vCenter VMM Integration Management Network for ACI
A network engineer must perform a VMM integration for the VMWare vCenter platform with the Cisco ACI Fabric. The vCenter is already installed in one of the rack servers connected to ACI leaf switches in a vPC mode. Which type of management network must be used to integrate vCenter with ACI?
Community Votes
100% of anonymous learners picked answer A. Votes are pick records left by other test-takers — they are not the verified answer.
Community Insight
The question tests VMM integration requirements for vCenter in ACI, where the common trap is assuming out-of-band management is used for vCenter connectivity.
When integrating VMware vCenter with a Cisco ACI fabric for VMM, the APIC must use an in-band management network to establish connectivity. This page confirms that in-band management is the required network type when vCenter is connected to ACI leaf switches.
Choosing out-of-band management (C) because vCenter is a management server, ignoring that it is connected to ACI leaf switches and must be reached via the in-band management network.
Community Discussion (3 comments)
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Expert Analysis
Why the Answer Is Correct
To integrate VMware vCenter with the Cisco ACI fabric using a Virtual Machine Manager (VMM) domain profile, the APIC must be able to communicate with the vCenter server. Since the vCenter is connected to the ACI leaf switches, the APIC reaches it through the fabric's in-band management network. The Cisco ACI Virtualization guide explicitly states that you must establish connectivity to the external network using an in-band management network on the APIC before creating a VMM domain profile.Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Out-of-band management (C) is used for accessing devices like APICs and switches via a dedicated management network, not for reaching vCenter servers connected to leaf switches. APIC infra (B) and VLAN infra (D) are not valid management network types used for establishing the required VMM connectivity to vCenter in this context. These options misrepresent the specific network path required for external orchestration integration.Community Comment Notes
Community members correctly identified the in-band management requirement, as Fcpoultry noted by quoting "using in-band management network on the APIC". Another user, lurker8000, incorrectly assumed APIC infra (B) is used, confusing the APIC's internal infrastructure network with the in-band management network needed for external VMM connectivity. This highlights a common misunderstanding between internal APIC communication and external controller integration.Official Reference
Exam Strategy
For ACI VMM integration questions, remember that any external controller or server (like vCenter) connected to ACI leaf switches is reached by the APIC via the in-band management network, not out-of-band. Always verify where the external entity is physically or logically connected to determine the correct management path.