Cisco ACI (Application Centric Infrastructure) is Cisco’s next-generation data center networking architecture designed to simplify operations, enhance scalability, and deliver consistent policy-driven automation across hybrid cloud environments. Unlike traditional network models that rely on manual configuration of individual devices, ACI takes an application-centric approach, focusing on the needs and behaviors of applications rather than the underlying network topology.
At its core, Cisco ACI integrates software-defined networking (SDN) principles with powerful hardware through the Nexus 9000 series switches, managed by the centralized APIC (Application Policy Infrastructure Controller). This controller allows administrators to define intent-based policies that automatically configure network, security, and application services end-to-end. The result is a flexible, programmable fabric that adapts dynamically to workload changes and ensures consistent performance and security across physical and virtual environments.
Organizations leverage Cisco ACI to accelerate application deployment, reduce operational complexity, and improve network visibility. With built-in automation, microsegmentation, and integration with public cloud providers like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, ACI enables seamless multi-cloud networking. Whether modernizing legacy infrastructure or implementing zero-trust security frameworks, Cisco ACI delivers the agility and efficiency enterprises need to power digital transformation at scale.