Automation and ProgrammabilityDifficulty 2/5
In a controller-based network, which interface do applications use to request services from the controller?
- AData plane
- BConsole
- CSouthbound API
- DNorthbound API
Show answer and rationale
Correct: D. Northbound APIs (typically REST with JSON) expose the controller to applications and scripts; southbound APIs (NETCONF, RESTCONF, OpenFlow, CLI) let the controller program devices.
- C — Southbound faces the devices.
- A — The data plane forwards packets; it is not an API.
- B — The console is a management access method.