CiscoCisco
200-301 · Question #651
200-301 Question #651: Real Exam Question with Answer & Explanation
The correct answer is B: forwarding packets. In a controller-based network, off-the-shelf switches serve as the data plane, executing instructions from the central controller to forward packets efficiently.
Submitted by anjalisingh· Mar 5, 2026
Question
What is the function of "off-the-shell" switches in a controller-based network?
Options
- Aproviding a central view of the deployed network
- Bforwarding packets
- Cmaking routing decisions
- Dsetting packet-handling policies
Explanation
In a controller-based network, off-the-shelf switches serve as the data plane, executing instructions from the central controller to forward packets efficiently.
Common mistakes.
- A. Providing a central view of the deployed network is a function of the SDN controller or a network management application, not the data plane switches themselves.
- C. Making routing decisions is the responsibility of the SDN controller, which then programs the forwarding paths into the data plane switches, rather than the switches making these decisions autonomously.
- D. Setting packet-handling policies is a control plane function performed by the SDN controller, which then enforces these policies by pushing rules to the data plane switches.
Concept tested. SDN data plane function
Reference. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/architecture/guide/networking/sdn-architecture
Topics
#SDN switches#Data plane#Packet forwarding
Community Discussion
No community discussion yet for this question.