What is the difference between CSICO ACI and other SDN solution?

[Kochundeagil]

As far as I know, the difference between CISCO ACI and other SDN solutions is that ACI uses its own protocol instead of the open source protocol, and unlike other solutions, the configuration is also stored on the SDN switch, so even if the controller runs, the infrastructure will not die. Did I get it right? And are there any other differences?

[M02@rt37 · Accepted solution]

Hello @Kochundeagil 

You-re correct that cisco ACI differentiates itself from other SDN solutions by using its own protocol, instead of open-source protocols. Additionally, unlike other SDN solutions where configurations are centralized and stored on a controller, in ACI, the configurations are distributed and stored directly on the network switches, ensuring continued operation even if the controller fails. Other key differences include ACI's focus on application-centric policies, tight integration with hardware (Cisco Nexus switches), and comprehensive ecosystem support, offering extensive automation, security, and policy management features compared to some other SDN solutions.