Which concept refers to the physical and logical separation of network control functions?

The concept that refers to the physical and logical separation of network control functions is Software-Defined Networking (SDN). SDN is an architecture that aims to improve network management and efficiency by decoupling the control plane from the data plane. In traditional networking, both control and data functions typically work together on the same devices. However, SDN allows for centralized control of the network, meaning that network intelligence and control can be separated and programmed independently of the underlying physical hardware.

This separation enables more flexible network design, greater automation, and the ability to dynamically adjust network configurations according to real-time needs, making it a powerful approach in modern networking environments. Network administrators can centrally manage and configure network policies without needing to directly interact with each individual hardware device, thereby streamlining operations and enhancing network responsiveness.

Other concepts listed do not specifically involve this separation. Data Security Levels relate to the classification of data based on its sensitivity and the required security measures. Network Segmentation refers to dividing a network into smaller parts to improve performance and security but doesn't inherently imply separation of control functions. Control Plane Operations generally describe the functionalities of the control plane in networking but do not necessarily reflect the broader architectural principle that SDN embodies regarding physical and logical separation.