DevNet Associate (DEVASC) v1.0Cisco Platforms and DevelopmentMedium

A network administrator needs to programmatically retrieve operational data from a Cisco IOS XE device. The administrator prefers a standard, structured data model and a protocol that uses SSH for secure transport. Which combination of data modeling language and protocol should be used?

  1. AYANG over NETCONF
  2. BGraphQL over HTTPS
  3. CXML over RESTCONF
  4. DJSON-RPC over HTTP
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. YANG over NETCONF

YANG is a data modeling language used to define the structure of configuration and operational data, while NETCONF is a network management protocol that uses SSH for secure communication, making YANG over NETCONF the ideal choice for structured data retrieval from IOS XE devices.

Why the other options are wrong

  • B. GraphQL is a query language for APIs, but not a standard for structured network device data modeling and management via SSH.
  • C. While RESTCONF uses YANG models, it primarily uses HTTPS, and the question specifies SSH for transport.
  • D. JSON-RPC is a remote procedure call protocol, not typically associated with structured network data models like YANG.

NETCONF and YANG

NETCONF (Network Configuration Protocol) is a network management protocol that provides mechanisms to install, manipulate, and delete configuration data of network devices. YANG (Yet Another Next Generation) is a data modeling language used with NETCONF to define structured configuration and operational data.

  • NETCONF uses SSH for secure transport.
  • YANG defines the structure of data (schemas).
  • Together, they enable programmatic, standardized device management.

Memory trick: YANG models the data, NETCONF makes the secure call.

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