300-435 · Question #95
What is a difference between traditional and software-defined networks?
The correct answer is A. Traditional networks are characterized by tightly coupled data and control planes, and software-defined networks are characterized by decoupled data and control planes. 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.
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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.
How the community answered
(57 responses)- A88% (50)
- B4% (2)
- C7% (4)
- D2% (1)
Why each option
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.
The defining characteristic of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) is the decoupling of the control plane (which makes forwarding decisions) from the data plane (which forwards traffic). In contrast, traditional networks have these planes tightly integrated within each individual network device, where each router or switch makes its own forwarding decisions based on its local control plane.
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.
Software-defined networks still require hardware to function, even if some components are virtualized; they do not operate without any hardware.
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
Source: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/solutions/software-defined-networking/what-is-sdn.html
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