This is part 1 of our ACI fundamentals training, with Part 2, "Cisco ACI: Tenant & Fabric Connectivity," as the next step in the series. Cisco's APIC functions like a switch supervisor, configuring the fabric as if it were a single switch. The Spine/Leaf fabric discovery and self-assembly occur seamlessly, similar to plugging in the supervisor (APIC), fabric module (Spine), and blades(Leafs). This Learning Path delves into ACI's discovery process, fabric construction, and its extension to hypervisors via VMM integration, thereby expanding ACI control to the hypervisors' vSwitch. Part 2 will dive deeper into configurations that are applied to designate ports as access, trunk, or L3 ports.

Cisco has long led the development of standalone tools for data center networking, collectively known as the Day 2 Operations Suite. Recently, these tools have begun converging into a single unified platform called NEXUS Dashboard, which delivers a consolidated interface and shared data repositories to improve application correlation. This learning path is designed for administrators responsible for the daily operation and maintenance of the NEXUS Dashboard platform. It includes videos and a hands-on lab covering the essential tasks a typical administrator must perform. We'll explore what's new in NEXUS Dashboard 4.1, how to configure management-network routing, set up syslog, integrate remote NFS and SFTP storage and perform backups. We'll also walk through creating users and roles, and configuring Intersight. Finally, we will deploy an ACI simulator and onboard the ACI fabrics into the NEXUS Dashboard environment.

Cisco has been at the forefront of developing a suite of standalone tools for data center networking, collectively known as the Day 2 Operations Suite. Recently, Cisco has initiated the integration of these tools into a unified interface called NEXUS Dashboard, providing a consolidated view and shared data repositories for enhanced application correlation. This Learning path is designed specifically for those administrators that need to perform and manage the day to day upkeep of the NEXUS Dashboard product. The learning path will include videos, article and a hands on lab going over what a typical admin would need to setup on NEXUS Dashboard. We will cover whats new with NEXUS Dashboard 3.2, creating routes for the management and data networks, creating syslog server, remote NFS and SFTP storage, creating backups, and upgrading the version. We will also go through remote authentication with radius, creating users and roles, and Intersight configuration. Finally we will bring up 2 ACI simulators and onboard the ACI fabrics to the NEXUS Dashboard platform.

The NEXUS Dashboard Insights service is a powerful tool that revolutionizes network telemetry utilization. Transforming raw data into actionable insights significantly reduces downtime and enhances overall network performance. This service leverages advanced analytics and artificial intelligence to provide visibility for real-time network operations. This means that IT administrators can see what's happening in the network as it happens, allowing them to address issues before they escalate. One key benefit of NEXUS Dashboard Insights is its ability to resolve issues proactively. Instead of waiting for problems to occur and then reacting, the tool identifies potential issues early on and provides recommendations for resolution. This proactive approach not only minimizes disruptions but also ensures that the network runs smoothly and efficiently. Moreover, NEXUS Dashboard Insights offers a comprehensive understanding of the network. It analyzes various aspects of the network, from performance metrics to security threats, and presents this information in an easy-to-understand format. This holistic view enables IT administrators to make informed decisions and optimize network performance. By empowering IT administrators with these capabilities, NEXUS Dashboard Insights ensures that networks are managed efficiently. The tool's real-time visibility, proactive issue resolution, and comprehensive network understanding contribute to optimal performance and reduced disruptions, making it an invaluable asset for any organization.