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Configure a contract for optimized TCAM use by using the GUI

Updated: April 15, 2026

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Enable policy compression on a contract subject to reduce the ternary content-addressable memory required for contract rules.

Use this procedure to configure a contract that optimizes the storage of contract rules in hardware ternary content-addressable memory (TCAM).

Before you begin

  • Create the tenant, VRF, and endpoint groups (EPGs) that will provide and consume the contract.

  • Create one or more filters that define the traffic that the contract permits or denies.

Procedure

  1. On the menu bar, choose Tenants, and then choose the tenant in which you want to create the contract. In the Navigation pane, expand tenant-name > Contracts.

  2. Right-click Standard, and then choose Create Contract.

    The Create Contract dialog appears.

  3. Create the contract and configure policy compression on its subject.

    1. In the Name field, enter a name for the contract.
    2. Next to Subjects, click +.

      The Create Contract Subject dialog appears.

    3. In the Name field, enter a name for the contract subject.
    4. Ensure that Apply Both Directions and Reverse Filter Ports are enabled.
    5. Next to Filters, click +.
    6. Choose a default filter or a previously configured filter from the drop-down list, or choose Create Filter.

      This action associates the filter with the contract subject.

    7. In the Directives field, choose Enable Policy Compression.
    8. In the Action field, choose Permit.
      Note

      Policy compression does not support the Deny action. Optimization occurs only when the action is Permit.

    9. Optional: In the Priority field, choose the priority level.
    10. Click Update.

  4. In the Create Contract Subject dialog, click OK.

  5. In the Create Contract dialog, click Submit.

    The contract is created with policy compression enabled.