What function does a northbound API provide in SDN?

A northbound API in Software-Defined Networking (SDN) facilitates communication between the SDN controller and higher-level applications, such as orchestration systems, business applications, or cloud management platforms. This allows these applications to request network services, define network policies, and automate network configurations. Essentially, it translates high-level application requirements into network-specific instructions for the controller to implement. Incorrect options: "Relies on global provisioning and configuration" is too vague and doesn't specifically describe the API's role. While northbound APIs enable provisioning, this isn't their sole or most precise function. "Upgrades software and restores files" describes system maintenance tasks, not the primary function of a northbound API in SDN. "Supports distributed processing for configuration" is a characteristic of some SDN architectures but doesn't define the role of a northbound API itself.