CISCO ACI – Software Defined Networking Architect Training

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI), focusing on software-defined networking (SDN) principles and architecture. Participants will gain hands-on experience with ACI configuration, operation, and management, preparing them for roles as network architects and engineers.

Key Learnings:

Understanding the fundamentals of SDN and Cisco ACI
ACI architecture and components
Implementing and managing ACI fabric
Configuring ACI policies and network connectivity
Integrating ACI with external networks
Troubleshooting ACI deployments

Course Content:

Module 1: Introduction to Software Defined Networking (SDN) and Cisco ACI

Overview of SDN
Introduction to Cisco ACI
Benefits of ACI
Key ACI components: APIC, Leaf, Spine, Endpoints

Module 2: ACI Architecture and Components

ACI Fabric Architecture
Understanding the APIC
ACI Leaf and Spine Switches
Endpoint Groups (EPGs) and Application Profiles

Module 3: ACI Configuration and Deployment

Initial ACI Fabric Setup
APIC Cluster Configuration
Fabric Discovery and Inventory
ACI Tenant Configuration

Module 4: ACI Policy Model

Understanding the ACI Policy Model
Configuring Contracts and Filters
Application Network Profiles
Endpoint Groups (EPGs) Configuration

Module 5: Network Connectivity and L4-L7 Services

Configuring Layer 2 and Layer 3 Networking in ACI
Integrating External Networks with ACI
L4-L7 Service Insertion and Chaining
Service Graphs and Device Packages

Module 6: ACI Integration and Automation

Integrating ACI with VMware, OpenStack, and Microsoft Azure
ACI and Cisco UCS Integration
Automation with REST API and Python
Using Cisco ACI App Center

Module 7: Monitoring and Troubleshooting ACI

ACI Operational Tools
Monitoring the ACI Fabric
Troubleshooting Common ACI Issues
Health Scores and Faults

Module 8: Best Practices and Design Considerations

ACI Design Best Practices
Scalability and High Availability
Security Considerations in ACI
Case Studies and Real-world Examples

Career Path:

Network Architect
Data Center Engineer
SDN Specialist
ACI Consultant

Prerequisites:

Basic Networking Knowledge: Understanding of fundamental networking concepts, including IP addressing, subnetting, and routing.
Familiarity with Cisco Technologies: Basic knowledge of Cisco networking technologies, including switches, routers, and network protocols.
Experience with Data Center Networking (Preferred): Prior experience or knowledge of data center networking concepts and technologies is beneficial.
Understanding of SDN Concepts (Preferred): Familiarity with the basics of Software Defined Networking (SDN) can be helpful but is not mandatory.