Control-Plane Centralization: Controller-Based vs Traditional Networks

Describe controller-based, software defined architecture (overlay, underlay, and fabric)
Answer Correct answer: D — Controller-based networks centralize control-plane functions in a controller, while traditional networks distribute control-plane functions across devices.

What is the difference between controller-based networks and traditional networks as they relate to control-plane and/or data-plane functions?

  1. Controller-based networks centralize all important data-plane functions, and traditional networks distribute data-plane functions.
  2. Traditional networks centralize all important control-plane functions, and controller-based networks distribute control-plane functions.
  3. Traditional networks centralize all important data-plane functions, and controller-based networks distribute data-plane functions.
  4. Controller-based networks centralize all important control-plane functions, and traditional networks distribute control-plane functions. Correct Answer

Community Votes

D
100%

100% of anonymous learners picked answer D. Votes are pick records left by other test-takers — they are not the verified answer.

Community Insight

The defining SDN shift is control-plane centralization: logic moves from per-device to a controller; the data plane stays distributed in the forwarding devices.

In traditional (distributed) networks, each device runs its own control plane (routing, STP) locally. In controller-based/SDN networks, the control plane is centralized in a controller that manages the data plane of all devices via southbound APIs.

Picking A/B/C: those mix up which plane is centralized. It is the CONTROL plane that controller-based networks centralize, not the data plane.

Community Discussion (3 comments)

exiledwl 👍 5 Selected: D
D. Controller-based networks centralize all important control-plane functions, and traditional networks distribute control-plane functions. In traditional networks, control-plane functions (such as routing decisions) are distributed across network devices like routers. In controller-based (software-defined) networks, these functions are centralized in a controller, which manages and controls the network devices.
3040636 👍 1
D pleASE CORRECT
dimo475 👍 1
It is D please CORRECT

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Expert Analysis

Why the Answer Is Correct

D is correct. Controller-based (SDN) networks centralize control-plane functions in a controller, whereas traditional networks distribute those control-plane decisions (routing, STP) across the individual devices.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

A, B, and C misassign or invert the planes. The centralized element in controller-based networking is the control plane, not the data plane.

Community Comment Notes

The vote is D (100). The top comment spells out that traditional networks distribute control-plane functions across devices while controller-based networks centralize them.

Official Reference

https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/s/ccna-exam-topics

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