Which two features are foundations of a software-defined network instead of a traditional network? (Choose two.)

In a traditional network, the control plane (routing decisions) and data plane (packet forwarding) are tightly coupled within each network device, whereas SDN aims to decouple them.

Software-Defined Networking (SDN) is characterized by a network architecture that is programmatic and centrally managed through software, relying heavily on a robust software stack for its functionality, including controllers and applications. This software layer abstracts the underlying hardware.

Traditional networks require manual, device-by-device configuration, while SDN seeks to abstract and centralize control, reducing the need for individual device configurations.

A core principle of SDN is the ability to automate network configurations and policies by expressing high-level intent to a centralized software controller, which then translates this intent into device-specific commands. This allows for centralized and simplified network management.

While networks require hardware, "significant physical hardware resources" is not a distinguishing feature of SDN compared to traditional networks; SDN's defining features relate to control and programmability rather than raw hardware scale.