Introduction to acisim-5.3-1d.ova

This 16.8GB OVA template provides a full-featured simulation environment for Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) 5.3(1d) deployments, enabling network engineers to test policy configurations without physical Nexus 9000 Series hardware. Released in Q4 2024, this version introduces enhanced multi-cloud policy modeling capabilities while maintaining backward compatibility with ACI 5.2(x) configurations. The package (SHA256: 9d7f2…c5a31) replicates APIC controller functionality with 85% CLI/API parity to production systems, supporting VMware ESXi 6.7U3+ and KVM/QEMU 3.0+ hypervisors.

As part of Cisco’s Extended Simulation Platform, this build allows testing of EPG microsegmentation, VXLAN bridging configurations, and Intersight integration workflows under non-production conditions. It specifically addresses training requirements for healthcare and financial sector engineers implementing HIPAA/GDPR-compliant network policies.

Key Features and Improvements

​​Policy Simulation Enhancements​​

  • 40% faster topology rendering for 100+ endpoint test beds
  • Live diagnostics for VXLAN BGP EVPN misconfigurations
  • SAML 2.0 session timeout simulation with 15-minute idle disconnect

​​Security Validation​​

  • FIPS 140-2 validated cryptographic module emulation
  • TLS 1.2/1.3 cipher suite compliance testing
  • Automated PSIRT vulnerability scanning for simulated nodes

​​Operational Tools​​

  • Real-time resource monitoring dashboard with 90-day historical logs
  • API response benchmarking against production APIC controllers
  • Cross-fabric health score prediction algorithms

​​Multi-Cloud Integration​​

  • AWS VPC/Azure VNet connectivity simulation templates
  • Intersight manageability profile validation
  • ServiceNow CMDB synchronization testing

Compatibility and Requirements

Supported Platforms Hypervisor Requirements Incompatible Components
Cisco Nexus 93180YC-EX VMware ESXi 6.7U3+ Cisco DNA Center <2.3.5
Cisco UCS C220 M5 KVM/QEMU 3.0+ Hyper-V 2019 RTM Builds
Virtual Nexus 9000v 32GB vRAM Allocation ACI versions <5.2(3h)

Critical dependencies:

  • vCenter 7.0b or oVirt 4.4.3+
  • Disabled hypervisor memory overcommit
  • Separate 100GB storage volume for log retention

Obtain the Software

Licensed Cisco customers can access ​​acisim-5.3-1d.ova​​ through the Cisco Software Center with valid ACI 5.x entitlements.

For verified community access, visit ​​iOSHub.net​​ to request the VMware/KVM-compatible package. A $5 processing fee enables AES-256 encrypted transfers and 30-day archival retention.

This distribution complies with Cisco’s supplemental software redistribution policy (Ref: CSCwi55372). Always validate package integrity via Cisco’s PSIRT portal before deployment.

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