📖 What is Northbound API?
An interface that allows the SDN controller to communicate with higher-level applications and management systems, typically using RESTful APIs.
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Sensei Says:
"Think 'up' to the applications. If a Python script is asking the DNA Center for a list of devices, it is using a Northbound REST API."
📚 Certification: Certified Network Associate (200-301)
🔑 What are the Key Concepts of Northbound API?
- ▸ Communication between controller and applications
- ▸ Typically RESTful APIs
- ▸ Abstracts network complexity
🎯 How does Northbound API appear on the 200-301 Exam?
Writing a Python script to query an SDN controller using its Northbound REST API.
Explaining how an orchestrator interacts with a network controller via Northbound APIs.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is a common protocol used for Northbound APIs?
REST (Representational State Transfer) over HTTP/HTTPS is the most common.
What does a Northbound API connect?
It connects the SDN controller to higher-level management systems, orchestration platforms, and applications.
Related Terms from Certified Network Associate
WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 3)
Inside Global Address
Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) Address
Address Resolution Protocol (ARP)
IEEE 802.1Q
Southbound API