Table of Contents
Question
What describes the functionality of southbound APIs?
A. They enable communication between the controller and the network device.
B. They communicate with the management plane.
C. They use HTTP messages to communicate.
D. They convey information from the controller to the SDN applications.
Answer
A. They enable communication between the controller and the network device.
Explanation
The correct answer is A. They enable communication between the controller and the network device.
Southbound APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) are a critical component of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) architecture. They facilitate communication between the SDN controller and the network devices (e.g., switches, routers) that are part of the SDN infrastructure.
Let’s elaborate on the functionality of southbound APIs:
A. They enable communication between the controller and the network device:
This is the correct description of southbound APIs. The main purpose of southbound APIs is to allow the SDN controller to communicate with the network devices in the data plane. These APIs are used to send control commands, policies, and configurations from the controller to the network devices. This allows the SDN controller to have a centralized view and control over the network, making it possible to dynamically configure and manage the behavior of network devices.
B. They communicate with the management plane:
This option is not accurate. Southbound APIs do not communicate directly with the management plane of the network devices. Instead, they interact with the data plane, which is responsible for forwarding and processing traffic.
C. They use HTTP messages to communicate:
This option is not entirely correct. While some southbound APIs may use HTTP or RESTful protocols for communication, it is not a universal requirement. Southbound APIs can use different protocols and technologies, depending on the specific SDN implementation and vendor. The choice of the communication protocol depends on the design and capabilities of the SDN solution.
D. They convey information from the controller to the SDN applications:
This option is not accurate. Southbound APIs are not used to convey information from the controller to the SDN applications. Instead, they are used to convey information from the controller to the network devices in the data plane. SDN applications communicate with the controller using northbound APIs.
In summary, southbound APIs are responsible for enabling communication between the SDN controller and the network devices in the data plane. They allow the controller to configure and manage network devices dynamically, providing the foundation for centralized control and programmability in SDN environments.
Reference
- What is the difference between Northbound and Southbound Interfaces? (cisco.com)
- Introduction to SDN (Software Defined Networking) (networklessons.com)
- Introduction to Controller-Based Networking > “Do I Know This Already?” Quiz | Cisco Press
- 200-301 CCNA Study Materials (cisco.com)
- What are SDN Southbound APIs? – Where they are used. (sdxcentral.com)
- SDN Technologies | Microsoft Learn
- Southbound vs. Northbound SDN: What are the differences? | Webwerks
Cisco Certified Network Associate CCNA 200-301 certification exam practice question and answer (Q&A) dump with detail explanation and reference available free, helpful to pass the Cisco Certified Network Associate CCNA 200-301 exam and earn Cisco Certified Network Associate CCNA 200-301 certification.