200-301 Question 476
Select 2A network engineer is tasked with implementing a Software-Defined Networking (SDN) solution in a data center. The engineer needs to ensure that the control plane is separated from the data plane to allow centralized control and improved scalability. Which of the following statements correctly describe the separation of the control plane and data plane in this context?
- A
The control plane is responsible for making forwarding decisions and resides on a centralized controller.
- B
The data plane is responsible for forwarding packets based on the instructions received from the control plane.
- C
Separation of the control plane and data plane eliminates the need for any hardware-based forwarding devices.
- D
This separation allows for easier implementation of network automation and programmability.
- E
The data plane is centralized, while the control plane remains distributed across all devices.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answers: B, D
Explanation
In a Software-Defined Networking (SDN) architecture, the separation of the control plane and data plane allows for centralized decision-making by the control plane (typically via an SDN controller) and distributed packet forwarding by the data plane on various hardware devices. This decoupling improves scalability, enables network automation, and simplifies programmability.
- A. Incorrect.
Incorrect: While the control plane does make forwarding decisions, it resides on a centralized SDN controller, not directly on forwarding devices.
- B. Correct.
Correct: The data plane handles the actual forwarding of packets based on instructions provided by the centralized control plane.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect: The separation of planes does not eliminate the need for hardware-based forwarding devices; it simply centralizes the control logic.
- D. Correct.
Correct: Centralized control via SDN enables automation and programmability, simplifying network management.
- E. Incorrect.
Incorrect: The data plane remains distributed across forwarding devices, while the control plane is centralized in an SDN architecture.