Learn Cisco ACI DCACI (300-620) – Complete Data Center Networking Course

Gain hands-on expertise in deploying, configuring, and managing Cisco ACI Nexus 9000 series switches in Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) mode.

What You Will Learn From This Course

• Gain an in-depth understanding of Cisco ACI fundamentals and architecture.
  
  

• Learn to deploy, configure, and manage Cisco Nexus 9000 series switches in ACI mode.e
  
  

• Understand tenants, VRFs, bridge domains, endpoint groups, and application profiles.s
  
  

• Configure and manage Cisco ACI fabric policies, interface policies, and VLAN pools
  
  

• Learn to connect Cisco ACI fabric to external Layer 2 and Layer 3 networks.
  
  

• Implement traffic flow control and policy enforcement within the ACI fabric.
  
  

• Explore APIC GUI, controllers, and switch management in a practical environment.t
  
  

• Learn how to monitor events, faults, audit logs, and health scores for the ACI fabric. ic
  
  

• Gain hands-on experience preparing for the Cisco 300-620 DCACI certification exam
  
  

• Understand the integration of Cisco ACI with external services and the MM solution. ions
  
  

Learning Objectives

The primary learning objectives of this course are designed to build both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise in Cisco ACI. By the end of this course, students will:

• Comprehend the core principles of Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure and its role in modern data centers
  
  

• Understand the architecture and components of Cisco Nexus 9000 series switches and APIC controllers.
  
  

• Gain expertise in fabric discovery, initial setup, and policy configuration for ACI deployments
  
  

• Develop the ability to create tenants, VRFs, bridge domains, and application profiles effectively.y
  
  

• Learn to configure endpoint groups, contracts, filters, and intra/inter-EPG connectivity.
  
  

• Understand the deployment of interface policies, profiles, policy groups, and switch profiles in real-world scenarios.
  
  

• Gain practical knowledge of VLAN pools, AAEPs, and connectivity with external Layer 2 and Layer 3 domains.
  
  

• Learn network monitoring and management using health scores, event logs, and audit logs to maintain fabric stability.
  
  

• Understand best practices for deploying and scaling Cisco ACI infrastructure in enterprise environments.s
  
  

• Prepare effectively for the Cisco 300-620 DCACI exam with both practical and theoretical skills.ls
  
  

Target Audience

This course is specifically designed for:

• Data center engineers and network administrators looking to enhance their skills in Cisco ACI
  
  

• IT professionals seeking hands-on experience with Cisco Nexus 9000 series switches
  
  

• Students and fresh graduates who aspire to specialize in software-defined networking and data center automation
  
  

• Network engineers preparing for the Cisco 300-620 DCACI certification exam
  
  

• Professionals involved in designing, deploying, and managing modern enterprise data center networks
  
  

• Individuals looking to improve their knowledge of SDN principles and Cisco’s ACI implementation.
  
  

Requirements

To ensure that students can fully benefit from this course, certain knowledge and skills are required. Understanding the following areas will provide a solid foundation for learning Cisco ACI:

• Strong understanding of Layer 2 switching concepts, including VLANs, trunks, and spanning tree protocols
  
  

• Solid knowledge of Layer 3 routing protocols and their configurations on Cisco devices
  
  

• Familiarity with Cisco Nexus switch series, particularly 2K, 5K, and 7K models
  
  

• Basic understanding of data center networking concepts, including fabric topology and network segmentation
  
  

• General knowledge of network services such as NTP, DNS, and basic security configurations
  
  

• Awareness of software-defined networking concepts and policy-based network management
  
  

Prerequisites

Before starting this course, students should ensure they have the following prerequisites in place:

• Hands-on experience with Cisco CLI for configuring and troubleshooting Nexus switches
  
  

• Understanding of fundamental networking concepts, including IP addressing, subnetting, and routing
  
  

• Experience with VLAN creation, trunking, and Layer 2 and Layer 3 interface configurations
  
  

• Familiarity with data center architectures, such as spine-leaf topologies and fabric design principles
  
  

• Basic exposure to network monitoring and management tools for tracking performance and identifying faults
  
  

• A general understanding of automation and orchestration concepts in data center environments
  
  

Description

Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) is a comprehensive SDN solution designed to simplify and optimize data center operations. It integrates software and hardware components to create a policy-driven network that supports automation, scalability, and high availability. Cisco ACI enables administrators to define network policies centrally, which are then automatically propagated throughout the fabric to the connected devices.

