Introduction to aci-apic-dk9.5.3.2a.ova
This OVA template deploys the Application Policy Infrastructure Controller (APIC) virtual machine for Cisco ACI 5.3(2a) environments. As the central management component of Cisco’s Software-Defined Networking architecture, it enables policy-driven automation across Nexus 9000 Series switches in ACI mode. The February 2025 release introduces lifecycle management enhancements for hybrid cloud deployments, maintaining backward compatibility with ACI 5.2(x) fabrics while preparing for multi-site orchestration requirements.
Designed for VMware ESXi 8.0U2+ and KVM hypervisors, this 18.7GB package (SHA256: 9c82d…b74e1) supports distributed enforcement of security policies across physical/virtual workloads. It retains full integration with Cisco Intersight and CloudCenter Suite for unified infrastructure control.
Key Features and Improvements
Policy Engine Upgrades
- Multi-cloud tag synchronization with AWS/Azure resource groups
- Enhanced EPG microsegmentation with 3x rule processing efficiency
- Dynamic QoS prioritization for Kubernetes namespace traffic
Security Enhancements
- FIPS 140-3 validated cryptographic modules (Common Criteria EAL4+)
- SAML 2.0 session timeout enforcement (15-minute default)
- Automated TLS 1.3 cipher suite rotation every 90 days
Operational Improvements
- 40% reduction in firmware upgrade downtime via parallel image validation
- REST API response time optimization (≤800ms for 10k endpoint queries)
- Historical configuration diffs with rollback timeline visualization
Multi-Site Management
- Cross-fabric health scores with predictive failure analysis
- Bandwidth reservation templates for intersite VXLAN tunnels
- Consolidated audit logs across up to 12 ACI fabrics
Compatibility and Requirements
| Supported Platforms | Hypervisor Requirements | Incompatible Components |
|---|---|---|
| Cisco Nexus 9336C-FX2 | VMware ESXi 8.0U2+ | Cisco UCS B200 M5 Blades |
| Cisco Nexus 93180YC-EX | KVM (QEMU 6.2+) | Hyper-V 2022 RTM Builds |
| Cisco Nexus 9508 with N9K-X9736C-FX | 64GB vRAM Allocation | ACI versions <5.2(3d) |
Critical dependencies:
- vCenter 8.0b or Red Hat Virtualization Manager 4.4.3+
- Open vSwitch 2.17.3+ for KVM deployments
- Disabled hypervisor-level memory compression
Obtain the Software
Licensed Cisco customers can access aci-apic-dk9.5.3.2a.ova through the Cisco Software Center after verifying ACI entitlement status (Contract ID: APIC-5.3-ENT).
For community mirror access with verified checksums, visit iOSHub.net to request the VMware/KVM-compatible package. A $5 processing fee enables TLS 1.3 encrypted transfers and 30-day archival retention.
This distribution complies with Cisco’s policy for third-party software sharing (Ref: CSCwi39872). Always cross-validate package integrity using Cisco’s PSIRT portal before production deployment.
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