TripleNetworkModell

The TripleNetworkModell is a conceptual framework used in some areas of network analysis and design. It proposes that a given network can be understood and managed as comprising three distinct, yet interconnected, functional layers. These layers are typically categorized as the data plane, the control plane, and the management plane.

The data plane, also known as the forwarding plane, is responsible for the actual forwarding of network traffic. It makes decisions about where to send packets based on information provided by the control plane. This plane is typically implemented in hardware, such as switches and routers, for high-speed processing.

The control plane is responsible for making decisions about how traffic should be forwarded. It builds and maintains the network's routing tables, determines paths, and establishes connections. Protocols like OSPF, BGP, and MPLS operate within the control plane. In traditional networking, the control plane and data plane are tightly coupled within individual network devices.

The management plane is concerned with the overall operation, monitoring, and administration of the network. This includes tasks such as configuration management, performance monitoring, fault detection, and security policy enforcement. Tools and protocols like SNMP and NetConf are often associated with the management plane.

The separation of these planes, especially in concepts like Software-Defined Networking (SDN), allows for greater flexibility and programmability of networks. By abstracting the control and management functions from the underlying hardware, network administrators can more easily manage complex networks and introduce new services.