Which of the following APIs enable communication between the SDN controller and devices in the data plane?
A. northbound APIs
B. westbound APIs
C. eastbound APIs
D. southbound APIs
Explanation:
Southbound Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) enable communication between the Software-Defined Networking (SDN) controller and devices in the data plane. An SDN controller primarily uses two different sets of APIs: one set to communicate with applications and another set to communicate with devices in the data plane. Southbound APIs enable an SDN controller to communicate with devices in the data plane. In both Software-Defined Access (SDA) and SDN deployments, the controller communicates with devices by using a southbound API. NETCONF, RESTCONF, OnePK, OpenFlow, and OpFlex are all examples of southbound APIs.
Northbound APIs, which are also referred to as intent-based APIs, enable an SDN controller to communicate with applications in the application plane. Applications use northbound APIs to send requests or instructions to the SDN controller, which uses that information to modify and manage network flow. Examples of northbound APIs include Java Open Services Gateway initiative (OSGi) and Representational State Transfer (REST); REST APIs are sometimes referred to as RESTful APIs.
Cisco SDA is a Cisco-developed SDN for building LANs by using policies and automation. The Cisco Digital Network Architecture (DNA) Center controller, which is similar to an SDN controller, is the central component of a Cisco SDA network. Cisco DNA Center is a software-centric network automation and assurance solution that uses a combination of APIs and a GUI to simplify network operations.
Eastbound and westbound APIs are beyond the scope of this exam. Eastbound APIs are used for publishing events and notifications. Westbound APIs are used for integration.
Reference: https://www.cisco.com/c/dam/global/hr_hr/events/2016/cisco-connect/pdf/Advanced_APIC_Enterprise_Module_-_SDN_Controller_for_the_Campus_and_Branch_-_Peter_Mesjar_Cisco.pdf (PDF) CCNP and CCIE Security Core SCOR 350-701 Official Cert Guide, Chapter 1: Cybersecurity Fundamentals, Common Software and Hardware Vulnerabilities