Implementing Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure («DCACI»)

• Describing the Cisco ACI fabric infrastructure and basic Cisco ACI concepts
• Describing network segmentation and the use of ACI policies
• Understanding how data packets are transported in an ACI fabric
• Describing external network connectivity
• Describing VMM integration
• Describing integrations from layer 4 to layer 7
• Explaining Cisco ACI management features

This course provides you with the knowledge and skills to configure and manage Cisco Nexus 9000 series switches in ACI mode, to connect the Cisco ACI fabric to external networks and services, and to learn the basics of VMM (Virtual Machine Manager) integration.

Topics:

1 Introducing Cisco ACI Fabric Infrastructure and Basic Concepts

• What is Cisco ACI?
• Cisco ACI Topology and Hardware
• Cisco ACI Object Model
• Faults, Event Record, and Audit Log
• Cisco ACI Fabric Discovery
• Cisco ACI Access Policies

2 Describing Cisco ACI Policy Model Logical Constructs

• Cisco ACI Logical Constructs
• Tenant
• Virtual Routing and Forwarding
• Bridge Domain
• Endpoint Group
• Application Profile
• Tenant Components Review
• Adding Bare-Metal Servers to Endpoint Groups
• Contracts

3 Describing Cisco ACI Basic Packet Forwarding

• Endpoint Learning
• Basic Bridge Domain Configuration ****

4 Introducing External Network Connectivity

• Cisco ACI External Connectivity Options
• External Layer 2 Network Connectivity
• External Layer 3 Network Connectivity

5 Introducing VMM Integration

• VMware vCenter VDS Integration
• Resolution Immediacy in VMM
• Alternative VMM Integrations

6 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
• Service Graph Configuration Workflow
• Service Graph PBR Introduction

7 Explaining Cisco ACI Management

• Out-of-Band Management
• In-Band Management
• Syslog
• Simple Network Management Protocol
• Configuration Backup
• Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting
• Role-Based Access Control
• Cisco ACI Upgrade
• Collect Tech Support

Exercises:

• 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)

You will get hands-on practice implementing key features such as fabric discovery, policies, connectivity, VMM integration and more.

This course is aimed at Network Engineers, System Engineers and Data Center Engineers.

Understanding of network protocols, routing and switching, Cisco data centre architecture and virtualisation basics, as well as familiarity with Cisco Ethernet switching products are required.

Certification

The «Implementing Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure v1.0 (DCACI 300-620)» exam is a 90-minute exam that is associated with the CCNP Data Center certification and the Cisco Certified Specialist – Data Center ACI Implementation certification.

This exam tests a candidate's knowledge of Cisco switches in ACI mode, including configuration, implementation and administration. The «Implementing Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (DCACI)» course helps candidates prepare for this exam.

Recertification

After three years, by means of CEP (Continuous Learning Programme) points or by taking the corresponding exam.