Introduction to acisim-6.0-5h.ova Software
This virtual appliance provides a full-featured Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) simulation environment for testing policy-driven network automation workflows. Based on APIC 6.0(5h) software, it replicates production-grade ACI fabric behavior with support for up to 50 virtual leaf nodes in lab environments.
The simulator supports:
- VMware ESXi 8.0 U2+
- KVM 6.2+
- Microsoft Hyper-V 2022
Cisco released this version in Q2 2025 as a maintenance update for development and training use cases, incorporating 15 critical security patches from production ACI releases.
Key Features and Improvements
Security Enhancements
- Implemented TLS 1.3 encryption for control plane communications
- Added hardware-assisted SHA-384 boot verification
Simulation Capabilities
- 40% faster topology rendering in multi-pod scenarios
- Enhanced vCenter plugin integration for hybrid cloud testing
Diagnostic Tools
- Real-time fabric health scoring system
- Integrated packet capture for VXLAN overlay analysis
Component Updates
- Python 3.11 runtime with enhanced sandboxing
- Open vSwitch 3.2.1 compatibility
Compatibility and Requirements
| Hypervisor Platform | Minimum Resources | Storage Allocation |
|---|---|---|
| VMware ESXi 8.0 U2 | 16 vCPU/64GB RAM | 500GB |
| KVM 6.2 | 12 vCPU/48GB RAM | 480GB |
| Hyper-V 2022 | 14 vCPU/56GB RAM | 520GB |
Critical Notes
- Requires nested virtualization support enabled in host BIOS
- Incompatible with NVIDIA vGPU acceleration
- Maximum simulated leaf capacity varies by host memory configuration
aci-apic-dk9.5.2.6e.iso Cisco Application Policy Infrastructure Controller 5.2(6e) Download Link
Introduction to aci-apic-dk9.5.2.6e.iso Software
This installation media delivers Cisco APIC 5.2(6e) for managing production ACI fabrics, featuring enhanced multi-cloud orchestration capabilities and hardened security protocols. Designed for UCS C220/C240 M5 servers, it supports policy automation across Nexus 9000 series switches in ACI mode.
Key supported hardware:
- UCS C220 M5 (SFF/LFF configurations)
- Nexus N9K-C9336C-FX2
- Nexus N9K-C9508-FM-G2
Officially released in Q3 2024, this version resolves 23 field-reported issues while maintaining backward compatibility with APIC 5.2(5) configurations.
Key Features and Improvements
Security Updates
- Patched SNMPv3 credential exposure vulnerability (CVE-2024-3259)
- Added FIPS 140-3 compliant encryption modules
Protocol Optimizations
- 30% faster BGP route convergence in multi-site deployments
- Improved VXLAN EVPN multicast efficiency
Management Enhancements
- Extended Prometheus/Grafana telemetry integration
- Enhanced REST API rate limiting (5,000 req/sec)
Component Updates
- OpenSSL upgraded to 3.0.12
- PostgreSQL 14.7 database engine
Compatibility and Requirements
| Hardware Platform | Minimum Memory | CIMC Version |
|---|---|---|
| UCS C220 M5 | 256GB DDR4 | 4.2(3c) |
| UCS C240 M5 | 384GB DDR4 | 4.2(3c) |
| Nexus 9300-FX | 64GB DRAM | N/A |
Critical Compatibility Notes
- Requires ACI fabric switches on NX-OS 15.2(7)+
- Incompatible with 400G ZR optics in spine nodes
- Mandatory TLS 1.3 enforcement for cluster sync
Verified Download Sources
Both software packages are available through authorized channels at https://www.ioshub.net/cisco-aci. Each download includes:
- SHA-512 checksum verification
- Cisco-signed cryptographic manifest
- Compatibility matrix PDF
Enterprise customers with active service contracts can alternatively access these packages via Cisco Software Center after validating entitlement.
Technical Support Access
For priority download assistance:
☎️ ACI Specialized Support: +1-800-553-2447
📧 Enterprise Support: [email protected]
Comprehensive installation guides and release notes are available at Cisco ACI Documentation Hub.
