Cisco APIC and APIC-EM

[a.burlaos]

Hi,

I have some questions below in preparation for our upcoming implementation.

1. APIC-EM

a.       Is the Nexus 9K required to use APIC-EM?

b.      What are the components to use this?

c.       What are the supported Catalyst switches/IOS versions to us

d.      What is the best implementation strategy when using APIC-EM with Cisco ISE?  What happens if there are conflicting policies?

2.       What VMWare edition does Nexus 1000v need to run (Entrprise/Enterprise Plus/Advanced)

3.       Can you use the Nexus 9K in ACI mode without the APIC?

4.       Is IWAN part of ACI?

a.       What are the components to use this?

5.       What trainings is recommended to learn to install, configure and manage the nexus 9k in Cisco ACI Mode, cisco APIC and APIC-EM.

a.       Are the training below more on programming

600-502 NPDEV        Developing with Cisco Network Programmability (NPDEV)

600-510 NPDEVACI*        Developing with Cisco Network Programmability for Cisco ACI (NPDEVACI*)

Regards,

Arvie

[nikolasgeyer · Accepted solution]

Hi Arvie,

I cannot answer all of your questions, but will assist with the ones I can.

Is the Nexus 9K required to use APIC-EM? No, APIC-EM is not required for Nexus 9000.

What VMWare edition does Nexus 1000v need to run (Entrprise/Enterprise Plus/Advanced)? Enterprise Plus is required. If you are running in ACI mode I would strongly suggest you look at either APIC VMM integration or the Application Virtual Switch (AVS) rather than Nexus 1000v.

Can you use the Nexus 9K in ACI mode without the APIC? No, APIC is required to operate Nexus 9000 in ACI mode.

Is IWAN part of ACI? Technically yes, IWAN is an application under APIC-EM.

What are the components to use this? APIC-EM and IWAN. For detailed operational information you would be best served by asking your Cisco account manager, as APIC-EM is not publicly available yet.

What trainings is recommended to learn to install, configure and manage the nexus 9k in Cisco ACI Mode, cisco APIC and APIC-EM? I would suggest you engage Cisco Advanced Services to assist with design, implementation and validation activities (including runbook creation). This will provide your technical staff with the opportunity to shadow through the process and work closely with Cisco product/technology experts. This is an approach being taken across the industry and is of great value.