This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of automation. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
{
"ietf-interfaces:interface": {
"name": "GigabitEthernet0/0/0",
"description": "Link to Core",
"enabled": true,
"ietf-ip:ipv4": {
"address": [
{
"ip": "192.168.1.1",
"netmask": "255.255.255.0"
}
]
}
}
}
Refer to the exhibit. A network engineer sends a RESTCONF PATCH request with the above JSON payload to the URL https://192.168.1.100/restconf/data/ietf-interfaces:interface=GigabitEthernet0/0/0. What is the expected outcome?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The description and IP address of the existing interface are updated, and the interface remains enabled.
A RESTCONF PATCH request uses the HTTP PATCH method to apply a partial update to an existing resource. The payload contains only the fields to be modified (description and IP address), and the request URL targets the specific interface resource. Since the interface already exists, the PATCH updates only those fields without affecting other configuration, such as the interface's enabled state. This is why the interface remains enabled and only the description and IP address are updated.
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.
✗
A new interface GigabitEthernet0/0/0 is created with the specified IP address.
Why it's wrong here
PATCH modifies an existing resource; it does not create one.
✓
The description and IP address of the existing interface are updated, and the interface remains enabled.
Why this is correct
PATCH merges the provided fields with the existing configuration.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The request fails because a GET request must be sent first to retrieve the current configuration.
Why it's wrong here
No prior GET is required for PATCH.
✗
The entire interface configuration is replaced with only the fields in the payload.
Why it's wrong here
PATCH merges; PUT replaces the entire resource.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between HTTP methods in RESTCONF, specifically that PATCH is for partial updates and PUT is for full replacement, and that PATCH does not require a prior GET to retrieve the current configuration.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
RESTCONF uses the HTTP PATCH method with the 'application/yang-data+json' media type to perform a merge operation on the YANG data tree. The server applies the fields in the payload to the existing resource, leaving all other fields unchanged. This is defined in RFC 8040, where PATCH is specifically intended for partial updates, contrasting with PUT which replaces the entire resource. In real-world scenarios, this allows network engineers to change a single interface parameter without disrupting other settings like MTU or operational state.
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 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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 350-401 question in full detail.
Automation — This question tests Automation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The description and IP address of the existing interface are updated, and the interface remains enabled. — A RESTCONF PATCH request uses the HTTP PATCH method to apply a partial update to an existing resource. The payload contains only the fields to be modified (description and IP address), and the request URL targets the specific interface resource. Since the interface already exists, the PATCH updates only those fields without affecting other configuration, such as the interface's enabled state. This is why the interface remains enabled and only the description and IP address are updated.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 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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