Implementing Automation for Cisco Enterprise Solutions (ENAUTO) — Question 109

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

Answer options

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

Correct answer: A

Explanation

The correct answer is A because traditional networks have a tightly coupled architecture where data and control planes are integrated, while software-defined networks are designed to separate these planes for more flexibility. Option B is incorrect as it implies a difference in configuration methods but does not address the decoupling of planes. Option C is misleading since software-defined networks still rely on hardware, albeit in a more abstracted manner. Option D incorrectly suggests that software-defined networks do not use hardware at all, whereas they do utilize virtualized resources.