By John Gardner | 47 Min Video

In this video, we dive into the latest updates and features of the Cisco ACI platform. This session will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to effectively update and manage the ACI fabric. Learn how the new automation and orchestration capabilities enhance performance, simplify operations, and drive greater efficiency across your network environment. Stay ahead with the latest innovations and ensure you get the most out of their Cisco ACI solutions.

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Architecture Enhancements and Security

• APIC Over L3 Fabric: Supports deploying APIC clusters remotely (e.g., in a DMZ), connecting via Layer 3 networks for greater flexibility.
• BGP Underlay and Multi‑POD Scaling: New BGP support for inter-POD connectivity without an IPN device; scalable deployments across multiple pods/sites; Layer 3 multicast on L3Out.
• Endpoint Security Group (ESG) and MACSEC: ESG receives enhancements (tag selectors, classifiers) along with MACSEC support on Nexus 9k GX2; tighter USB restrictions.

Day 0-2 Operations and Usability Enhancements

• Maintenance Upgrades: Patch-based software upgrades streamline APIC and fabric switch updates.
• Logging and Policy Visibility: Enhanced log querying, IPv6 ERSPAN support, improved visibility of EPG/ESG, and backup config integrity checks.
• Nexus Dashboard and Orchestrator: Central console for lifecycle management across on‑prem APIC, DCNM, and Cloud APIC — and unified policy orchestration across hybrid/multicloud environments.

Automation and Integration Tools

• APIC REST API, Python, and Ansible: Full support for automation via APIs (Postman, Python libraries, Cobra), Ansible modules, and Terraform for IaC scenarios.
• Cloud ACI and Nexus Dashboard Orchestrator: Cloud-native APIC deployments plus policy consistency via orchestrator across on‑prem and cloud fabrics blogs.
• Ecosystem Support: ACI CNI integration for Kubernetes, OpenShift, OpenStack; telemetry; SD‑WAN integration for branch‑to‑data center application‑aware routing.

Instructor Bio:

As a specialist in the data center space, John provides consulting, implementation, and support for Cisco data center infrastructures. In addition to his CCSI, he holds CCNP certifications in the Cisco Data Center, Cloud and Service Provider spaces, and CCNP Cyber Ops, and can deliver the FP200 course for Cisco HTD and firepower security training. John has developed full data center labs for Cisco Nexus and ACI products, created data center derivative works courseware, and has recorded several Data Center videos for Cisco eLearning products. His broad experience will help us continue to grow and deliver outstanding product options to our customers.