The ACI Datasheet is a crucial document for anyone involved in designing, deploying, or managing Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) fabrics. It provides a comprehensive overview of the hardware and software components that make up the ACI solution, offering detailed specifications, performance metrics, and ordering information. Understanding the ACI Datasheet is key to maximizing the benefits of this powerful networking architecture.
Understanding the ACI Datasheet What It Is and How to Use It
An ACI Datasheet is essentially a technical document that outlines the capabilities and specifications of various components within the ACI ecosystem. It covers everything from the ACI fabric’s Nexus 9000 series switches (both leaf and spine switches) to the Application Policy Infrastructure Controller (APIC) appliance. The datasheets detail hardware specifications like port densities, buffer sizes, CPU performance, power consumption, and supported transceivers. Software features such as supported protocols, scalability limits, and management interfaces are also thoroughly documented. Understanding the ACI datasheet allows you to make informed decisions about hardware purchases and configuration choices that directly impact network performance and scalability.
These datasheets are indispensable tools for network architects and engineers during the planning phase of ACI deployments. By consulting the ACI Datasheet, they can determine the appropriate hardware models to meet specific network requirements, estimate power and cooling needs, and ensure compatibility between different components. For example, when selecting leaf switches, the ACI Datasheet helps to determine the necessary port speeds (10G, 25G, 40G, 100G, etc.) and port counts to accommodate server connectivity. Similarly, the APIC datasheet helps to select an appropriately sized controller cluster based on the scale of the ACI fabric.
The ACI Datasheet also assists in troubleshooting and performance optimization. It contains key performance indicators (KPIs) such as latency, throughput, and packet loss rates for different hardware configurations. This information can be used to identify bottlenecks and fine-tune network parameters for optimal performance. Moreover, the datasheets provide guidance on supported software releases and compatibility matrices, ensuring a stable and reliable ACI environment. A common example of information presented is:
- Switch Model: Nexus 93180YC-EX
- Port Density: 48 x 25G SFP28, 6 x 100G QSFP28
- Buffer Size: 40MB
- CPU: Intel Xeon
- APIC Model: APIC-SERVER-M3
- RAM: 128GB
- Storage: 2 x 480GB SSD
- Number of Nodes Supported: Up to 1000
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Leaf Switch | Nexus 93108TC-EX |
| Spine Switch | Nexus 9508 |
To unlock the full potential of your ACI deployment, it is highly recommended you consult the official ACI Datasheet provided by Cisco. It’s your comprehensive guide to understanding the intricacies of ACI hardware and software.