CCNP Virtualization Practice Question
Which component of Cisco ACI is responsible for policy enforcement and forwarding decisions?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming that the APIC, as the controller, also enforces policies, but in ACI, the data plane enforcement is done by the leaf switches.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Leaf switch
Leaf switches in Cisco ACI are responsible for policy enforcement and forwarding decisions. They connect to endpoints and apply the policies programmed by the APIC. The APIC manages the policies, but the leaf switches enforce them and forward traffic based on those policies.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Cisco Nexus Dashboard
Why it's wrong here
Cisco Nexus Dashboard is a management platform for multiple fabrics, but it is not part of the ACI data plane. It does not enforce policies or forward traffic. Policy enforcement in ACI is done by the leaf switches.
- ✓
Leaf switch
Why this is correct
Leaf switches in Cisco ACI are responsible for policy enforcement and forwarding decisions. They connect to endpoints (servers, storage, etc.) and apply the policies defined by the APIC. The leaf switches maintain the forwarding tables and enforce contracts between endpoint groups.
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Spine switch
Why it's wrong here
Spine switches in Cisco ACI provide connectivity between leaf switches and the core, but they do not enforce policies or make forwarding decisions for endpoint traffic. They are part of the fabric but rely on the leaf switches for policy enforcement.
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APIC
Why it's wrong here
The APIC (Application Policy Infrastructure Controller) is the management and policy controller for Cisco ACI. It does not enforce policies or make forwarding decisions; instead, it programs the policies into the leaf switches. The actual enforcement and forwarding are handled by the switches.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Cisco exam blueprint
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