Chapter 1:  Introduction: Datacenter Network Evolution

Chapter Goal: To put Cisco ACI as a next gen modern datacenter network in the context of network evolution. Why it even exists in the first place, what it can bring for companies, etc.

No of pages 12

Sub -Topics

1.       Datacenter Evolution - From traditional 3 tier network architecture through network virtualization (vPC) to Leaf-Spine routed architectures.

2.       Explained need for new protocol - VXLAN

3.       Explained need for network automation - centrally managed software defined networking

4.       Explained need for datacenter network visibility

 

Chapter 2:  ACI Fundamentals - Underlay Infrastructure

Chapter Goal: Introduce readers to Cisco ACI, its components and basic concepts. It's very important to establish strong fundamental knowledge of the technology to later build on. This chapter will focus on Underlay Infrastructure - Nexus 9000 and APICs. It explains all the architectural options when building ACI with design considerations for physical cabling and tips for High-Level Design project phases.

No of pages: 46

Sub - Topics   

1.       Underlay Networking - Nexus 9000 Family Overview. To make sure readers understand advantages of HW based underlay network, its components and to explain main features of N9K CloudScale ASICs.

2.       APIC controllers. Connecting APICs to fabric, database sharding, Advantages/disadvantages of various cluster options (3, 5, 7 nodes)

 

3.      Introduction to ACI Control-plane and Data-plane concepts used in the underlay networking

4.&