The document provides an introduction to ACI for network administrators. It discusses building an ACI network through the perspective of a network administrator. The session objectives are to understand ACI components and models, configure external connectivity and integrate third-party devices, and automate ACI configuration. The agenda covers topics such as ACI building blocks, VMware integration, service graphs, and getting started with ACI.
6. • How do we sell ACI?
• Understanding ACI Building Blocks
• VMware Integration
• External Connectivity
• Service Graph Integration
• Consuming ACI with Automation
• Getting Started with ACI
Agenda
9. In Reality ACI is all About
Networking and How You Deploy
Applications Onto the Network!
10. At a Very Basic Level ACI is Really Just a
Clos Network of Nexus 9k Switches with a
Management Platform
Charles Clos – 1952
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clos_network
11. The Network Management Platform
(APIC) Provides You With a Single
Place From Which to Manage the
Network
13. ACI is a Software Defined Network Which
Uses VXLAN to Transport Packets Between
Switches Across an Automated IP Fabric with
End to End Header Visibility
114. Service Graph Contracts Connect two EPGs
and Optionally Provide Configuration
Parameters to the FW and SLB Which Sit
Between the EPGs
Note: Normal L2/L3 rules still apply, you still have to direct the traffic to the FW/SLB
115. In “Managed” Mode the APIC Pushes the
Required VLANs and Configuration to the
FW/SLB
Note: Normal L2/L3 rules still apply, you still have to direct the traffic to the FW/SLB
116. In “Unmanaged” Mode the APIC Only Pushes the
Required VLANs to the EPG
Note: Normal L2/L3 rules still apply, you still have to direct the traffic to the FW/SLB
117. Service Chains are Two L4-7 Devices Linked
in a Series
Note: Normal L2/L3 rules still apply, you still have to direct the traffic to the FW/SLB
118. It is Possible to use L4-7 Devices Without
Service Graphs, in this Mode the Fabric Only
Provides L2 Connectivity