What functionality does Open Virtual Switch (OVS) provide?

Open Virtual Switch (OVS) provides a secure communication channel to the controller as one of its key functionalities within a Software Defined Networking (SDN) architecture. OVS acts as a virtual switch designed to enable the management and manipulation of network traffic in a virtualized environment. It allows SDN controllers to configure and control the behavior of virtual switches and facilitate automated network management.

In the context of SDN, the controller utilizes OVS to communicate with the network devices, ensuring that commands and policies are securely transmitted. This secure communication is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the network and protecting it from unauthorized access or configuration changes. The ability to establish a secure channel allows the controller to oversee various functionalities, such as traffic management, routing, and policy enforcement.

Other answer choices refer to functionalities that do not align with OVS's primary role. For instance, OVS is not a hardware-based switch; it operates in a virtualized context rather than being a physical device. While OVS does provide network traffic filtering as a feature, it encompasses a broader array of capabilities beyond just this aspect. Additionally, managing user permissions is typically not a direct functionality of OVS; instead, that would fall under network management and administration tasks. Overall, option B accurately