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200-301 · Question #516

Which type of API allows SDN controllers to dynamically make changes to the network?

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

How the community answered

(23 responses)
  • B
    4% (1)
  • C
    4% (1)
  • D
    91% (21)

Why each option

Southbound APIs enable SDN controllers to communicate with and dynamically program the underlying network devices, pushing forwarding rules and configurations.

Anorthbound API

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.

BREST API

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.

CSOAP API

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.

Dsouthbound APICorrect

Southbound APIs are used by the SDN controller to communicate with and control the data plane devices (switches, routers), allowing it to dynamically push configurations, policies, and forwarding rules to the network hardware.

Concept tested: SDN API types and functions

Source: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/architecture/guide/networking/sdn-architecture

Topics

#SDN APIs#Southbound API#SDN architecture

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