ACI Multi-Site Architecture Descriptions

Answer Correct answer: D, E — ACI Multi-Site supports a dedicated APIC cluster per site and uses OSPF to establish peering with the spines.

What are two descriptions of ACI Multi-Site? (Choose two.)

  1. Routers in the Inter-Site network must run OSPF, DHCP relay, and MP-BGP
  2. ACI Multi-Site is a solution that allows one APIC cluster to manage multiple ACI sites
  3. The Multi-Site orchestrator must be directly attached to one ACI leaf
  4. ACI Multi-Site is a solution that supports a dedicated APIC cluster per site Correct Answer
  5. The Inter-Site network routers should run OSPF to establish peering with the spines Correct Answer

Community Votes

DE
80%
BE
20%

80% of anonymous learners picked answer DE. Votes are pick records left by other test-takers — they are not the verified answer.

Community Insight

The exam tests the ability to differentiate between centralized management (Multi-Pod) and distributed site management (Multi-Site), with the common trap being confusion over which design uses a single vs. multiple APIC clusters.

This question examines the core architectural components of Cisco ACI Multi-Site, specifically distinguishing between Multi-Site and Multi-Pod designs. It establishes that Multi-Site utilizes dedicated APIC clusters per site managed by MSO.

Candidates often select Option B because they confuse Multi-Site with Multi-Pod; Multi-Pod is the solution where one APIC cluster manages multiple sites, whereas Multi-Site requires a dedicated APIC cluster per site.

Community Discussion (5 comments)

designated 👍 1 Selected: DE
D, E are correct
zelya19 👍 1 Selected: DE
Initially, OSPF was the only supported control plane, but from NDO Release 3.5(1) BGP was also added as a viable option. Note: The use of BGP also requires the deployment of Cisco ACI Release 5.2(1). https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/solutions/collateral/data-center-virtualization/application-centric-infrastructure/white-paper-c11-739609.html#CiscoACIMultiSiteunderlaycontrolplane
Huberttheman 👍 1 Selected: DE
Multi site has a apic cluster per site but both can be managed from MSO
sailorsoul 👍 1 Selected: DE
DE multi site, not multi pod
shark1989 👍 1 Selected: BE
This should be the right answer since b would be the most appropriate answer instead of D as APIC cluster need not be site specific but instead spread between multiple sites.

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Expert Analysis

Why the Answer Is Correct

Option D is correct because a defining characteristic of ACI Multi-Site is that each site maintains its own dedicated APIC cluster for local policy enforcement and management. Option E is correct because the Inter-Site network connects these separate sites, and while modern versions support MP-BGP, OSPF is the traditional and primary underlay protocol used to establish peering between the spines of different sites.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Option A is incorrect because it mandates DHCP relay as a requirement for routers, which is not a standard specification for the inter-site control plane. Option B describes ACI Multi-Pod, not Multi-Site; in Multi-Pod, a single APIC cluster spans multiple pods/sites, whereas Multi-Site implies distinct clusters. Option C is incorrect because the orchestrator (MSO) is a logical entity that does not need physical attachment to a leaf switch.

Community Comment Notes

Community consensus strongly supports DE, noting that Multi-Site involves 'a apic cluster per site'. Users also clarify that this architecture is distinct from Multi-Pod, reinforcing why Option B is a distractor. One comment highlights that while BGP is now supported, OSPF remains a valid description of the peering mechanism.

Official Reference

Exam Strategy

When asked about ACI Multi-Site, look for keywords like 'dedicated APIC per site' or 'MSO managing multiple clusters'. If the option mentions 'one APIC cluster', it is describing Multi-Pod, which is a different technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Option B incorrect for ACI Multi-Site?

Option B describes ACI Multi-Pod, where one APIC cluster manages multiple sites. Multi-Site requires a separate APIC cluster for each site.

Does ACI Multi-Site require OSPF on routers?

OSPF is commonly used for inter-site spine peering. While newer releases may support MP-BGP, OSPF is a valid and standard description for the underlay connection.

Related Analysis

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