Network Actions in the Data Plane

Two Key Network Actions in the Data Plane

Question

Which two network actions occur within the data plane? (Choose two.)

Answers

Explanations

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A. B. C. D. E.

DE

The data plane is responsible for forwarding and processing data packets through a network device, such as a router or switch. Two network actions that occur within the data plane are:

D. Match the destination MAC address to the MAC address table: When a packet arrives at a network device, the device examines the packet header to determine the destination MAC address. The device checks its MAC address table to see if it has a matching entry. If a match is found, the device forwards the packet out the corresponding interface associated with that MAC address. If there is no match, the device floods the packet out all interfaces except the one it was received on. This process is known as MAC address learning and forwarding, and it is a key function of the data plane.

E. Reply to an incoming ICMP echo request: ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) is a network protocol used for diagnostic and error reporting purposes. When an ICMP echo request (also known as a ping) is sent to a device, the device receives the request and generates a reply back to the sender indicating that it is reachable. The device sends this reply packet back through the data plane, which forwards it back out the interface it was received on and back to the sender. This process helps to test connectivity and troubleshoot network issues.

The other options, A, B, and C, are not typically associated with the data plane:

A. Run routing protocols: Routing protocols are used to exchange routing information between devices in order to dynamically build and maintain routing tables. This process occurs within the control plane, not the data plane.

B. Make a configuration change from an incoming NETCONF RPC: NETCONF (Network Configuration Protocol) is a network management protocol used to configure network devices. Configuration changes made using NETCONF occur within the management plane, not the data plane.

C. Add or remove an 802.1Q trunking header: 802.1Q is a protocol used to carry multiple VLANs over a single physical interface. Adding or removing 802.1Q headers occurs within the control plane, not the data plane.