control node
A control node manages and orchestrates network resources, policies, and services, enabling centralized automation and optimization of modern network infrastructures.
Control nodes handle network management, orchestration, routing, policy enforcement, and security. They form the control plane in SDN or traditional networks, separating management from data forwarding for agility and scalability.
Functions include provisioning, monitoring, analytics, and fault management. Examples are SDN controllers, network management systems, and cloud management platforms. Control nodes are critical for automation, policy-based routing, and ensuring compliance and high availability.
Alternatives include distributed control architectures or hybrid models, depending on network complexity and requirements.