NETCONF

1. Network CONFiguration protocol (NETCONF) is a Southbound API that (IETF, 2006) was designed as a replacement for SNMP
   1. Uses XML and RPCs (Remote Procedure Calls) to configure network devices
   2. Typically uses SSH (sometimes TLS) for transport
2. NETCONF and YANG provide a standardized way to programmatically inspect and modify the configuration of a network device

OnePK

• OnePK is a #Cisco-Proprietary Southbound API
• It uses Java, C, or Python to configure network devices
• It relies on SSH or TLS for transport

OpenFlow

• OpenFlow is a Southbound API that uses an imperative SDN model that sends detailed instructions to the data plane when new policy is configured (unlike OpFlex)
• The SDN Controller manages both the network and the policies applied to the devices

OpFlex

• OpFlex is a Southbound API that uses a declarative SDN model, where the instructions are not super detailed (unlike OpenFlow)
  • Allows the devices on the data plane to make more network decisions about how to implement policy