What type of switch configuration is commonly implemented for leaf layer access switches in a Software Defined Network (SDN)?

In a Software Defined Network (SDN), the commonly implemented switch configuration for leaf layer access switches is the Top of Rack (ToR) switch. The ToR switch serves as a critical component in the network's architecture by providing connectivity to the servers located within a specific rack. This layout allows for efficient data handling and low-latency connections between the servers and the upper layers of the network.

ToR switches are typically positioned at the top of each server rack, making it convenient for networking cable management and minimizing cable lengths to reduce latency. They connect directly to servers and often have high bandwidth capabilities, allowing for faster data transfer rates which is vital in environments where agility and speed are paramount, such as those characteristic of SDN environments.

Moreover, in an SDN framework, the separation of the control plane and the data plane allows for centralized management of the network, making ToR switches suitable because they can be easily integrated into a programmable network architecture designed for dynamic traffic management.

Other configurations, such as edge switches and core switches, serve different roles within a network hierarchy. Edge switches typically handle access for end devices rather than the specific requirements of a leaf layer in SDN. Core switches are meant for high-throughput and long-distance data transfer between