The architecture of Cisco ACI is built around three main components: the Application Policy Infrastructure Controller (APIC), the Cisco Nexus 9000 series switches, and the ACI fabric itself. APIC serves as the central controller that provides centralized management, monitoring, and automation for the entire ACI fabric. The Nexus 9000 switches operate in ACI mode to implement the policies defined in APIC, creating a seamless and flexible network environment.

Cisco ACI uses a leaf-spine topology, which provides a scalable and resilient framework for data center networks. Leaf switches connect to endpoints such as servers and storage devices, while spine switches interconnect leaf switches to provide high-bandwidth and low-latency connectivity. This architecture ensures optimal traffic flow and redundancy, allowing for efficient scaling of data center resources.

Cisco ACI Components

To effectively manage and deploy Cisco ACI, it is essential to understand its key components. Tenants in ACI represent isolated logical networks that host applications and services. VRFs (Virtual Routing and Forwarding instances) allow for routing separation within tenants, while bridge domains provide Layer 2 connectivity. Application profiles define the structure of applications, including endpoint groups (EPGs) that group devices based on their function. Contracts and filters control traffic between EPGs, enforcing policies to secure the network.

Interface policies, profiles, and policy groups are used to standardize configurations across multiple switches and interfaces. Switch profiles help manage and deploy configurations consistently across the fabric. VLAN pools, AAEPs, and external domains enable integration with existing network infrastructure, ensuring connectivity to external Layer 2 and Layer 3 networks.

Preparing for the DCACI Exam

The Cisco 300-620 DCACI certification validates your ability to implement and manage ACI solutions in enterprise data centers. This course provides a structured learning path to build your theoretical understanding and practical expertise in Cisco ACI. You will gain confidence in deploying, configuring, and managing ACI fabrics, which is essential for successfully passing the certification exam. The hands-on approach of this course ensures that students are ready to handle real-world scenarios and network deployments effectively.

Practical Implementation

Throughout this course, students will engage in hands-on labs and practical exercises to implement Cisco ACI configurations. You will work on setting up APIC controllers, configuring leaf and spine switches, creating tenants, VRFs, bridge domains, EPGs, and applying policies. By practicing these configurations, you will gain the skills necessary to manage a production-ready Cisco ACI environment and troubleshoot common issues efficiently.

This part of the course focuses on providing a solid foundation in Cisco ACI concepts, preparing students for more advanced topics in fabric configuration, external connectivity, and integration with virtualization platforms in later parts of the series.

Course Modules / Sections

This course is divided into structured modules designed to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise in Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure. Each module is carefully curated to build a deep understanding of the architecture, configuration, and management of Cisco ACI, along with hands-on experience using Cisco Nexus 9000 series switches in ACI mode.

The first module introduces the basics of Cisco ACI, including the key concepts, architecture, and hardware components. It provides a comprehensive overview of how ACI integrates into modern data centers and prepares students for practical implementation. This foundational knowledge ensures that students understand the purpose and value of ACI in a software-defined networking environment.

The second module focuses on fabric discovery and initial setup. Students learn how to deploy leaf and spine switches, configure APIC controllers, and verify fabric connectivity. This module emphasizes real-world scenarios, guiding students through step-by-step deployment processes and troubleshooting common issues during the setup phase.

The third module covers policies and profiles within Cisco ACI. Students will understand how to define interface policies, profiles, and policy groups, along with switch profiles and VLAN pools. This module ensures that students can consistently configure multiple devices while adhering to network design best practices.

The fourth module delves into tenant, VRF, and bridge domain configuration. Students will learn how to logically segment the network, isolate applications, and enforce policies using endpoint groups (EPGs) and application profiles. This module is critical for understanding how to control traffic flow and secure applications within the ACI fabric.

The fifth module explores connectivity and integration. Students will configure intra-EPG and inter-EPG connectivity, external Layer 2 and Layer 3 domains, and virtual machine manager (VMM) integration. This module ensures that the ACI fabric can seamlessly connect to external networks and support virtualized environments.

