Choosing IETF vs OpenConfig YANG Models for Multivendor Networks

300-420 By islever Editorial Last updated

Differentiate between IETF, OpenConfig, and Cisco YANG models

Short answer

C The engineer should choose the IETF model because it provides formally standardized, vendor-neutral YANG data models defined by the Internet Engineering Task Force, unlike the industry-consortium-led OpenConfig.

Question

An engineer needs a standards-driven YANG model to manage a multivendor network environment. Which model should the engineer choose?
  1. Native
  2. OpenConfig
  3. IETF Correct Answer
  4. IEEE NETCONF

Key Takeaways

The trap is confusing 'vendor-neutral' with 'standards-driven'. OpenConfig is vendor-neutral but industry-consortium driven; only IETF models are formally standardized.

This question tests the distinction between IETF and OpenConfig YANG models. The correct answer is C because IETF provides the only formally standards-driven, vendor-neutral models required for strict multivendor interoperability.

Common mistake: Candidates often select B (OpenConfig) because it is widely used and vendor-neutral. However, OpenConfig is a community-led initiative, not a formal standards body like the IETF, making it incorrect for questions specifying 'standards-driven'.

Expert Analysis

The question hinges on the specific definition of "standards-driven" within the context of network automation models. While both OpenConfig and IETF produce vendor-neutral YANG models, they differ fundamentally in their governance and standardization status.

OpenConfig is an industry consortium led by major network operators (such as Google, Microsoft, and Facebook) to create vendor-neutral data models. As noted in community discussions, it is described as a community-led initiative rather than a formal standards body. Its strength lies in its rapid iteration based on operator needs, but it does not carry the weight of formal international standards.

In contrast, the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) is the recognized Standards Development Organization (SDO) for internet protocols and data modeling. YANG itself was developed by the IETF. The IETF produces RFC-standardized YANG models that are officially recognized as industry standards. Cisco documentation explicitly distinguishes between "industry-driven OpenConfig models" and "standards-driven IETF models." For a multivendor environment requiring a strictly standards-driven approach, the IETF model is the correct choice because it ensures interoperability through formal, ratified standards rather than consortium agreements.

Option A (Native) refers to vendor-specific models (e.g., Cisco IOS-XR native), which violates the multivendor requirement. Option D (IEEE NETCONF) is incorrect because IEEE does not define YANG models; NETCONF is a protocol, and IEEE focuses on Layer 2/1 standards.

Official Reference

https://openconfig.net/

This link opens the official vendor documentation in a new tab.

Exam Strategy

When analyzing automation questions, carefully distinguish between the nature of the model source. If the keyword is 'vendor-neutral', consider both OpenConfig and IETF. If the keyword adds 'standards-driven' or 'RFC-based', always choose IETF. Memorize that OpenConfig = Operator Consortium/Industry-Driven, while IETF = Formal Standards Body.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between OpenConfig and IETF YANG models?

OpenConfig is a vendor-neutral model set created by a consortium of network operators (industry-driven). IETF models are formally standardized by the Internet Engineering Task Force (standards-driven).

Is OpenConfig considered a standard?

No, OpenConfig is not a formal standard from an SDO like IETF or IEEE. It is an industry best practice and consortium agreement, whereas IETF models are published as RFCs.

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Community Votes

B
67%
C
33%

67% of anonymous learners picked answer B. Votes are pick records left by other test-takers — they are not the verified answer.

Discussion 17 contributions

Compiled from public community threads and reader submissions, lightly edited for clarity. Handles and vote tallies are shown as recorded, and comments reflect the views of individual contributors.

From public community threads 17

  1. python_tamer 👍 3 Answered C
    I believe it's C. "We support a comprehensive set of IOS XR native models as well as industry-driven OpenConfig models and standards-driven IETF models" https://blogs.cisco.com/sp/advancing-your-programmability-journey-with-latest-ios-xr-innovations
  2. Clauster 👍 2 Answered B
    Answer is 100% B Page 387 OCG Book: OpenConfig is a group of network operators working on developing programmable interfaces and tools for managing networks in a vendor-neutral way using software-defined networking concepts and model-driven management and operations. OpenConfig focuses on building consistent sets of vendor-neutral data models written in YANG to support operational needs and requirements from various network operators
  3. J2J2J2J 👍 2 Answered C
    YANG is a data modeling language developed in the IETF. It is used to model configuration and state data manipulated by protocols such as NETCONF and RESTCONF. YANG enables easier management of network elements, such as routers, and is widely used and deployed by many network equipment vendors and network operators.
  4. namibdigger 👍 2
    Your answer refers to OpenConfig BGP YANG - which is a model for routing protocol BGP. The question asks for a network management model; the article you refer to also contains an introduction to _generalö_ data models - citing IETF. That's why i think its C
  5. namibdigger 👍 2
    According to Student learning guide and Cert Guide C is correct - where it's stating that IETF is developing and updating several YANG models - which means they are vendor independant. So C seems right.
Show 12 more comments
  1. mgiuseppe86 👍 2
    Why do half the comments say B yet only 2 votes? People need to use the voting system more.
  2. salmarin 👍 2 Answered B
    OpenConfig for multi vendor devices.
  3. akbntc 👍 2 Answered B
    It's B: Openconfig.
  4. G_Singh12 👍 1 Answered C
    While OpenConfig is vendor-neutral and heavily used in multivendor environments, it is technically an operator-led industry initiative/consortium formed by major cloud providers (like Google, Microsoft, and Facebook). Whereas, he Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) is a formal standards-development organization (SDO) that defines official, RFC-standardized, vendor-neutral YANG data models (such as basic routing, interfaces, and ACLs). These models are designed explicitly to promote basic baseline compatibility across a heterogenous, multivendor network environment
  5. electro165 👍 1
    The correct answer is B: OpenConfig For managing a multivendor network environment with a standards-driven YANG model, the engineer should choose the "OpenConfig" model. OpenConfig is an industry initiative that aims to provide a vendor-neutral and standardized YANG data model for network device configuration and monitoring. It's designed to work across different vendors' equipment and to promote interoperability in a heterogeneous network environment.
  6. Emily23 👍 1
    The YANG Model Coordination Group, for example, has been spending time on the inventory of YANG models in the industry, tooling aspects, training and education of NETCONF, YANG, pyang, and the model coordination for the IETF. OpenConfig focuses on building consistent sets of vendor-neutral data models written in YANG to support operational needs and requirements from various network operators.
  7. Hope66 👍 1
    I think that the answer is OpenConfig too. Pag. 387 ENSLD-420 book and https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/switches/nexus-9000-series-switches/white-paper-c11-741518.html (find the word "Multivendor")
  8. LearnMachine 👍 1 Answered B
    IETF - Models developed by the Internet Engineering Task Force (Standards) OpenConfig - Community-driven models led by major network operators (fast updates, but not standards)
  9. Seb82 👍 1 Answered B
    IETF is not a YANG model per se, it is an org that creates YANG models. Question asked for a "standard YANG model"
  10. bz_boy 👍 1
    Answer B https://blogs.cisco.com/networking/solving-multi-vendor-network-management-complexity-with-openconfig
  11. cwoolie 👍 1
    Why not OpenConfig? Openconfig support all vendors of network gear
  12. neiker45 👍 1 Answered B
    I say B

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