IoT Module 2 - Important Questions with Answers
1) Explain Software Defined Networking (SDN) Architecture
(Page Reference: 8 – 14 in IoT_Notes_module_2.pdf)
- SDN is a networking approach where the control and management of the network are done using
software applications.
- It separates the control plane (decision-making) from the data plane (packet forwarding).
- Layers:
1. Application Layer – Contains network applications (firewall, IDS, load balancer).
2. Control Layer – SDN controller acts as the brain of the network.
3. Infrastructure Layer – Physical switches that forward packets.
- Interfaces: Northbound APIs (App ↔ Controller), Southbound APIs (Controller ↔ Switches).
- Advantages: Programmability, reduced hardware cost, better security, centralized control.
- Disadvantages: Single point of failure, scalability challenges.
2) Write a note on IoT System Management with NETCONF & YANG
(Page Reference: 17 – 20 in IoT_Notes_module_2.pdf)
- Need: Automating configuration, monitoring operational/statistical data, improving reliability,
system-wide configuration, and reusing stored configurations.
- NETCONF: Protocol to manipulate device configuration/state data.
- YANG: Data modeling language for defining device configuration/state.
- Key Components:
1. Management System (operator issues NETCONF commands)
2. Management API (session handling)
3. Transaction Manager (ensures ACID)
4. Rollback Manager (reverts configs)
5. Data Model Manager (handles YANG models)
6. Configuration Validator (checks correctness)
7. Configuration Database (stores data)
8. Configuration API (read/write configs)
9. Data Provider API (reports statistics/events)
- Steps: Create YANG model → Implement code → Load into NETCONF server → Operator
executes commands via CLI.
3) Explain SNMP Protocol & Its Difference/Drawbacks
(Note: Not directly covered in IoT_Notes_module_2.pdf – Standard Networking Knowledge)
- Definition: SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is used to monitor and manage
devices (routers, switches, servers, IoT devices).
- Components: Manager, Agent, MIB (Management Information Base).
- Operation: Uses UDP ports 161 (queries) & 162 (traps). Manager polls agents or receives alerts.
- Advantages: Lightweight, widely supported, real-time monitoring.
- Drawbacks: Weak security (plaintext in SNMPv1/v2), scalability issues in large networks, limited
transactional control.
- Difference vs NETCONF:
- SNMP uses polling & MIBs; NETCONF uses YANG models.
- SNMP less secure; NETCONF provides stronger security & rollback features.
