Which statement is true regarding software-defined networking?

The statement regarding software-defined networking (SDN) that is true is that it separates network control from network forwarding. This is a fundamental principle of SDN architecture. In traditional networking, control and data planes are tightly integrated within the same network devices (such as routers and switches), making it difficult to manage and orchestrate the network efficiently. By separating these two functions, SDN allows for centralized control of the network, which can lead to improved flexibility, easier network management, and the ability to programmatically control the network via software.

This separation means that the control plane (responsible for routing and policy decisions) can operate independently from the data plane (which forwards packets). Network administrators can more easily implement changes and optimizations without the need to reconfigure individual hardware devices. This architecture also facilitates the automation of network management through software applications, promoting greater efficiency and responsiveness to changing network conditions.

In contrast, the other statements do not accurately reflect the characteristics of software-defined networking. SDN does not operate solely on proprietary hardware, as it can work with a variety of hardware platforms. It also does not combine both control and data planes into one; rather, it intentionally keeps them separate. Furthermore, while SDN can reduce the need for manual configuration by