The final module addresses monitoring, troubleshooting, and exam preparation. Students learn how to analyze events, faults, and audit logs, monitor health scores, and optimize ACI performance. This module also includes practical exercises aligned with the Cisco 300-620 DCACI certification exam objectives, reinforcing learning outcomes and building confidence for the exam.

Key Topics Covered

Cisco ACI is a complex but highly efficient software-defined networking solution. This course covers all essential topics to ensure students gain comprehensive knowledge and practical skills for implementing and managing ACI environments.

• Cisco ACI Overview: Understanding the purpose, architecture, and benefits of Cisco ACI in data center networks.
  
  

• APIC Controller: Installation, configuration, GUI walkthrough, and management of the Application Policy Infrastructure Controller.
  
  

• Nexus 9000 Series Switches: Deployment in ACI mode, hardware specifications, protocols, and switch capabilities.
  
  

• Fabric Discovery: Automatic and manual discovery of leaf and spine switches, verifying connectivity, and validating fabric health.
  
  

• Interface Policies: Creating and applying interface policies, interface profiles, and policy groups for standardized configurations.
  
  

• Switch Profiles and VLAN Pools: Configuring switch profiles, assigning VLANs, and managing pools to ensure consistency across the fabric.
  
  

• Tenants and VRFs: Creating tenants, VRFs, and logical segmentation to isolate applications and enforce policies.
  
  

• Bridge Domains: Configuring bridge domains, adding subnets, and understanding Layer 2 and Layer 3 connectivity.
  
  

• Application Profiles and EPGs: Grouping endpoints into EPGs, defining application profiles, and applying contracts for traffic control.
  
  

• Contracts, Subjects, and Filters: Implementing security policies, controlling traffic flow, and enforcing communication rules between EPGs.
  
  

• Intra-EPG Layer 3 Connectivity: Enabling routing between endpoints within the same tenant and ensuring optimal traffic flow.
  
  

• Inter-EPG Layer 3 Connectivity: Configuring communication between different EPGs and tenants while maintaining security and isolation.
  
  

• External Layer 2 and Layer 3 Domains: Integrating ACI with external networks, configuring out-of-band addressing, and enabling connectivity to legacy infrastructure.
  
  

• vPC in Cisco ACI: Configuring virtual port channels for redundancy and high availability within the ACI fabric.
  
  

• NTP and System Configuration: Ensuring proper time synchronization and management across all ACI components.
  
  

• Monitoring and Troubleshooting: Utilizing health scores, event logs, audit logs, and fault analysis to maintain fabric stability and performance.
  
  

• Virtual Machine Manager Integration: Connecting ACI to VMware, Microsoft Hyper-V, or other VMM solutions for automated network provisioning.
  
  

• Exam-Oriented Labs: Hands-on exercises to reinforce learning objectives and prepare for the Cisco 300-620 DCACI exam.
  
  

Teaching Methodology

The teaching methodology for this course combines theoretical explanations with practical, hands-on exercises. This approach ensures that students not only understand Cisco ACI concepts but also gain the skills needed to deploy and manage ACI environments in real-world data centers.

Each topic is introduced with a detailed explanation of its purpose, functionality, and significance within the ACI architecture. Students are provided with step-by-step instructions, demonstrations, and examples to illustrate how configurations are applied and managed. The course emphasizes learning by doing, encouraging students to practice every configuration in a lab environment to solidify their understanding.

Interactive demonstrations of APIC GUI, Nexus 9000 switch commands, and policy configurations allow students to visualize the impact of their actions on the fabric. The course also includes real-world scenarios, simulating tasks that network engineers typically perform, such as fabric expansion, troubleshooting connectivity issues, and enforcing security policies.

The course leverages scenario-based learning to bridge the gap between theory and practice. By simulating real deployment challenges, students develop problem-solving skills and gain confidence in handling complex ACI environments. Guidance on best practices, common pitfalls, and optimization strategies ensures that students are equipped to manage enterprise-grade data centers efficiently.

Assessments are integrated into the methodology to track progress and reinforce learning. Students are encouraged to attempt configurations independently, analyze results, and verify the behavior of the fabric. This practical approach enhances retention and prepares students for the certification exam as well as on-the-job responsibilities.

