CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Prep Resource

The method of virtualizing network hardware is best described by Software Defined Networking (SDN). SDN is an approach that enables the decoupling of the network control plane from the data plane, allowing for more flexible and programmable network management. With SDN, network administrators can dynamically adjust how data packets flow through the network without needing to physically alter hardware configurations. This virtualization allows for improved network efficiency, simplified management, and automated provisioning, benefiting large and complex network environments.

In contrast, Network Management refers to the tools and processes involved in managing and monitoring networks but does not specifically address hardware virtualization. Ethernet Switching deals with the networking technology that connects devices on a local area network, but does not pertain to the broader concept of virtualizing network devices. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a technology that creates a secure connection over the internet, primarily for securing communication rather than for virtualizing network hardware itself. Therefore, Software Defined Networking accurately captures the essence of virtualizing network infrastructure and aligns with current industry practices in network design and management.