Which two statements are true regarding the management plane?

The statement accurately reflects the purpose and role of the management plane in a network architecture. The management plane is essential because it encompasses the processes and protocols used for configuring, managing, and monitoring network devices and services. This involves not only setting initial device parameters but also ongoing monitoring of performance, troubleshooting, and making adjustments to networks as needed to ensure optimal operation.

Management planes typically engage various management protocols and interfaces that allow administrators to interact with network hardware. Effective management is crucial for maintaining network reliability and performance, which underlines the importance of this plane in a holistic network design.

In contrast to the correct choice, other statements provide either misleading or inaccurate representations of the management plane's characteristics or requirements. For example, suggesting that the management plane is optional in software-defined networking overlooks its critical role in overseeing and controlling the network infrastructure effectively. Furthermore, stating that the management plane does not require protection is erroneous. In reality, because the management plane involves sensitive configurations and real-time operational data, protecting it from unauthorized access and potential attacks is a critical aspect of network security. Lastly, while it is true that the management plane employs protocols like SSH and SNMP for device management, mentioning "all APIs" can be misleading, as it encompasses a broader range than necessary,