350-601 Network Practice Question
In a Cisco ACI fabric, which component is responsible for managing the policy repository, fault monitoring, and API endpoints?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the misconception that spine or leaf switches perform centralized management functions, when in fact they are pure forwarding elements with no policy repository or API endpoint capabilities.
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
✓
APIC controller
The APIC (Application Policy Infrastructure Controller) is the centralized management and policy engine in Cisco ACI. It maintains the policy repository (the logical and physical policy model), aggregates faults and events from all fabric nodes, and exposes northbound REST API endpoints for automation and integration. Without the APIC, the fabric cannot enforce policies or provide a single point of management.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
DCNM
Why it's wrong here
DCNM is a management tool for traditional NX-OS fabrics, not ACI.
- ✓
APIC controller
Why this is correct
The APIC is the central controller for policy, monitoring, and API access.
- ✗
Spine switch
Why it's wrong here
Spine switches provide fabric connectivity and do not manage policies.
- ✗
Leaf switch
Why it's wrong here
Leaf switches forward data and enforce policies but are not the central controller.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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