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When hybrid mode is disabled (set to "false"), the controller examines and directs the packets in all flows for the given OpenFlow instance. The controller forwarding decisions for flows in a given instance are based on the requirements of the installed applications. The forwarding decision is communicated to controlled switches through OpenFlow. In instances where the controller has not provided the switch with a rule for how to forward a packet type, the switch sends the packet to the controller and waits for the controller to provide forwarding instructions.

Hybrid mode is commonly disabled in networks that are either used for experimental OpenFlow work (such as developing a controller application) or for networks that are completely new and designed to be fully controlled by OpenFlow.