real-world deployments, gRPC-based model-driven telemetry (MDT) allows operators to subscribe to specific YANG paths and receive updates at intervals as low as 1 second, enabling near-real-time monitoring of interface counters, CPU usage, and routing changes.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Infrastructure and Automation — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Infrastructure and Automation 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
Infrastructure and Automation — This question tests Infrastructure and Automation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: gRPC — gRPC is correct because it is designed for high-performance, real-time streaming of telemetry data using HTTP/2 and Protocol Buffers. Network devices like Cisco IOS XR and NX-OS use gRPC to push telemetry data to collectors in a continuous stream, eliminating the need for polling and reducing latency.
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.
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 →
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.
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.