ACI Multi-Site Architecture Descriptions

300-620 By islever Editorial Last updated

Short answer

DE ACI Multi-Site supports a dedicated APIC cluster per site and uses OSPF to establish peering with the spines.

Question

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

Key Takeaways

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.

Common mistake: 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.

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

These links open the official vendor documentation in a new tab.

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.

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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.

Discussion 5 contributions

Compiled from public community threads and reader submissions, lightly edited for clarity. Handles and vote tallies are shown as recorded, and comments reflect the views of individual contributors.

From public community threads 5

  1. zelya19 👍 1
    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
  2. shark1989 👍 1
    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.
  3. Huberttheman 👍 1
    Multi site has a apic cluster per site but both can be managed from MSO
  4. sailorsoul 👍 1
    DE multi site, not multi pod
  5. designated 👍 1
    D, E are correct

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