300-435 Question #95: Real Exam Question with Answer & Explanation

Question

What is a difference between traditional and software-defined networks?

Options

• ATraditional networks are characterized by tightly coupled data and control planes, and software-defined networks are characterized by decoupled data and control planes.
• BTraditional networks require that devices be configured as a group, and software-defined networks support centralized control of network-wide settings.
• CTraditional networks rely on physical hardware, and software-defined networks require no hardware.
• DTraditional networks are comprised of fixed-function hardware such as routers or switches, and software-defined networks rely on virtualized hardware.

Explanation

The primary difference between traditional and software-defined networks lies in their architectural planes; traditional networks have tightly coupled data and control planes, whereas SDN decouples these planes.

Common mistakes.

• B. Traditional networks typically involve individual device configuration, not necessarily group configuration, and while SDN offers centralized control, this is a consequence of the decoupled planes, not the fundamental difference in architecture.
• C. Software-defined networks still require hardware to function, even if some components are virtualized; they do not operate without any hardware.
• D. While SDN often utilizes virtualized hardware and traditional networks use fixed-function hardware, the most fundamental and architectural difference is the coupling of the data and control planes, not just the hardware type.

Concept tested. SDN architecture - decoupled control and data planes

Reference. https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/solutions/software-defined-networking/what-is-sdn.html

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