Cisco APIC License

Cisco APIC License is the core licensing model for the Application Policy Infrastructure Controller (APIC), the brain of your Cisco ACI fabric. As the central controller, Cisco APIC manages policy, automation, and real-time visibility across switches, tenants, and applications in your data center.
Whether you run a single data center or a multi-site ACI deployment, the right Cisco APIC license tier (Essentials, Advantage, or Premier) helps you automate configuration, enforce zero-trust security, and standardize policies across the entire fabric. This makes it easier to accelerate application rollout, optimize bandwidth, and keep compliance under control in modern, hybrid-cloud environments.

Cisco APIC license key use cases include:

• Centralized policy-based automation for Cisco ACI fabrics
• End-to-end visibility, security, and compliance in regulated environments
• Scalable multi-pod and multi-site ACI with consistent policy enforcement
• Faster application rollouts and lifecycle management across data centers
• Standardized network operations with reduced manual configuration

For enterprises modernizing their data center, Cisco APIC licensing is the foundation for an automated, secure, and application-centric network. Also, For unified operations and advanced analytics across multiple ACI fabrics, you can pair APIC with a Cisco Nexus Dashboard License to centralize monitoring, assurance, and day-2 automation.

Cisco APIC License Features

Cisco ACI uses tiered APIC licenses so you can match features to your data center requirements and growth plan. Licenses are applied per Nexus 9000 device in the ACI fabric and are typically purchased as 3–7 year subscriptions.
Cisco

DCN Essentials

• Core ACI fabric automation and policy control
• API-driven automation, basic security, PTP, NetFlow, multi-pod support
• Typical part numbers: C1E1TN9300 (3–7 years)

Ideal for: organizations starting with ACI and needing standard automation and security.

DCN Advantage

• Includes all Essentials features
• Adds Nexus Dashboard integration, multi-fabric connectivity, remote leaf support
• Typical part numbers: C1A1TN9300 (3–7 years)

Ideal for: multi-fabric or geographically distributed ACI designs.

DCN Premier

• Includes all Advantage features
• Adds advanced analytics such as Network Assurance Engine and deep insights
• Typical part numbers: C1P1TN9300 (3–7 years)

Ideal for: large enterprises and service providers that require proactive assurance and rich telemetry.

Choosing the right Cisco APIC license tier ensures you only pay for the features you actually need while keeping a clear path to scale into multi-site and analytics-driven operations.

Cisco APIC License Types

Selecting the appropriate Cisco APIC License type guarantees that you get the features and scalability needed for your particular environment. Cisco APIC Licenses come in a variety of tiers to meet differing organizational needs, each offering a unique set of capabilities and benefits.

The Essentials license, for example, is suitable for businesses that only need basic automation and security, whereas the Premier license is better suited for those that require multi-fabric management and advanced analytics. Every Cisco APIC License type is designed to provide optimal value and scalability, guaranteeing that your network is prepared for expansion in the future.

Cisco APIC License Pricing and Design Assistance

APIC licensing is tightly linked to your ACI fabric design, number of Nexus 9000 switches, and required feature tier. Our NetHorizon team can map your current and future requirements to the right Essentials, Advantage, or Premier subscriptions and help you avoid over- or under-licensing.

1. Share your ACI design or bill of materials with us, and we’ll:
2. Validate the correct APIC license tier per device
3. Align subscriptions with your lifecycle and support strategy
4. Provide competitive pricing and deployment best practices

Use the inquiry form below to request a free licensing review for your Cisco APIC and ACI environment.