Introduction to aci-apic-dk9.6.0.3d.ova
This 24.1GB OVA template deploys the Application Policy Infrastructure Controller (APIC) for Cisco ACI 6.0(3d) environments, enabling centralized management of Nexus 9000 Series switches in ACI mode. Released in Q1 2025, this build enhances multi-cloud policy orchestration while maintaining backward compatibility with ACI 5.2(x)+ fabrics. The package (SHA256: 8d4f2…e9a31) optimizes security enforcement across hybrid infrastructure and integrates natively with VMware vSphere 8.0U3+ and Red Hat Virtualization 4.6 environments.
As part of the 6.0(x) Extended Maintenance track, this version provides 540-day lifecycle support with critical security patches for FIPS 140-3 validated cryptographic modules and TLS 1.3 implementations. It specifically addresses healthcare and financial sector requirements for HIPAA/GDPR-compliant network segmentation.
Key Features and Improvements
Policy Automation
- Multi-fabric VXLAN EVPN gateway synchronization across 16 ACI domains
- 45% faster microsegmentation deployment via parallel EPG processing
- Dynamic QoS mapping for Kubernetes namespace traffic prioritization
Security Enhancements
- Automated TLS 1.3 cipher suite rotation every 30 days
- SAML 2.0 session timeout enforcement with 8-minute idle disconnect
- Hardware-accelerated encryption for AWS Transit Gateway communications
Operational Efficiency
- 40% reduction in firmware upgrade downtime through predictive validation
- REST API response optimization (≤550ms for 20k endpoint queries)
- Cross-fabric health analytics with ML-driven failure prediction
Cloud Integration
- Native automation templates for Azure Virtual WAN & Google Cloud Interconnect
- Consolidated audit logs across hybrid cloud resources
- Resource tag synchronization with ServiceNow CMDB v4.2+
Compatibility and Requirements
| Supported Hardware | Hypervisor Requirements | Incompatible Components |
|---|---|---|
| Nexus 9336C-FX3 | VMware ESXi 8.0U3+ | UCS B200 M6 Servers |
| Nexus 93180YC-FX2 | KVM (QEMU 7.3+) | Hyper-V 2025 LTSC |
| Nexus 9516 with N9K-X9736C-FX2 | 128GB vRAM Allocation | ACI versions <5.2(3h) |
Critical dependencies:
- vCenter 8.0d or RHV Manager 4.6.2+
- Open vSwitch 2.20+ for KVM implementations
- Disabled hypervisor memory compression
Obtain the Software
Licensed Cisco customers can access aci-apic-dk9.6.0.3d.ova through the Cisco Software Center with valid ACI 6.x entitlements (Contract ID: APIC-6.0-ENT).
For verified community distribution, visit iOSHub.net to request the VMware/KVM-compatible package. A $5 processing fee enables AES-256 encrypted transfers and 90-day archival retention.
This distribution complies with Cisco’s supplemental software redistribution policy (Ref: CSCwi88315). Always validate package integrity via Cisco’s PSIRT portal before deployment.
SEO-Optimized Keywords: Cisco APIC 6.0.3d OVA download, ACI 6.0(3d) virtual appliance, multi-cloud SDN controller, Nexus 9000 policy management, aci-apic-dk9.6.0.3d.ova verified.
