Cisco CCNA (200-301)Automation and ProgrammabilityEasy
A small ISP currently configures each of its 50 routers individually via console or SSH, resulting in inconsistent configurations. Management wants to adopt a controller-based architecture. What is the PRIMARY benefit this migration provides?
- AIt eliminates the need for IP addressing on network devices
- BIt automatically upgrades the hardware capabilities of legacy routers
- CIt centralizes management and enables consistent policy enforcement across devices
- DIt removes the requirement for a management VLAN
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. It centralizes management and enables consistent policy enforcement across devices
Controller-based networking centralizes configuration, policy, and monitoring into a single management plane, allowing administrators to push consistent policies to many devices at once instead of configuring each device separately, reducing human error and configuration drift.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Devices still require IP addressing for reachability and management.
- B. Controllers manage configuration and policy, not physical hardware capability.
- D. Management VLANs may still be used for controller-to-device communication.
Controller-Based Networking
An architecture where a centralized controller manages configuration, policy, and monitoring for many network devices, replacing manual per-device configuration.
- Centralizes control plane logic
- Ensures consistent policy across the fabric
- Reduces manual CLI errors and configuration drift
Memory trick: One controller, many puppets — consistent moves every time.