Regular instructor feedback is provided to ensure that students correct mistakes early and build a strong foundation. The course fosters a supportive learning environment where students can clarify doubts, review concepts, and gain mastery over Cisco ACI technologies.

Assessment & Evaluation

Assessment and evaluation in this course are designed to measure students’ theoretical understanding as well as practical proficiency. The evaluation process ensures that students can confidently deploy, configure, and manage Cisco ACI fabrics.

Assessments include practical lab exercises, where students configure APIC controllers, deploy leaf and spine switches, and implement tenants, VRFs, bridge domains, and application profiles. Each lab task is evaluated based on accuracy, adherence to best practices, and the ability to troubleshoot issues independently.

In addition to lab exercises, students complete scenario-based assignments that simulate real-world networking challenges. These assignments test students’ ability to integrate ACI with external networks, configure contracts and policies, and manage endpoint groups effectively.

Quizzes and knowledge checks are incorporated throughout the course to assess comprehension of key concepts such as ACI architecture, policy enforcement, traffic flow, and device integration. These quizzes help reinforce learning objectives and identify areas where students may need additional focus.

Students are also evaluated on their understanding of monitoring and troubleshooting techniques. Assignments include analyzing health scores, reviewing event and fault logs, and resolving simulated network issues. This practical evaluation ensures that students develop the problem-solving skills required to maintain high-performing and resilient ACI fabrics.

The final assessment combines theoretical and practical elements, simulating the Cisco 300-620 DCACI exam environment. Students demonstrate their ability to configure and manage ACI deployments, apply policies, and troubleshoot issues in a controlled lab scenario. Successful completion of assessments indicates readiness to apply Cisco ACI knowledge in real-world data center environments and pursue certification.

Through continuous assessment, hands-on labs, and scenario-based exercises, students gain confidence, mastery, and a comprehensive understanding of Cisco ACI, preparing them for professional growth in data center networking and SDN implementations.

Benefits of the Course

This course offers numerous benefits for students who aim to enhance their skills in data center networking and software-defined networking with Cisco ACI. By completing this course, students will gain a strong theoretical foundation and practical experience in deploying, configuring, and managing Cisco Nexus 9000 series switches in ACI mode.

One of the key benefits is the acquisition of hands-on expertise in implementing Cisco ACI fabrics. Students will learn to deploy APIC controllers, connect leaf and spine switches, configure tenants, VRFs, bridge domains, and application profiles, and manage endpoint groups and contracts. This practical experience equips students to handle real-world deployment scenarios confidently.

The course prepares students for the Cisco 300-620 DCACI certification exam, ensuring that learners have both the knowledge and skills required to achieve certification. Students also gain familiarity with Cisco ACI terminology, architecture, and policy-driven network management, which is highly valued by employers in enterprise networking environments.

Another significant benefit is improved career opportunities. Cisco ACI is widely adopted in modern data centers, and expertise in its deployment and management can enhance employability for roles such as network engineer, data center administrator, and SDN specialist. The course also provides insights into integrating ACI with virtualization platforms, external networks, and legacy infrastructures, further expanding students’ skill sets.

Students will also develop troubleshooting and monitoring capabilities, learning to analyze event logs, fault reports, and health scores, which are critical for maintaining reliable and high-performing data center networks. The combination of hands-on labs, scenario-based learning, and exam-focused content ensures that students are well-prepared to meet the demands of both certification and real-world implementation.

By the end of this course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of Cisco ACI, practical skills for deployment and configuration, and confidence to manage enterprise-level data center networks effectively.

Course Duration

The course is designed to provide in-depth coverage of Cisco ACI concepts, practical implementations, and exam preparation, with a recommended duration of 40 to 45 hours of learning. This duration includes a combination of video lectures, hands-on lab exercises, scenario-based practice, and knowledge assessments.

Students are encouraged to follow a structured learning schedule, allocating time to complete each module thoroughly. While the video lectures provide conceptual understanding, the hands-on labs allow students to apply what they have learned in a practical environment. Completing the labs for each module is essential for building confidence and proficiency in ACI deployment and management.

