In NSX-T architecture, what does the Southbound API primarily communicate with?

The Southbound API in NSX-T architecture primarily communicates with transport nodes. This API is crucial for the operational aspect of NSX-T, as it allows the management plane to configure and manage the underlying data plane, which consists of the transport nodes such as hypervisors and physical routers.

Transport nodes are responsible for forwarding traffic and providing connectivity in the NSX ecosystem. The Southbound API thus handles the communication that facilitates the deployment of networking services to these transport nodes, enabling features such as logical switching and routing.

Understanding this relationship is fundamental to grasping how NSX-T orchestrates network management and connects with the various components in a virtualized environment, allowing for dynamic configuration and operational efficiency. This function also distinguishes it from other components in the system, which either maintain management aspects or interact with external systems.