The correct answer is to enable the 'netconf-yang' feature using the command 'netconf-yang' in global configuration mode, and to activate the NETCONF SSH subsystem with the command 'netconf ssh'. These two steps are required because NETCONF over SSH relies on the YANG data model support provided by the 'netconf-yang' feature, while the 'netconf ssh' command specifically binds the NETCONF subsystem to the SSH transport layer, allowing secure, structured device management. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this question tests your understanding of automation protocols and their implementation prerequisites, often appearing as a multiple-select item designed to trap candidates who confuse general SSH configuration with NETCONF-specific commands. A common mistake is selecting 'ip ssh' commands, which only enable SSH access, not the NETCONF subsystem. Remember the memory tip: "YANG first, then SSH" — always enable the feature before specifying the transport.
300-410 Device Management Practice Question
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of device management. 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.
Which TWO configuration steps are required to enable NETCONF over SSH on a Cisco IOS-XE device? (Choose TWO.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Issue the command 'netconf ssh' in global configuration mode.
NETCONF over SSH requires the 'netconf-yang' feature to be enabled globally and the 'netconf ssh' command to activate the NETCONF SSH subsystem. The 'ip ssh' commands are for general SSH configuration, not NETCONF-specific. The 'netconf' command alone does not specify the transport.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Configure 'netconf-yang' under the 'router' configuration mode.
Why it's wrong here
The 'netconf-yang' feature is enabled globally, not under router configuration mode.
✓
Issue the command 'netconf ssh' in global configuration mode.
Enable the 'netconf-yang' feature using the command 'netconf-yang' in global configuration mode.
Why this is correct
This is the global command to enable the NETCONF/YANG feature set.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
Configure 'ip ssh version 2' to ensure SSH is available.
Why it's wrong here
While SSHv2 is needed, this is a general SSH step, not specific to NETCONF.
✗
Issue the command 'netconf' in global configuration mode.
Why it's wrong here
The 'netconf' command alone does not specify SSH transport; 'netconf ssh' is required.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The 'netconf' command alone does not specify SSH transport; 'netconf ssh' is required.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Authentication checks who the user is.
Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
→Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
→Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
→Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 300-410 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. Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 300-410 question in full detail.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 300-410 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Device Management — This question tests Device Management — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Issue the command 'netconf ssh' in global configuration mode. — NETCONF over SSH requires the 'netconf-yang' feature to be enabled globally and the 'netconf ssh' command to activate the NETCONF SSH subsystem. The 'ip ssh' commands are for general SSH configuration, not NETCONF-specific. The 'netconf' command alone does not specify the transport.
What should I do if I get this 300-410 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 300-410 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Question Discussion
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