The Management Plane Explained

The term management plane refers to all functions and protocols administrators use to manage networking devices. These functions and protocols do not impact the data flows.

There are two types of networking environments: traditional and SDN. The traditional networking environment uses a flat network architecture. The SDN networking environment uses a layered architecture. It divides network functionality into three types: data plane, control plane, and management plane.

The data plane includes data generated, sent, and received by end devices. It describes how user data moves across the network. Sending files to a remote system, making video calls, and downloading data from a network system are examples of the data plane.

The control plane includes functions and information that network devices use to move user data across the network. Routing protocols, IP addresses, and ACLs are examples of the control plane.

The management plane includes functions that administrators use to manage networking devices. Updating a router's IOS and changing a network device's settings are examples of the management plane.

Forwarding data is the primary job of all network devices. Different network devices use separate logic to make forwarding decisions. For example, routers use the routing table, while switches use the CAM table to make forwarding decisions. The forwarding happens in the data plane. To make a forwarding decision, the data plane needs information. For example, routers need IP routes in the routing table before the data plane can forward packets. Layer 2 switches need entries in the CAM table before they can forward frames.

The control plane provides the information the data plane needs to work. In other words, the information supplied to the data plane controls its actions. The management plane includes the functions and protocols administrators use to manage devices. These protocols and functions do not impact the control and data planes. For example, administrators use SSH to access a network device remotely. It is the management plane's protocol. Many routers do not support it. However, they can still build routing tables and forward data packets.

Example

PC1 sends a data packet to PC2. The packet reaches the connected switch. The switch's data plane uses the CAM table to forward the packet to router R1. The control plane on the switch builds the CAM table entries that the data plane uses to make the forwarding decision. R1's data plane receives it from the switch and uses the routing table to make the forwarding decision. R2's data plane gets it from R1's data plane, processes it, and forwards it to R3's data plane. R3's data plane processes and forwards it to PC2. Control planes on R1, R2, and R3 build the routing table entries, which they use to make the forwarding decisions.

If you want to make any change in the configuration running on Switch, R1, R2, or R3, you have to access these devices through a console cable or a remote management protocol. All functions, actions, and steps that you perform to connect these devices are part of the management plane. In other words, the management plane describes how you can access network devices for management purposes.

Key points: -

The management plane is responsible for the following things and functions.

• Running management protocols such as Telnet and SSH.
• Accepting remote connections for management
• Providing and supporting a local interface for console connections
• Updating the device's OS
• Managing the backup of the running OS

Conclusion

The management plane plays a crucial role in the overall functioning of the network. It includes the tools and protocols that you use to manage and configure networking devices. It ensures that network devices can be accessed, configured, and updated efficiently. Understanding the distinct functions of the management plane helps you effectively maintain and optimize your networks.