The answer is to include the required 'siteId' query parameter in the request URL. A 400 Bad Request response from the Cisco DNA Center API explicitly indicates a malformed request, often caused by missing mandatory parameters; in this case, the API endpoint for retrieving network devices demands the 'siteId' parameter to scope the query to a specific site, and omitting it triggers the error. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of REST API error codes and proper request formatting, a common trap being that engineers overlook required query parameters when they assume a GET request needs no payload. To avoid this, remember the mnemonic "Site ID, 400 die"—if you forget the siteId, your request will fail with a 400.
350-401 REST APIs and Data Models Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of rest apis and data models. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 network engineer is using the Cisco DNA Center REST API to retrieve the list of network devices. The engineer sends a GET request to '/dna/intent/api/v1/network-device' and receives a 400 Bad Request response. The API documentation indicates that the request requires a query parameter 'siteId'. What should the engineer do to resolve the issue?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Include the 'siteId' query parameter in the request URL.
A 400 Bad Request typically indicates a malformed request, such as missing required parameters. The API documentation specifies that 'siteId' is required, so the engineer must include it as a query parameter in the request.
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.
✓
Include the 'siteId' query parameter in the request URL.
Why this is correct
Correct because the API requires the 'siteId' parameter to filter devices by site.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
Change the HTTP method to POST because GET is not supported for this endpoint.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because the endpoint supports GET; the error is due to missing parameters.
✗
Add an 'Authorization' header with a valid token because the API requires authentication.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because a missing authentication would result in a 401 error, not 400.
✗
Use a different API endpoint, such as '/dna/intent/api/v1/site', to retrieve device information.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because the correct endpoint for network devices is '/network-device'; the issue is the missing parameter.
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.
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 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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 350-401 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 350-401 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
REST APIs and Data Models — This question tests REST APIs and Data Models — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Include the 'siteId' query parameter in the request URL. — A 400 Bad Request typically indicates a malformed request, such as missing required parameters. The API documentation specifies that 'siteId' is required, so the engineer must include it as a query parameter in the request.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 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 350-401 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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