What type of data does NETCONF primarily manage?

NETCONF is a network management protocol designed to facilitate the management of network devices in a standardized way. The primary focus of NETCONF is to allow for both configuration and operational data management.

Configuration data refers to the settings and parameters that define how a device should operate, while operational data pertains to the current state and conditions of the device as it runs those configurations. NETCONF enables the retrieval of operational data from devices to monitor their status and performance, as well as the ability to modify or set new configurations accordingly.

The capability to handle both types of data makes NETCONF a versatile and powerful tool in network automation and management. It ensures that network administrators can effectively manage devices by making changes and monitoring their operational status in real-time, thus providing a comprehensive approach to network management. This functionality is what distinguishes NETCONF from protocols that may focus exclusively on either configuration or operational data.