CCNA: Cisco Certified Network Associate — Question 836

What is a functionality of the control plane in the network?

Answer options

• A. It looks up an egress interface in the forwarding information base.
• B. It forwards traffic to the next hop.
• C. It exchanges topology information with other routers.
• D. It provides CLI access to the network device.

Correct answer: C

Explanation

The control plane is responsible for exchanging topology information with other routers, which is critical for maintaining an accurate view of the network. Options A and B relate to the data plane's functions, which handle the actual forwarding of packets, while option D pertains to management access rather than the control plane's operational role.