DevNet Associate (DEVASC) v1.0Cisco Platforms and DevelopmentMedium
A network administrator needs to programmatically retrieve the current running configuration of a Cisco IOS XE router in a structured, machine-readable format. The router is managed by Cisco DNA Center, but the administrator prefers a direct device-level interaction for this specific task without relying on DNA Center's abstraction layers. Which direct device programmability interface on IOS XE would be best suited for this, providing structured data?
- ATelnet
- BSNMP GET operations
- CCLI 'show running-config' via SSH
- DRESTCONF API
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. RESTCONF API
RESTCONF API on Cisco IOS XE provides a standardized, HTTP-based interface to access and manipulate device configuration and operational data in a structured, machine-readable format (JSON or XML), making it ideal for programmatic retrieval of running configurations.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Telnet is an insecure, text-based protocol and not suitable for programmatic structured data retrieval.
- B. SNMP GET operations are primarily for retrieving specific operational data, not the full running configuration in a structured, declarative format.
- C. Using 'show running-config' via SSH requires text parsing, which is error-prone and not a structured machine-readable format.
IOS XE RESTCONF API
The IOS XE RESTCONF API is an HTTP-based protocol that uses YANG data models to provide programmatic access to configure and retrieve operational data from Cisco IOS XE devices in a structured format (JSON or XML).
- Based on HTTP/HTTPS.
- Uses YANG models for data definition.
- Provides CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) operations.
Memory trick: IOS XE's direct interfaces give raw power.