Which networking function occurs on the data plane?

D

The data plane, also known as the forwarding plane, is responsible for forwarding data packets between network devices. It is one of the three planes in a network architecture, alongside the control plane and management plane. The data plane is implemented in hardware or software and operates at wire speed, meaning that it processes packets as fast as they arrive without affecting their speed.

Out of the four given options, only forwarding remote client/server traffic occurs on the data plane. Processing inbound SSH management traffic is a function of the management plane, which is responsible for managing and configuring network devices. Sending and receiving OSPF Hello packets occur on the control plane, which is responsible for controlling and managing the network infrastructure. Facilitating spanning-tree elections is also a function of the control plane since it involves selecting the optimal path in a network.

In summary, the correct answer is D. Forwarding remote client/server traffic is a networking function that occurs on the data plane.