502 Bad Gateway from DNA Center Sandbox API (/auth/token endpoint)

[chaslonbrown]

I'm running into an issue with the Cisco DNA Center sandbox at sandboxdnac2.cisco.com. When I try to obtain an authentication token using the /dna/system/api/v1/auth/token endpoint, I consistently receive a 502 Bad Gateway response.

Here’s the exact curl request I’m using:

curl -k -X POST -u devnetuser:Cisco123! \ "https://sandboxdnac2.cisco.com/dna/system/api/v1/auth/token" \ -H "Content-Type: application/json" \ -H "Accept: application/json"

Response:

502 Bad Gateway

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What I’ve tried:

• Verified the username/password (devnetuser:Cisco123!)

• Bypassed SSL verification with -k

• Ensured correct headers (Accept and Content-Type)

• Reproduced the issue from multiple environments

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Expected behavior:
A successful JSON response with an access token.

Actual behavior:
HTTP 502 error from nginx, indicating a backend issue — likely the auth service behind the proxy is down or unreachable.

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Could someone from the DevNet team take a look at the sandbox? Would really appreciate a status update or confirmation if maintenance is ongoing.

[bigevilbeard · Accepted solution]

I do not know if this sandbox is live anymore? Looking at the catalog, i see https://sandboxdnac.cisco.com/ (find this here https://devnetsandbox.cisco.com/DevNet/catalog/Catalyst-Center-Always-On_catalyst-center-always-on)

You have some small issues in your curl, the backslashes \ should have the lines properly separated and ensure each \ is at the end of a line with no trailing spaces. There should also be a space after the exclamation mark in your command. If you try this below, it will give you a token back as expected. 

curl -k -X POST -u devnetuser:Cisco123! \
  "https://sandboxdnac.cisco.com/dna/system/api/v1/auth/token" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "Accept: application/json"

Hope this helps.

[ecorban]

hello,

we are in the process of de-commissioning this sandbox and replacing it with an virtual platform (no ETA at the moment). you may use either of the following sandboxes to continue your work:

https://sandboxdnac.cisco.com

or

Reserve the Catalyst Center Sandbox 

Regards

Eddie