The correct answer isA. Enables programmatic configuration.
InSoftware-Defined Networking (SDN), the control plane and data plane are decoupled, meaning that thenetwork intelligence (control plane)is separated from thetraffic forwarding functions (data plane). This separation allows network control to be directly programmable, rather than embedded within the hardware.
Key Benefits of Decoupling:
Programmatic Configuration:Network administrators can program the network dynamically using software applications. This programmability enablesautomated, flexible, and efficient network management.
Centralized Control:The control plane is managed from acentralized controller, which can adjust network configurations in real-time.
Reduced Hardware Dependency:Since the control logic is no longer embedded in individual hardware devices, it is easier to use commodity hardware andstandardized interfaces.
Agility and Scalability:Organizations can rapidly deploy new services and update configurations without altering the underlying hardware.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect:
B. Decreases network security:Decoupling does not inherently decrease security. In fact, centralized control can enhance security through consistent policy enforcement.
C. Increases hardware dependency:The opposite is true. SDN reduces dependency on proprietary hardware by enabling software-based management.
D. Increases network complexity:While SDN introduces new software components, it simplifies network management bycentralizing control and reducing hardware configuration complexities.
Real-World Example:
In a cloud environment, SDN controllers likeOpenDaylightorCisco ACIallow fordynamic routing,load balancing, andtraffic managementthrough APIs. This flexibility supportsautomated scaling and traffic optimization.
[References:, CSA Security Guidance v4.0, Domain 7: Infrastructure Security, Cloud Computing Security Risk Assessment (ENISA) - SDN and Network Virtualization, Cloud Controls Matrix (CCM) v3.0.1 - Network Security Domain, , ]
