Cisco APIC Layer 3 Networking Configuration Guide, Release 6.2(x)

SVI External Encapsulation Scope

Updated: April 17, 2026

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Explains how local and VRF scopes determine whether L3Out interfaces that use the same VLAN encapsulation have separate or shared bridge domains.

SVI external encapsulation scope determines how the fabric assigns bridge domains to L3Out interfaces that use the same VLAN encapsulation.

External encapsulation scope behavior

Configure one of these external encapsulation scopes:

Local scope (default): The fabric assigns a separate bridge domain to each L3Out, even when the L3Out interfaces use the same VLAN encapsulation.
VRF scope: The fabric assigns the same bridge domain across all nodes and L3Outs on which the same VLAN encapsulation is deployed.

The following figures compare local and VRF scope behavior.

Figure 1. Local scope encapsulation with one L3Out

Figure 2. Local scope encapsulation with two L3Outs

Figure 3. VRF scope encapsulation with two L3Outs

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