diff --git a/core/api/src/main/java/org/onosproject/net/driver/DeviceConnect.java b/core/api/src/main/java/org/onosproject/net/driver/DeviceConnect.java
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7b28f0b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/core/api/src/main/java/org/onosproject/net/driver/DeviceConnect.java
@@ -0,0 +1,49 @@
+/*
+ * Copyright 2015-present Open Networking Laboratory
+ *
+ * Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
+ * you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
+ * You may obtain a copy of the License at
+ *
+ *     http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
+ *
+ * Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing, software
+ * distributed under the License is distributed on an "AS IS" BASIS,
+ * WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, either express or implied.
+ * See the License for the specific language governing permissions and
+ * limitations under the License.
+ */
+package org.onosproject.net.driver;
+
+import com.google.common.annotations.Beta;
+
+import java.util.concurrent.CompletableFuture;
+
+/**
+ * Abstraction of handler behaviour used to set-up and tear-down
+ * connection with a device.
+ */
+@Beta
+public interface DeviceConnect extends HandlerBehaviour {
+
+    /**
+     * Connects to the device.
+     * It's supposed to initiate the transport sessions, channel and also,
+     * if applicable, store them in the proper protocol specific
+     * controller (e.g. GrpcController).
+     *
+     * @return CompletableFuture with true if the operation was successful
+     */
+    CompletableFuture<Boolean> connect();
+
+    /**
+     * Disconnects from the device.
+     * It's supposed to destroy the transport sessions and channel and also,
+     * if applicable, remove them in the proper protocol specific
+     * controller (e.g. GrpcController).
+     *
+     * @return CompletableFuture with true if the operation was successful
+     */
+    CompletableFuture<Boolean> disconnect();
+
+}