Cisco ACI Underlying Protocols (Data, Control & Mgmt Plane)

September 21, 2025 / By
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Cisco ACI redefines how we design, deploy, and manage data center networks. The ACI underlying protocols interplay the Data, Control, and Management plane.

In this video, I unravel the Cisco ACI underlying protocols.

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Summary

  • The Underlay network represents the hardware infrastructure.
  • The Overlay network represents the virtual network interconnecting the end devices.
  • ACI Data Plane: iVXLAN encapsulated packets.
  • ACI Control Plane: LLDP, DHCP, IS-IS, COOP, MP-BGP, IFM & NTP.
  • ACI Management Plane: GUI, CLI & REST API (INB vs. OOB).

Need Comprehensive Cisco ACI Content?

I hope this article was helpful. If you want comprehensive content about Cisco ACI, check out my Udemy course:

– Cisco Data Centers | ACI Core

– Cisco Data Centers | ACI Automation With Ansible

author avatar
Salman Alhiary Expert Network Consultant
In the networking field since 2010, 2× CCIE (ENT & DC) and founder of LearnWithSalman—specializes in Cisco Data Center networking and automation. A former Cisco TAC engineer and now an Expert Professional Services consultant, he delivers lab-first tutorials, deep templates, and repeatable playbooks through his Udemy courses and technical blog, all built from real enterprise projects.
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