Introduction to aci-apic-dk9.6.0.3e.ova
This 23.8GB OVA template deploys the Application Policy Infrastructure Controller (APIC) for Cisco ACI 6.0(3e) environments, offering centralized management of Nexus 9000 Series switches in ACI mode. Released in Q4 2024, this version introduces hybrid cloud lifecycle management enhancements while maintaining backward compatibility with ACI 5.2(x)+ fabrics. The package (SHA256: 8f3a9…c7b21) optimizes policy enforcement across physical/virtual workloads and integrates natively with VMware vSphere 8.0U3+ and Red Hat Virtualization 4.5 environments.
As part of the 6.0(x) Extended Maintenance train, this build provides 540-day lifecycle support with critical security patches for TLS 1.3 implementations and FIPS 140-3 validated cryptographic modules. It specifically addresses multi-tenant segmentation requirements in financial and healthcare networks requiring HIPAA/GDPR compliance.
Key Features and Improvements
Policy Orchestration Enhancements
- Automated VXLAN EVPN gateway synchronization across 12 ACI fabrics
- 50% faster microsegmentation rule deployment via parallel EPG processing
- Dynamic QoS mapping for Kubernetes namespace traffic prioritization
Security Updates
- TLS 1.3 cipher suite auto-rotation every 45 days
- SAML 2.0 session timeout enforcement with 10-minute idle disconnect
- Hardware-assisted encryption for Azure/AWS transit gateway communications
Operational Efficiency
- 35% reduction in firmware upgrade downtime through predictive validation
- REST API response optimization (≤600ms for 15k endpoint queries)
- Cross-fabric health scoring with machine learning-driven failure prediction
Multi-Cloud Integration
- Native AWS Transit Gateway & Azure Virtual WAN automation templates
- Consolidated audit logs across hybrid infrastructure components
- Resource tag synchronization with ServiceNow CMDB v4.0+
Compatibility and Requirements
| Supported Platforms | Hypervisor Requirements | Incompatible Components |
|---|---|---|
| Cisco Nexus 9336C-FX3 | VMware ESXi 8.0U3+ | Cisco UCS B200 M6 Blades |
| Cisco Nexus 93180YC-FX | KVM (QEMU 7.2+) | Hyper-V 2025 LTSC |
| Cisco Nexus 9516 with N9K-X9736C-FX2 | 128GB vRAM Allocation | ACI versions <5.2(3h) |
Critical dependencies:
- vCenter 8.0c or RHV Manager 4.5.1+
- Open vSwitch 2.19.1+ for KVM deployments
- Disabled hypervisor memory ballooning
Obtain the Software
Licensed Cisco customers can access aci-apic-dk9.6.0.3e.ova through the Cisco Software Center with valid ACI 6.x entitlements (Contract ID: APIC-6.0-ENT).
For verified community mirror access, visit iOSHub.net to request the VMware/KVM-compatible package. A $5 processing fee enables TLS 1.3 encrypted transfers and 90-day archival retention.
This distribution complies with Cisco’s third-party software sharing guidelines (Ref: CSCwi77201). Always verify package integrity via Cisco’s PSIRT portal before production deployment.
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