Interview

20 Software-Defined Networking Interview Questions and Answers

Prepare for the types of questions you are likely to be asked when interviewing for a position where Software-Defined Networking will be used.

Software-Defined Networking (SDN) is a newer technology that is gaining popularity in the world of networking. As more and more businesses adopt SDN, employers are looking for candidates with SDN experience. If you’re interviewing for a position that involves SDN, you can expect to be asked questions about your experience and knowledge of the technology. In this article, we’ll review some of the most common SDN interview questions and provide guidance on how to answer them.

Software-Defined Networking Interview Questions and Answers

Here are 20 commonly asked Software-Defined Networking interview questions and answers to prepare you for your interview:

1. What is Software-Defined Networking?

Software-Defined Networking (SDN) is a network architecture where network control is decoupled from forwarding and is directly programmable. This means that the network infrastructure can be easily controlled and configured to meet the needs of the applications that run on top of it. SDN is a key enabler of the DevOps movement, as it allows network administrators to quickly and easily provision the network resources that their applications need.

2. How does Software-Defined Networking work?

Software-Defined Networking (SDN) is a network architecture that allows for the centralized control of network traffic flow. SDN controllers use protocols like OpenFlow to communicate with network devices and determine the best way to route traffic. This allows for more flexibility and easier management of complex network environments.

3. Why should we use Software-Defined Networking?

There are many reasons to use Software-Defined Networking (SDN). SDN can provide greater flexibility and agility in your network, since it allows you to programmatically control the flow of traffic. This can be especially useful in dynamic or cloud environments where network conditions can change rapidly. SDN can also help to improve network security, since it allows you to centrally manage and monitor network traffic. Finally, SDN can help to reduce network costs by simplifying the network infrastructure and making it easier to manage.

4. Can you explain the basic structure of a software-defined network?

A software-defined network is a network that is controlled by software rather than by hardware. This means that the network can be more easily configured and managed, and that new features can be added more quickly. The basic structure of a software-defined network typically includes a controller, which is responsible for managing the network, and a number of switches, which are responsible for forwarding traffic.

5. What are the main components of a software-defined networking system?

The main components of a software-defined networking system are the controller, the network devices, and the applications. The controller is responsible for managing the network and providing instructions to the network devices. The network devices are responsible for carrying out the instructions from the controller and forwarding traffic. The applications are responsible for generating traffic and sending it to the controller.

6. In what ways does SDN differ from traditional network architecture models like OpenFlow and Cisco ACI?

The main difference between SDN and traditional network architecture models is that SDN allows for a more centralized control of the network. With SDN, there is typically a central controller that is responsible for managing the flow of traffic and making decisions about how to route packets. This is in contrast to traditional network architectures, which tend to be more distributed and decentralized. Additionally, SDN often makes use of software-defined networking protocols like OpenFlow and Cisco ACI, which further differ from traditional networking protocols.

7. Describe some typical applications for software-defined networking systems.

Software-defined networking systems are often used in order to manage and monitor large networks. They can be used to automate tasks, such as provisioning new devices or services, and can provide a higher level of visibility into the network. Additionally, software-defined networking systems can be used to create virtual networks, which can be useful for testing or development purposes.

8. What do you understand about network virtualization?

Network virtualization is the process of creating a virtual version of a network, which can be used to test new configurations or simulate different network conditions. This can be useful for troubleshooting or for training purposes.

9. What are the advantages of using software-defined networking over traditional networks?

Software-defined networking offers a number of advantages over traditional networks, including increased flexibility, improved scalability, and enhanced security. With traditional networks, the configuration of network devices is often static and inflexible, making it difficult to adapt to changing needs. SDN, on the other hand, allows for the dynamic configuration of network devices, making it much easier to scale a network up or down as needed. In addition, SDN can help to improve network security by isolating different parts of the network and making it easier to identify and respond to potential threats.

10. What are some disadvantages of using software-defined networking?

One disadvantage of using software-defined networking is that it can be difficult to troubleshoot and manage. Additionally, SDN can be expensive to implement, and it may not be compatible with all existing hardware and software.

11. What’s your opinion on security issues in software-defined networks?

I believe that security issues are a major concern in software-defined networks. Because these networks are so new, there are still many unknowns when it comes to potential vulnerabilities. Additionally, because software-defined networks rely heavily on software, there is a greater potential for malicious actors to exploit vulnerabilities in the code. As these networks become more widespread, I believe that it will be increasingly important to address these security concerns.

12. How can you improve latency in software-defined networks?

There are a few ways to improve latency in software-defined networks. One way is to use a lower-latency network fabric, such as Ethernet. Another way is to use Quality of Service (QoS) to prioritize latency-sensitive traffic. Finally, you can use traffic engineering to route traffic in a way that minimizes latency.

13. What’s the difference between an overlay and underlay network?

An overlay network is a network that is built on top of another network, typically a physical network. An underlay network is the physical network that the overlay network is built on top of.

14. Is it possible to integrate existing devices into a new software-defined network? If yes, then how?

Yes, it is possible to integrate existing devices into a new software-defined network. One way to do this is to use a network emulator, which can simulate the behavior of a software-defined network. This allows you to test how your devices will interact with the new network before actually implementing it. Another way to integrate existing devices is to use a network management system that is compatible with software-defined networking. This will allow you to manage both your old and new devices from a single interface.

15. What is the best way to manage multiple data centers with a software-defined network?

The best way to manage multiple data centers with a software-defined network is to use a centralized controller. This will allow you to manage all of your data centers from one location, and make changes to the network as needed.

16. What services can be deployed within a software-defined environment?

A software-defined environment can support any type of service that can be deployed within a network. This includes but is not limited to traditional services such as routing and firewall protection, as well as more modern services such as load balancing and intrusion detection.

17. Can you give me some examples of companies that are already using software-defined networks?

There are many companies that are using software-defined networks, but some notable examples include Google, Facebook, and Microsoft. These companies have all been able to take advantage of the flexibility and scalability that software-defined networking provides in order to build large and complex networks.

18. How important is scalability when creating a software-defined network?

Scalability is one of the most important aspects to consider when creating a software-defined network. This is because a software-defined network needs to be able to handle a large number of devices and a large amount of traffic. If the network is not scalable, then it will not be able to handle the demands of a growing network.

19. What are mininet, POX, and ONOS?

Mininet is a network simulator that can be used to create virtual software-defined networks. POX is a Python-based open source software development kit for SDN applications. ONOS is an open source SDN operating system.

20. What is the significance of the southbound API in a software-defined network?

The southbound API is the interface between the control plane and the data plane in a software-defined network. This API allows the control plane to manage and configure the data plane.

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