What distinguishes Software-Defined Networking from traditional networking approaches?

Software-Defined Networking (SDN) is distinguished from traditional networking primarily by its ability to separate the control plane from the data plane. In traditional networking, network devices such as routers and switches handle both the decision-making process (control) and the actual data forwarding (data plane) within the same device. This tight coupling can lead to complexities and limitations in network management, scalability, and flexibility.

In contrast, SDN architecture separates these two functions: the control plane becomes centralized, usually managed by a software application or an orchestrator, while the data plane remains on the network devices. This separation allows for dynamic management of network resources through software, enabling quicker adaptations to changes in network traffic and policies. It facilitates more efficient network management, automation, and programmability, resulting in enhanced network performance and reduced operational costs.

While other options touch on aspects of networking, they do not accurately capture the fundamental characteristic that sets SDN apart. For instance, relying on manual configurations (mentioned in one option) is contrary to the automated and programmable nature of SDN, and stating that it is exclusively applicable to local area networks limits its scope, given that SDN can also extend to wide area networks and cloud infrastructures. Similarly, SDN does not utilize hardware-based