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

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

Discover ACI border gateways

Updated: April 17, 2026

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Register leaf nodes as ACI border gateways by preconfiguring the nodes or by using DHCP discovery.

Use this procedure to register leaf nodes as ACI border gateways for fabric discovery and management.

You can register a leaf node before discovery if you know its serial number. Otherwise, connect the node to the network and register it after Cisco APIC discovers it through DHCP.

Before you begin

Register each leaf node with the border gateway node type so that Cisco APIC identifies it as an ACI border gateway.

Note

You cannot register a spine switch as a border gateway. Cisco APIC blocks the discovery.

Procedure

1.

Preconfigure the node registration policy if you know the serial number:

  1. Choose Fabric > Inventory > Fabric Membership > Registered Node.

  2. In the Work pane, choose Actions > Create Fabric Node Member.

    Figure 1. Preconfigured ACI border gateway registration
    Create Fabric Node Member dialog for preconfiguring an ACI border gateway.

  3. From the Pod ID drop-down list, choose the pod ID.

  4. In the Serial Number field, enter the serial number of the leaf switch.

  5. In the Node ID field, assign a node ID to the leaf switch.

  6. In the Switch Name field, enter a name for the leaf switch.

  7. From the Node Type drop-down list, choose Leaf.

  8. Check the Is Border Gateway check box.

  9. Click Submit.
2.

Register the node after DHCP discovery:

  1. Choose Fabric > Inventory > Fabric Membership > Nodes Pending Registration.

  2. In the Work pane, right-click the serial number of the newly discovered leaf switch and click Register.

    Figure 2. DHCP-discovered ACI border gateway registration
    Registration dialog for an ACI border gateway discovered through DHCP.

  3. From the Pod ID drop-down list, choose the pod ID.

  4. In the Node ID field, assign a node ID to the leaf switch.

  5. In the Node Name field, enter a name for the leaf switch.

  6. From the Role drop-down list, choose Border Gateway.

  7. Optional: In the Rack Name field, enter the rack name.

  8. Click Register.

The leaf nodes are registered as ACI border gateways and appear in the fabric inventory.

What to do next

Create border gateway sets by using the procedure in Create border gateway sets by using the GUI.