Implementing Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (DCACI)

In this Implementing Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure course introduces Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) and focuses on core concepts required to understand, deploy, and operate an ACI-based data center. It begins with an overview of ACI fabric architecture, including the leaf-and-spine topology, hardware components, and the role of the Application Policy Infrastructure Controller (APIC).

The course then explains the Cisco ACI policy model, logical constructs, and tenants, followed by basic packet forwarding concepts such as endpoint learning and bridge domain behavior. External connectivity options, including Layer 2 and Layer 3 integration with non-ACI networks, are covered along with virtualization integration using VMware vCenter and VMware Distributed Virtual Switch.

Learners are also introduced to Layer 4-7 service integration and ACI management concepts, including in-band and out-of-band management. Hands-on labs reinforce these topics through fabric validation, policy configuration, connectivity testing, external network integration, and APIC integration with VMware vCenter, providing practical experience with real-world Cisco ACI deployments.

How you’ll benefit

This course will help you:

• Gain the skills and hands-on practice integrating the enhanced, automated capabilities of Cisco Nexus 9000 Series Switches in ACI mode for quicker application deployment
• Get the knowledge for protocols, solutions and designs to acquire professional-level and expert-level data center job roles
• Earn 40 CE credits toward recertification
• This course helps prepare you for the following exam: 300-620 Implementing Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (DCACI)
• Prepare for 300-620 DCACI exam. After you pass, you will earn the Cisco Certified Specialist – Data Center ACI Implementation certification and you satisfy the concentration exam requirement for the CCNP Data Center certification

After completing the course, you should be able to:

• Describe Cisco ACI Fabric Infrastructure and basic Cisco ACI concepts
• Describe Cisco ACI policy model logical constructs
• Describe Cisco ACI basic packet forwarding
• Describe external network connectivity
• Describe VMM Integration
• Describe Layer 4 to Layer 7 integrations
• Explain Cisco ACI management features

This course is designed primarily for network and software engineers who are interested in learning about automation and programmability and hold the following job roles:

• Network Designers
• Network Administrators
• Network Engineers
• Systems Engineers
• Data Center Engineers
• Consulting Systems Engineers
• Technical Solutions Architects
• Cisco Integrators/Partners
• Field Engineers
• Server Administrators
• Network Managers
• Storage Administrators
• Cisco Integrators and Partners

To fully benefit from this course, you should have the following knowledge and skills:

• Understanding of networking protocols, routing, and switching
• Familiarity with Cisco Ethernet switching products
• Understanding of Cisco data center architecture
• Familiarity with virtualization fundamentals

The following Cisco courses may help you meet these prerequisites:

• Implementing and Administering Cisco Solutions (CCNA)
• Understanding Cisco Data Center Foundations (DCFNDU)

Module 1: Introducing Cisco ACI Fabric Infrastructure and Basic Concepts

• What Is Cisco ACI?
• Cisco ACI Topology and Hardware

Module 2: Describing Cisco ACI Policy Model Logical Constructs

• Cisco ACI Logical Constructs
• Tenant

Module 3: Describing Cisco ACI Basic Packet Forwarding

• Endpoint Learning
• Basic Bridge Domain Configuration Knob

Module 5: Introducing External Network Connectivity

• Cisco ACI External Connectivity Options
• External Layer 2 Network Connectivity

Module 6: Introducing VMM Integration

• VMware vCenter VDS Integration
• Resolution Immediacy in VMM

Module 7: Describing Layer 4 to Layer 7 Integrations

• Service Appliance Insertion Without ACI L4-L7 Service Graph
• Service Appliance Insertion via ACI L4-L7 Service Graph

Module 8: Explaining Cisco ACI Management

• Out-of-Band Management
• In-Band Management

LAB OUTLINE

• Validate Fabric Discovery
• Configure Network Time Protocol (NTP)
• Create Access Policies and Virtual Port Channel (vPC)
• Enable Layer 2 Connectivity in the Same Endpoint Group (EPG)
• Enable Inter-EPG Layer 2 Connectivity
• Enable Inter-EPG Layer 3 Connectivity
• Compare Traffic Forwarding Methods in a Bridge Domain
• Configure External Layer 2 (L2Out) Connection
• Configure External Layer 3 (L3Out) Connection
• Integrate Application Policy Infrastructure Controller (APIC) With VMware vCenter Using VMware Distributed Virtual Switch (DVS)