ACI Fundamentals Online Training

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UPDATED: September 25, 2024

Intermediate

This entry-level Cisco ACI training course introduces IT professionals to the fundamentals of Application Centric Infrastructure, equipping network administrators and engineers with hands-on skills in ACI fabric configuration, policy management, and automation. You’ll learn to build and manage scalable ACI environments, automate tasks using Python and REST API, and implement micro-segmentation and robust security policies. The course also covers integration with cloud services and third-party platforms, plus training on APIC management, Nexus 9000 spine-leaf architecture, VXLAN forwarding, and intent-based SDN design. Whether you're starting your journey with ACI fundamentals or looking to enhance your software-defined networking expertise, this course provides the practical knowledge needed to optimize modern data center performance and automation.

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What you'll learn with Cisco ACI training

Configure Cisco ACI fabric infrastructure: bridge domains, EPGs, contracts, and traffic policies
Use Python scripting and REST API to automate ACI provisioning and management
Apply micro‑segmentation policies to secure multi‑tenant infrastructure
Manage ACI integration with cloud services and external networks (L3Out, VRF, BGP)
Understand and implement Nexus‑9000 spine‑leaf architecture and VXLAN forwarding within the ACI logical model
Leverage intent‑based networking and SDN principles to scale and optimize modern data center environments

Cisco ACI training FAQs

What is ACI from Cisco?

ACI stands for Application-Centric Infrastructure. ACI is Cisco's software-defined networking (SDN) solution for automating and simplifying data center operations. ACI centralizes network management and makes it possible to apply application-driven network policies. ACI integrates physical and virtual network environments under a unified policy model while supporting multi-cloud deployments.

Is it worth learning how to use and administer ACI?

For IT professionals in network administration, data centers or cloud environments who want to deepen their familiarity with Cisco network technologies, it's definitely worth learning about Cisco's Application-Centric Infrastructure (ACI). ACI provides automation, centralized management and a policy-driven approach to network management that aligns with modern networking trends – learning to use ACI positions you at the leading edge of the wave of SDN integration jobs.

What is ACI used for?

Cisco ACI is best used in large data centers, multi-cloud environments and enterprises that need robust network automation, scalability and security. Taking this course and learning the fundamentals of using and administering ACI qualifies you for entry-level positions in environments and networks like that. ACI is ideal for organizations who want to simplify complex hybrid operations, enhance application performance, and enforce consistent security policies.

Is Cisco ACI difficult to learn?

Learning Cisco ACI is a challenge to most IT professionals, especially those who are new to software-defined networking or who are unfamiliar with Cisco's networking concepts. Even learning the fundamentals of ACI takes understanding its unique policy-driven approach, fabric architecture and advanced automation features. This course helps bridge the gap between prior knowledge of networking and data centers to ACI mastery with hands-on practice in virtual labs.

Are there any certifications related to this ACI training?

Yes, although none of Cisco's CCNAs or CCNPs are about ACI in their entirety, ACI does play an important role in some of Cisco's professional-level certs. One of the CCNP Data Center's concentration exams (300-620 DCACI) tests your ability to implement a Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure. You earn a badge upon completing that ACI test, and this course can help you prepare for it.

Who is Cisco ACI training for?

This ACI Fundamentals training is considered foundational-level Cisco training, which means it was designed for network admins. This Cisco skills course is valuable for new IT professionals with at least a year of experience with networking and experienced network admins looking to validate their Cisco skills.

What our learners say

When learning a new technology, people sometimes build a wall that complicates the learning process because of the unknown. I like tearing down that wall — and having people fall in love with that technology.
Lalo Nunez | CBT Nuggets trainer since 2020
Very easy and fun way to learn. Keith Barker is my favorite, he'll throw in jokes here and there and it makes me remember certain study points. I highly recommend this app and purchasing subscriptions, it is truly worth the money.
Joshua E. | IT Systems Administrator
Practice exams help you have an overview of your readiness. If you have failed a couple questions in one area, you can go back and work on them.
Harold M. | Network Administrator

Study plan

Download the free Cisco ACI study plan to complete this course in about 19 hours.

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