In what year was NETCONF defined?

NETCONF (Network Configuration Protocol) was defined in 2006, which is why this choice is the correct answer. This protocol was developed as a way to provide mechanisms to install, manipulate, and delete the configuration of network devices. The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) standardized NETCONF in RFC 6241, which was published in June 2011, but the initial foundation and definitions were established in 2006.

Understanding the history of NETCONF is crucial as it helps to appreciate the evolution of network management protocols, particularly in the context of automation and programmability in networking environments. It represents a significant advancement from traditional CLI-based configuration methods, facilitating more efficient and programmable network operations.