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)

Non-border leaf switch behavior

Updated: April 17, 2026

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Describes how PIM/PIM6 operates on non-border leaf switches in passive mode with specific packet handling capabilities.

Non-border leaf switch behavior is a network operation mode that

  • runs PIM/PIM6 in passive mode on the fabric interface and on the pervasive BD SVIs

  • operates in passive-probe mode where it sends only hellos

  • raises faults when PIM/PIM6 hello packets are heard from routers on pervasive BDs, and

  • processes specific PIM/PIM6 packets on the fabric interface while limiting outbound protocol communication.

Packet handling capabilities

PIM/PIM6 on non-border leaf switches does not send any PIM/PIM6 protocol packets except for hellos on pervasive BDs and source register packets on the fabric interface.

PIM/PIM6 receives and processes these PIM/PIM6 packets on the fabric interface:

  • PIM/PIM6 Hellos: This is used to track the active BL list on the fabric interface and on the pervasive BDs, this is used to raise faults.

  • PIM BSR, Auto-RP advertisements: Supported only for PIM, not supported for PIM6. This is received on the fabric interface and is processed to glean the RP to group-range mapping.