200-301 Question 478
Single answerYou are configuring a Software-Defined Networking (SDN) environment in your organization. The controller uses an API to communicate with network devices and another API to interact with applications like monitoring tools. Which statement correctly describes the roles of these APIs?
- A
The API used to communicate with network devices is a northbound API, and the API used to interact with applications is a southbound API.
- B
The API used to communicate with network devices is a southbound API, and the API used to interact with applications is a northbound API.
- C
Both APIs are northbound APIs since they are used to send and receive data.
- D
Both APIs are southbound APIs since they interact with the SDN controller.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
In an SDN architecture, the communication between the SDN controller and network devices (like switches or routers) happens through southbound APIs, which translate controller instructions into device-specific configurations. On the other hand, northbound APIs allow the SDN controller to interact with higher-level applications, such as monitoring or orchestration tools, enabling programmability and automation.
- A. Incorrect.
This is incorrect because northbound APIs are used to interact with higher-level applications, not network devices.
- B. Correct.
This is correct because in an SDN architecture, the API used to communicate with network devices is a southbound API, while the API used to interact with applications or orchestration tools is a northbound API.
- C. Incorrect.
This is incorrect because northbound and southbound APIs serve different purposes. Northbound APIs interact with applications, while southbound APIs interact with network devices.
- D. Incorrect.
This is incorrect because southbound APIs are specific to network devices, and northbound APIs interact with applications or management tools.