Cisco APIC Getting Started Guide, Release 6.2(x)

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Expand the Fabric Controller cluster using the GUI

Updated: January 12, 2026

Overview

Use this procedure to add new APICs to an existing Fabric Controller cluster using the GUI for software releases prior to Cisco APIC release 6.0(2). Ensure the cluster is Fully Fit before expanding, and verify all APICs are operational and healthy after addition.

Before you begin

Set up any new APICs to be added to the cluster. For details, refer to the Set Up Cisco ACI.

Follow these steps to expand the Fabric Controller cluster using the GUI:

Use this procedure to add one or more APICs to an existing Fabric Controller cluster using the GUI. This process applies to software releases prior to Cisco APIC release 6.0(2). If you are using release 6.0(2) or later, use the Add Node option as described in the relevant procedure.

Procedure

1.

On the menu bar, choose System > Controllers .

2.

In the Navigation pane, expand Controllers > apic_name > Cluster as Seen by Node .

For apic_name , you must choose a Cisco APIC that is within the cluster that you wish to expand.

The Cluster as Seen by Node window appears in the Work pane with the APIC Cluster and Standby APIC tabs. In the APIC Cluster tab, the controller details appear. This includes the current cluster target and current sizes, the administrative, operational, and health states of each controller in the cluster.
3.

Verify that the health state of the cluster is Fully Fit before you proceed with contracting the cluster.

4.

In the Work pane, click Actions > Change Cluster Size .

5.

In the Change Cluster Size dialog box, in the Target Cluster Administrative Size field, choose the target number to which you want to expand the cluster. Click Submit .

Note

You cannot have a cluster size of two Cisco APIC s. You can have a cluster of one, three, or more Cisco APIC s.

6.

In the Confirmation dialog box, click Yes .

In the Work pane, under Properties , the Target Size field must display your target cluster size.
7.

Physically connect all the Cisco APIC s that are being added to the cluster.

In the Work pane, in the Cluster > Controllers area, the Cisco APIC s are added one by one and displayed in the sequential order starting with N + 1 and continuing until the target cluster size is achieved.
8.

Verify that the Cisco APIC s are in operational state, and the health state of each controller is Fully Fit .

The Fabric Controller cluster expands to the specified target size. All APICs are added, operational, and healthy.

What to do next

Monitor the cluster and ensure all controllers remain in the Fully Fit health state.

Optionally, update documentation with the new cluster configuration.