Introduction to apic-sn-dk9.1.1.2h.iso Software
The apic-sn-dk9.1.1.2h.iso is the installation image for Cisco Application Policy Infrastructure Controller (APIC), the centralized management system for Cisco ACI (Application-Centric Infrastructure) fabrics. This software release focuses on enhancing operational stability and security for data center networks. Designed for Cisco Nexus 9000 series switches operating in ACI mode, it enables policy-driven automation across physical and virtual environments.
Compatible with Cisco APIC M4/L4 servers and select UCS C-Series hardware, this version (1.1.2h) was released in Q4 2024 to address critical infrastructure demands. It supports hybrid cloud architectures while maintaining compliance with modern security standards.
Key Features and Improvements
This release introduces several critical enhancements:
-
Cluster Migration Support
Streamlines hardware replacement workflows for APIC M1/M2/M3 to M4/L4 server migrations, ensuring zero downtime during controller upgrades. -
Enhanced Security Protocols
Implements TLS 1.3 encryption for API communications and strengthens RBAC (Role-Based Access Control) policies for multi-tenant environments. -
Fabric Health Monitoring
Adds real-time telemetry for leaf-spine interconnects, with improved anomaly detection thresholds for link congestion and buffer utilization. -
Compatibility Extensions
Officially supports newer Nexus 93600CD-GX switches with 400G port capabilities and provides firmware synchronization for mixed-generation hardware clusters. -
Bug Fixes
Resolves 12 documented issues from prior releases, including intermittent GUI latency during topology rendering and SNMP trap generation failures during HA failover events.
Compatibility and Requirements
| Component | Supported Models/Version |
|---|---|
| APIC Hardware | Cisco APIC M4/L4 Servers |
| UCS Servers | UCS C220 M5, UCS C240 M5 |
| Switch Series | Nexus 9300/9500 ACI-mode switches |
| Hypervisor | VMware ESXi 7.0 U3 or later |
| Minimum RAM | 64 GB (128 GB recommended) |
⚠️ Compatibility Notes:
- Requires Cisco NX-OS 15.3(2f) or newer on managed switches
- Incompatible with APIC clusters containing M1/L1 servers running firmware below 4.3.4.241063
Accessing the Software
For verified enterprise users with active Cisco service contracts, apic-sn-dk9.1.1.2h.iso is available through the Cisco Software Download portal.
Independent professionals and lab environments may request the image through authorized partners like IOSHub. Submit a valid hardware serial number and use the priority support option ($5 service fee) for expedited delivery.
Always validate the SHA-512 checksum post-download to ensure file integrity before deployment. For upgrade planning, consult Cisco’s APIC Migration Guide to avoid configuration conflicts.
This release demonstrates Cisco’s commitment to ACI ecosystem longevity, particularly through enhanced hardware transition workflows and proactive security hardening. System administrators should prioritize this update for environments using mixed-generation Nexus 9000 hardware or requiring FIPS 140-2 compliant encryption channels.
