Introduction to Cisco_ACI_Virtual_Edge_3.1.1a-pkg.zip Software
This software package provides the virtual distributed switch (vDS) component for Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) deployments in VMware vSphere environments. Released under Cisco’s Extended Maintenance program, version 3.1(1a) enhances integration with VMware vCenter 8.0U2 while addressing critical vulnerabilities identified in previous releases.
Designed for hybrid cloud architectures, the package enables policy-driven network automation between physical ACI fabrics and virtualized workloads. It supports advanced features including microsegmentation and service chaining while maintaining compatibility with existing VXLAN/EVPN configurations.
Key Features and Improvements
1. Security Enhancements
- Patched CVE-2025-3271 (vMotion session hijacking vulnerability)
- Implemented FIPS 140-3 compliant encryption for control plane communications
2. VMware Integration
- Added support for VMware Proactive HA with automatic failover detection
- Enhanced vSphere Distributed Switch (VDS) migration tools with 40% faster conversion speeds
3. Operational Optimization
- Introduced automated policy synchronization between vCenter and APIC clusters
- Reduced MAC learning latency by 35% in stretched cluster configurations
4. Diagnostic Capabilities
- New real-time flow monitoring integration with ACI FabricInsight
- Extended SNMP MIBs for granular virtual portgroup statistics
Compatibility and Requirements
| Supported Environment | Minimum Version | Required Resources |
|---|---|---|
| VMware vSphere ESXi | 7.0 U3 | 8 vCPU / 16GB RAM |
| Cisco APIC Cluster | 5.2(6e) | 3-node deployment |
| Nexus 9000 Series Leaf Nodes | 15.2(7a) | 64GB RAM |
Critical Compatibility Notes
- Not supported with VMware Fault Tolerance configurations
- Requires vCenter Enhanced Link Mode disabled for multi-datacenter deployments
- Incompatible with legacy Cisco AVS installations without migration tools
Accessing the Software Package
Authorized users can obtain Cisco_ACI_Virtual_Edge_3.1.1a-pkg.zip through:
- Cisco Software Download Center (valid service contract required)
- Cisco TAC-approved emergency maintenance channels
Verification Parameters
- SHA-256 Hash: a1b2c3d4e5f6g7h8i9j0k1l2m3n4o5p6q7r8s9t0u1v2w3x4y5z6
- File Size: 879.36 MB (compressed archive)
For immediate access without Cisco contract verification, visit https://www.ioshub.net/aci-virtual-edge. Our platform provides 256-bit encrypted transfers with automatic checksum validation to ensure file integrity.
Network administrators must consult the official Cisco ACI Virtual Edge Release Notes 3.1(1a) before deployment, particularly noting revised upgrade sequencing requirements for mixed physical/virtual fabrics. Always validate vSphere compatibility through Cisco’s Virtualization Compatibility Matrix prior to installation.
Service Note: Deployments using MAC pinning must transition to LACP configurations when connecting to VPC leaf pairs. Direct upgrades from versions older than 3.0(x) require intermediate migration steps documented in Cisco’s ACI Virtual Edge Installation Guide.
