Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) Practice Exam

What does Software Defined Networking (SDN) aim to provide in terms of network traffic management?

1. A method for creating a structurally similar but inauthentic version of data

2. A monitoring system for database activity

3. A control plane to manage network traffic on an abstract level

4. An arrangement for identity management among multiple enterprises

The correct answer is: A control plane to manage network traffic on an abstract level

The correct choice highlights that Software Defined Networking (SDN) aims to provide a control plane that manages network traffic on an abstract level. This abstraction allows for centralized control and programming of network resources, enabling easier configuration, management, and optimization of networks. With SDN, network administrators can dynamically configure and manage the network according to policies and real-time needs, improving efficiency and responsiveness to changing conditions. The concept of an abstract control plane is particularly significant because it separates the network data plane (the actual forwarding of traffic) from the control plane, which determines how traffic is managed. This differentiation allows for increased flexibility and simpler management of complex networks, making it a fundamental aspect of SDN. In contrast, other choices do not align with the primary purpose of SDN. The mention of creating inauthentic data speaks to data manipulation rather than network management. Monitoring database activity pertains to database management, not traffic control. Lastly, identity management arrangements focus on user identity and access rights, which are not central to the primary functions of SDN, thereby underscoring why the control plane is the accurate response.