Network Automation and APIs Flashcards

What is the function of a YANG model in network automation?

Answer: It defines the data structure and constraints for network configuration

YANG (Yet Another Next Generation) is a data modeling language that defines the structure, syntax, and semantics of network configuration data.

Which tool uses an agentless architecture and communicates with network devices over SSH by default?

Answer: Ansible

Ansible is agentless and uses SSH (or APIs) to communicate with managed devices, requiring no agent software on endpoints.

In a REST API, what does the endpoint '/api/v1/devices/{id}' with a DELETE method accomplish?

Answer: Removes the device with the specified ID

A DELETE request to a resource URI with a specific ID removes that particular resource from the system.

What is a webhook in the context of network automation?

Answer: An HTTP callback triggered by an event to notify another system

A webhook is an HTTP POST callback sent to a URL when a specific event occurs, enabling event-driven automation.

Which Cisco platform provides a REST API for managing network infrastructure through a centralized controller?

Answer: Cisco DNA Center

Cisco DNA Center (now Cisco Catalyst Center) exposes northbound REST APIs for network intent-based automation and management.

When comparing JSON and XML for API data exchange, which statement is accurate?

Answer: JSON is generally more human-readable and less verbose than XML

JSON uses key-value pairs with less syntactic overhead than XML's opening/closing tags, making it more concise and readable.

What does 'idempotent' mean when applied to REST API methods?

Answer: Calling the method multiple times produces the same result as calling it once

An idempotent operation produces the same outcome regardless of how many times it is called with the same input.