The duration is flexible and can accommodate different learning paces. Students can progress faster if they have prior experience with Cisco Nexus switches and data center networking or take more time to practice configurations and review concepts for complete mastery. Self-paced learning allows students to revisit complex topics, practice lab exercises multiple times, and reinforce understanding.

Additionally, students should dedicate themselves to exam-oriented practice. This includes configuring tenants, VRFs, bridge domains, application profiles, endpoint groups, and policies in lab environments to simulate real-world scenarios. The combination of guided instruction and practical application within the recommended duration ensures that students gain both knowledge and confidence to implement Cisco ACI effectively.

Tools & Resources Required

To gain maximum benefit from this course, students will need access to specific tools and resources that support hands-on learning and practical implementation of Cisco ACI.

1. Cisco Nexus 9000 Series Switches: Access to physical or virtual Nexus 9000 switches is required for configuring ACI fabrics, deploying policies, and managing traffic flow. Lab environments can use virtualized versions of these switches if physical devices are not available.
   
   

2. APIC Controllers: The Application Policy Infrastructure Controller (APIC) is essential for managing ACI fabrics. Students should have access to APIC controllers, either through physical deployment or virtual labs, to practice controller setup, fabric discovery, policy creation, and monitoring.
   
   

3. Simulation and Lab Software: Tools such as Cisco Modeling Labs (CML), EVE-NG, or other virtualization platforms can be used to create a lab environment for practicing configurations, testing connectivity, and simulating real-world network scenarios.
   
   

4. Networking Knowledge Resources: Students should have access to Cisco documentation, configuration guides, and technical references for Nexus switches and ACI components. These resources provide valuable insights into best practices, protocol details, and advanced configuration options.
   
   

5. Computer and Network Access: A reliable computer with sufficient processing power, memory, and network connectivity is necessary to run virtual labs, access APIC controllers, and connect to simulation environments. Internet access is also required to download software updates, access documentation, and participate in online forums or Q&A sessions.
   
   

6. Monitoring and Analysis Tools: Tools for monitoring network performance, analyzing logs, and checking fabric health are essential for hands-on practice. These tools help students learn to troubleshoot, optimize, and maintain ACI fabrics effectively.
   
   

7. Learning Materials: Access to course videos, practical exercises, scenario-based assignments, and quizzes ensures a comprehensive learning experience. These materials guide students through step-by-step configuration processes and provide context for real-world deployment scenarios.
   
   

By ensuring that all these tools and resources are available, students can fully engage with the course content, practice configurations, and gain the skills necessary to deploy, manage, and troubleshoot Cisco ACI environments. These resources, combined with guided instruction, provide a complete learning ecosystem that prepares students for certification and professional growth.

This part of the course builds on foundational knowledge from previous modules and prepares students for advanced configuration, tenant management, and integration with external networks in subsequent sections of the course. Hands-on practice with the tools and resources mentioned is critical for achieving proficiency and confidence in Cisco ACI deployment and management.

Career Opportunities

Completing the Cisco ACI DCACI course opens numerous career opportunities for IT professionals, network engineers, and data center specialists. Cisco ACI is widely adopted in modern enterprise data centers, and expertise in deploying, configuring, and managing ACI fabrics is highly sought after in the networking industry.

One of the primary career paths is that of a Data Center Network Engineer. Professionals in this role are responsible for designing, implementing, and managing data center networks using Cisco ACI. This includes configuring Nexus 9000 series switches, managing APIC controllers, implementing tenants, VRFs, bridge domains, and application profiles, and ensuring secure and efficient traffic flow. Data center engineers with ACI expertise are in demand across various industries, including finance, healthcare, telecommunications, and cloud service providers.

Another opportunity is the role of Network Architect. Network architects with Cisco ACI knowledge are responsible for planning and designing scalable, policy-driven network infrastructures. They create high-level designs for data center fabrics, integrate ACI with external networks, and ensure optimal connectivity for enterprise applications. These professionals play a critical role in modernizing data center environments and implementing software-defined networking strategies.

Systems and Infrastructure Administrators also benefit from Cisco ACI training. These professionals managed the day-to-day operations of enterprise networks, including fabric monitoring, fault analysis, health score assessments, and troubleshooting. Hands-on expertise in ACI allows administrators to maintain high-performing, resilient networks while adhering to policy-driven configurations.

