CiscoCisco
200-301 · Question #516
200-301 Question #516: Real Exam Question with Answer & Explanation
The correct answer is D: southbound API. Southbound APIs enable SDN controllers to communicate with and dynamically program the underlying network devices, pushing forwarding rules and configurations.
Submitted by emma.c· Mar 5, 2026Automation and Programmability
Question
Which type of API allows SDN controllers to dynamically make changes to the network?
Options
- Anorthbound API
- BREST API
- CSOAP API
- Dsouthbound API
Explanation
Southbound APIs enable SDN controllers to communicate with and dynamically program the underlying network devices, pushing forwarding rules and configurations.
Common mistakes.
- A. Northbound APIs are used by applications and orchestration systems to communicate with the SDN controller, requesting network services or policy changes, rather than the controller using them to interact with devices.
- B. REST API is an architectural style for APIs (Representational State Transfer), describing how an API is built and interacts, not its functional direction (northbound or southbound) within the SDN architecture.
- C. SOAP API is another architectural style for APIs (Simple Object Access Protocol), similar to REST, and describes how an API is built, not its functional direction within the SDN architecture.
Concept tested. SDN API types and functions
Reference. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/architecture/guide/networking/sdn-architecture
Topics
#SDN APIs#Southbound API#SDN architecture
Community Discussion
No community discussion yet for this question.