200-301 Question 21
Single answerA company is in the process of deploying a Software-Defined Networking (SDN) solution in its enterprise network. The network team has selected a controller-based architecture to centralize network management. Which of the following is a primary function of the SDN controller in this architecture?
- A
Distributes IP addresses to end devices in the network
- B
Provides a centralized point to manage and program the network behavior
- C
Acts as a hardware device responsible for data forwarding in the network
- D
Performs packet inspection and provides firewall services
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
In a controller-based architecture, the SDN controller serves as the brain of the network by centralizing control and enabling programmability. It abstracts the network's hardware infrastructure and allows administrators to define policies and manage the network more efficiently. This is a key concept in Software-Defined Networking and is critical for understanding controller-based solutions.
- A. Incorrect.
Distributing IP addresses is typically the role of a DHCP server, not an SDN controller.
- B. Correct.
An SDN controller is responsible for centralizing management and enabling programmability of the network, which is a key feature of controller-based architectures.
- C. Incorrect.
Data forwarding is handled by network devices like switches or routers, not by the SDN controller.
- D. Incorrect.
While security features like firewalls may integrate with SDN, packet inspection and firewall services are not primary functions of the SDN controller itself.