Which transport method does NETCONF securely utilize?

NETCONF securely utilizes SSH (Secure Shell) as its transport method. SSH is a cryptographic network protocol that provides a secure channel over an unsecured network. It offers authentication, confidentiality, and integrity, making it ideal for managing network devices securely.

NETCONF, which is a network management protocol defined in RFC 6241, relies on SSH to provide a secure transport for its communication with devices. This ensures that commands sent to a network device, as well as the responses received, are encrypted and secure from eavesdropping or tampering.

In contrast, the other transport methods mentioned do not provide the same level of security. For example, FTP (File Transfer Protocol) transmits data in clear text, making it vulnerable to interception. HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) also lacks encryption, and while it facilitates web communication, it is not secure without the addition of SSL/TLS (which is used in HTTPS). Telnet is even less secure, as it transmits data, including credentials, in plain text, leaving it open to external attacks. Therefore, SSH is the suitable and secure choice for NETCONF, ensuring that network management can be performed safely.