For those seeking specialized roles, SDN and Automation Specialists leverage Cisco ACI to implement policy-based automation and orchestration in data center environments. ACI’s programmable features enable automation of repetitive tasks, deployment of applications, and integration with virtualization platforms and cloud services. Professionals with these skills are highly valued in organizations adopting DevOps and IT automation practices.

Certification from the Cisco 300-620 DCACI exam further enhances career prospects. Certified professionals are recognized for their ability to deploy and manage ACI fabrics, making them competitive candidates for promotions, higher responsibilities, and specialized positions within enterprise IT departments.

Freelance opportunities and consulting roles are also available for Cisco ACI experts. Companies seeking to implement or upgrade ACI environments often hire certified consultants to plan, deploy, and optimize their networks. This offers flexible work options and the chance to gain experience across different industries and large-scale enterprise projects.

Overall, Cisco ACI skills provide a pathway to roles that are critical for modern data centers, including network engineering, architecture, administration, automation, and consulting. Professionals with these skills are in high demand, ensuring career growth and long-term opportunities in the IT and networking sectors.

Conclusion

The Cisco ACI DCACI course provides a comprehensive learning path for anyone aiming to gain expertise in modern data center networking. Through structured modules, students acquire both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in deploying, configuring, and managing Cisco Nexus 9000 series switches in ACI mode. The course emphasizes practical implementation, covering tenants, VRFs, bridge domains, application profiles, endpoint groups, policies, contracts, and integration with external networks.

Cisco ACI represents Cisco’s approach to software-defined networking, enabling policy-driven management and automation of data center infrastructures. By completing this course, students gain a deep understanding of ACI architecture, components, and capabilities, including APIC controllers, leaf-spine fabric, interface policies, VLAN pools, and connectivity with external domains. Practical exercises and lab scenarios prepare students to handle real-world deployment challenges and optimize network performance efficiently.

Students also develop essential monitoring and troubleshooting skills, learning to analyze health scores, events, and fault logs to maintain network reliability. The course equips learners with the knowledge required to implement scalable and resilient networks, enforce policies, and manage complex traffic flows effectively.

This course is not only aligned with professional skill development but also prepares students for the Cisco 300-620 DCACI certification exam. Achieving certification validates expertise in Cisco ACI and demonstrates competence to employers, enhancing professional credibility and opening doors to advanced career opportunities in network engineering, data center administration, and SDN automation.

The structured learning methodology, hands-on labs, scenario-based exercises, and practical insights ensure that students are ready to implement Cisco ACI in enterprise environments confidently. The combination of theory, practice, and exam-focused preparation makes this course a comprehensive solution for aspiring data center professionals and IT specialists seeking to expand their skill set.

Enroll Today

Enrolling in the Cisco ACI DCACI course is the first step toward mastering one of the most in-demand technologies in modern networking. Students will gain access to a complete curriculum covering Cisco ACI fundamentals, deployment strategies, configuration best practices, policy management, tenant and endpoint group setup, and external network integration.

Upon enrollment, learners receive access to video lectures, practical labs, scenario-based exercises, and learning materials designed to reinforce theoretical concepts with hands-on experience. Students can progress at their own pace, revisiting complex topics, practicing configurations multiple times, and developing proficiency in real-world scenarios.

The course provides a supportive learning environment with guidance, instructor feedback, and resources to clarify doubts and ensure mastery of the content. Enrollment also offers access to tools and resources necessary for hands-on practice, including APIC controllers, Nexus 9000 series switches, and lab simulation software.

This course is suitable for IT professionals, network engineers, data center administrators, and students aspiring to specialize in Cisco ACI and software-defined networking. By enrolling today, learners can begin building the expertise required for high-demand careers, preparing for the Cisco 300-620 DCACI certification, and gaining the confidence to deploy and manage enterprise-grade ACI fabrics.

Investing time in this course positions students to take advantage of the growing opportunities in modern data center networking, enabling career advancement and the ability to implement cutting-edge network solutions. Enroll today to start your journey toward mastering Cisco ACI and advancing your professional career in data center networking and SDN technologies.