Software-Defined Network Foundations: Key Features

Foundations of Software-Defined Networks

Question

Which two features are foundations of a software-defined network instead of a traditional network? (Choose two.)

Answers

Explanations

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A. B. C. D. E.

BD.

In traditional networks, control plane and data plane are coupled tightly.

It also requires device by device configurations and of course, it uses physical hardware resources to function.

Whereas, SDN is based on a software stack.

In Cisco SDNs are automated through expressed intent to a software controller.

Sure, I can explain the two features that are foundations of a software-defined network instead of a traditional network.

The two features that are foundations of a software-defined network are:

  1. Automated through expressed intent to a software controller - In traditional networks, the control plane and data plane are tightly coupled, which means that network devices make their own forwarding decisions based on their own configurations and local information. In contrast, software-defined networks (SDNs) have a centralized software controller that automates the configuration and management of network devices through a programming interface. This controller uses policies and rules to translate high-level business intent into low-level network configurations, allowing network operators to express their intent without worrying about the underlying details of network configuration.

  2. Built upon a robust software stack - In traditional networks, device-by-device level configurations are required to manage the network, which can be time-consuming and error-prone. In contrast, software-defined networks are built upon a robust software stack that provides a unified and standardized view of the network. This software stack includes the controller, which provides a centralized view of the network, as well as network virtualization technologies, such as overlays and tunnels, that abstract the underlying physical network and provide a more flexible and scalable network infrastructure.

To summarize, the foundations of a software-defined network are automation through a software controller that translates high-level business intent into low-level network configurations, and a robust software stack that provides a unified and standardized view of the network. These features allow network operators to manage and configure the network more efficiently and effectively than in a traditional network.