Overview

This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the browser-based interface for managing and monitoring the ACI fabric. It explains how to navigate hierarchical objects, utilize the capacity dashboard, and personalize the display, enabling users to efficiently configure system policies and monitor real-time operational health.

The APIC GUI

This topic explains the hierarchical organization and primary control regions of the browser-based graphical interface for the ACI fabric. It describes how to navigate system components and use the API Inspector to observe the REST API messages exchanged during configuration tasks.

Menu bar and submenu bar

This topic explains how to navigate the APIC GUI, detailing the menu and submenu bars, and the various tools available for configuration, search, notifications, and user preferences.

Navigation pane

This topic explains how to use the Navigation pane in the APIC GUI to manage hierarchical objects, access context menus for object actions, and navigate submenu categories efficiently.

Work pane

This topic explains the attributes and functions of the Work pane, which displays context-specific details for components selected in the Navigation pane. It describes how to utilize tabs, access conceptual information, bookmark pages, and set favorite tabs to customize the default configuration view.

Personalize the APIC GUI

This process describes how administrators personalize the APIC GUI by assigning custom names to controllers and configuring login banners. These actions improve controller identification within a cluster and enhance operational clarity for users accessing the system through both graphical and command-line interfaces.

Deployment warning and policy usage information

This topic explains how to configure Deployment Warning Settings to identify resources and policies affected by configuration changes. It covers setting global or local notification preferences and viewing historical event logs to ensure operational awareness during policy modifications or deletions.

Graphical configuration of ports

This topic explains how to use the graphical interface to configure ports, port channels, and virtual port channels on fabric switches. It details the steps for managing dynamic breakouts and FEX connections across various inventory views to simplify interface policy assignments.

View an API interchange

Use this procedure to access the built-in API Inspector and view internal API messages between the GUI and the operating system. You can filter and search these messages to automate key network operations or develop external applications using the API.

APIC GUI icons

This topic explains the function and meaning of standard navigation, action, and health status icons within the interface. It enables users to quickly identify system tools, access help resources, and interpret fault severity levels to manage the fabric effectively.

Next generation APIC GUI

This topic explains the updated layout and core navigation areas of the modernized interface. It describes how to access system tools, manage fabric inventory, and utilize the User Journey feature to explore upcoming functionalities and track configuration progress.

Preview the new APIC GUI

Use this procedure to preview the modernized interface and explore its enhanced layout. While in this view-only mode, you can navigate available pages but must revert to the existing interface to perform configuration updates or manage fabric settings.

Enhancements and improvements to the APIC GUI

This topic explains the enhancements in Cisco APIC release 6.1(2), focusing on UI revisions for improved usability, detailed information access, and efficient navigation. It covers updated GUI fields, color coding, inventory management, connectivity details, and historical health score timelines for controllers, switches, and pods.