Cisco releases APIC-M4 and APIC-L4

New APIC generation

With the APIC-M4 (Base GPL $35084.00) and APIC-L4 (Base GPL $50120.00) there is a new APIC generation nearly available. Currently flagged with Q-NO, which means it can be quoted but not ordered yet.

Main difference between the Medium Model (M4) and the large model (L4) is the supported number of edge ports. < 1200 for the M4 and > 1200 for the L4. So if you plan for more than 25 Leafs, go for the large model.

Screenshot of the CCW configuration

Use cases for the new generation APICs

Beside of new fabrics, which definitely will go directly for the M/L-4 from now on, the lifecycle of the M/L-2 APICs is also approaching. EOL for these models is 30 June 2024

The new generation will be a perfect replacement, which allows for skipping the 3rd generation APICs.

Minimum SW version

Currently, only APIC version 6.0 can be selected in CCW for the new APICs M-4/L-4.
But according to Cisco 5.2 should also be supported, but this needs to be confirmed.

Only 6.0 selectable right now, but 5.2 should be supported

Update 25th November 2023: Cisco now released 5.3.1d which supports the 4th generation APICs. More details can be found in the Release Notes.