Cisco ACI mode vs NX-OS Mode

[olgu arabaci]

When i was looking for Cisco Nexus 9k series model switch, it was mentioned 2 types of mode. One of them is ACI mode and the other one is NX-OS mode. I searched smth about them but I couldn't find any utility information. So is there anyone to explain what is the difference between them?

[Georg Pauwen]

Hello,

basically, ACI involves clustering, and having leaf nodes and spine nodes. NX-OS mode means the switch is in standalone mode.

ACI Fabric Topology

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/switches/datacenter/nexus9000/hw/aci_9504_hig/guide/b_n9504_aci-mode_hardware_install_guide/b_n9504_aci-mode_hardware_install_guide_chapter_01001.html

Chapter: Converting from Cisco NX-OS to ACI Boot Mode and from ACI Boot Mode Back to Cisco NX-OS

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/switches/datacenter/nexus9000/sw/6-x/upgrade/guide/b_Cisco_Nexus_9000_Series_NX-OS_Software_Upgrade_and_Downgrade_Guide_Release_6x/b_Cisco_Nexus_9000_Series_NX-OS_Software_Upgrade_and_Downgrade_Guide_Release_6x_c...

[olgu arabaci]

So can we say ACI mode has much more feature than NX-OS mode? Do you know is there any expense difference between modes? Because it should be a cause why Cisco seperate them. 

[Georg Pauwen · Accepted solution]

Hello,

ACI mode indeed has different features, it is used for more complex deployments. You need an ACI software image, which is dfferent than the NX image.

What kind of network are you trying to deploy ?

[Jason Williamson]

I'm in a new company and just learning 9ks... How do I tell which mode they're in?

[emory.clayton]

Cisco NX-OS filenames begin with "n9000" while ACI filenames begin with "aci-n9000."

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