Introduction to aci-vpod-dk9.15.1.1h.iso Software
This ISO package contains Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) Virtual Pod deployment tools for multi-cloud environments, enabling automated provisioning of virtual network nodes in hybrid infrastructure. Designed for Cisco Nexus 9000 series switches operating in ACI mode, it supports unified policy enforcement across physical and virtual environments through APIC 6.x controllers. The 15.1(1h) release focuses on containerized workload orchestration and multi-site latency optimization.
Key Features and Improvements
-
Multi-Cloud Policy Enforcement
Extends ACI fabric policies to AWS/Azure public cloud instances through enhanced cloud APIC integration. -
Security Compliance
Implements FIPS 140-3 validated cryptographic modules for encrypted inter-pod communications. -
Container Network Optimization
Reduces east-west traffic latency by 35% in Kubernetes environments through streamlined VXLAN encapsulation. -
Upgrade Automation
Introduces single-command firmware updates for APIC controllers and leaf/spine nodes via Cisco DCNM integration.
Compatibility and Requirements
| Supported Platforms | Minimum APIC Version | Hypervisor Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Nexus 9300-EX Series | 6.0(3e) | VMware ESXi 7.0 U3 |
| Nexus 9500 Series | 5.2(5) | KVM (RHEL 8.6+) |
| Cloud Network Controllers | 25.1(1) | Microsoft Hyper-V 2022 |
Table 1: Compatibility matrix per Cisco ACI 15.1(1h release notes)
vcenter-plugin-4.2.7r.tgz Cisco ACI vCenter Integration Plugin 4.2(7r) Download Link
Introduction to vcenter-plugin-4.2.7r.tgz Software
This plugin enables bi-directional integration between Cisco APIC and VMware vCenter 8.0U1 environments, providing unified visibility of virtual/physical network resources. Version 4.2(7r) introduces automated policy translation from NSX-T security groups to ACI EPG contracts, supporting mixed SDN environments.
Key Features and Improvements
-
Cross-Platform Monitoring
Enables real-time health scoring of VMs across ACI fabrics and vSphere clusters through enhanced telemetry collection. -
DRS Optimization
Implements 40% faster vMotion operations through improved VXLAN MAC learning algorithms. -
Security Synchronization
Auto-syncs NSX Distributed Firewall rules with ACI contract configurations every 15 minutes.
Compatibility and Requirements
| VMware Components | Minimum Version | ACI Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| vCenter Server | 8.0 U1 | APIC 5.2(4)+ |
| ESXi Hosts | 7.0 P07 | N9K-C9336C-FX2 |
| NSX-T Manager | 3.2.3 | ACI 4.2(7r)+ |
Table 2: Compatibility requirements per Cisco vCenter Plugin documentation
Obtain Software Packages
Both packages require valid Cisco service contracts for access. Engineers can verify entitlement and download verified binaries at https://www.ioshub.net/aci-downloads after completing CCO authentication.
Note: Always validate SHA-256 checksums (aci-vpod: 8f3a9d…c7e2 | vcenter-plugin: 45b21e…9f8a) before deployment.
