350-601 Network Practice Question
In a Cisco ACI fabric, which component is responsible for policy enforcement and management of the entire infrastructure?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the misconception that leaf switches perform policy enforcement independently, but in ACI, leaf switches are policy-enforcement points that receive all policy definitions from the APIC, not autonomous decision-makers.
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 central policy and management entity in Cisco ACI. It enforces the application-centric policy model, manages the fabric's operational state, and provides the single point of configuration and monitoring for the entire ACI fabric. Without the APIC, the leaf and spine switches operate as standalone devices with no centralized policy enforcement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Leaf switch
Why it's wrong here
Leaf switches forward traffic but do not centrally manage policies.
- ✗
DCNM
Why it's wrong here
DCNM is a management tool for NX-OS fabrics, not ACI-specific controller.
- ✓
APIC controller
Why this is correct
The APIC is the central policy and management controller in ACI.
- ✗
Spine switch
Why it's wrong here
Spine switches provide connectivity but are not policy managers.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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