200-301 Question 480
Single answerA network engineer is tasked with integrating a software-defined networking (SDN) controller into an enterprise network. The engineer needs to configure the SDN controller to communicate with business applications and also manage network devices. Which statement correctly describes the role of Northbound and Southbound APIs in this scenario?
- A
Northbound APIs allow the SDN controller to communicate with business applications, while Southbound APIs enable the controller to manage network devices.
- B
Northbound APIs enable the SDN controller to directly configure network hardware, while Southbound APIs allow business applications to control the controller.
- C
Both Northbound and Southbound APIs are used exclusively for managing network devices but serve different protocol standards.
- D
Southbound APIs are used to integrate business applications with the SDN controller, while Northbound APIs are used for device configuration.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Northbound and Southbound APIs serve distinct roles in the SDN architecture. Northbound APIs allow the SDN controller to communicate with external applications, providing programmability and visibility. Southbound APIs enable the controller to manage and configure network devices, supporting protocols like OpenFlow or NETCONF. The differentiation ensures a clear separation of responsibilities and functional layers in SDN.
- A. Correct.
Correct. Northbound APIs enable the SDN controller to interact with business applications, such as monitoring tools or custom automation scripts, while Southbound APIs facilitate the communication between the controller and network devices.
- B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Southbound APIs are not used for business application control; they are specifically designed for managing network devices. Northbound APIs do not directly configure network hardware.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. This option is incorrect because Northbound APIs are not used for device management, and Southbound APIs are not limited to protocol standards; they are used for device communication.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. This reverses the roles of Northbound and Southbound APIs. Northbound APIs are for application integration, and Southbound APIs are for device management.