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Anthony Sequeira

Thanks in great part to cloud-based technologies and modern DevOps, the Data Center has become the new lifeblood of technology. This course will teach you the foundational skills you will need to excel in a career oriented around modern Data Center technologies.

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Thanks in great part to cloud-based technologies and modern DevOps, the Data Center has become the new lifeblood of technology. This course will teach you the foundational skills you will need to excel in a career oriented around modern Data Center technologies.

Information Technology today can be a bit intimidating for someone just getting their start. This is because the pace of innovation and change has increased at a rate never seen before. In this course, CCT Data Center: Cisco Data Center Basics, you’ll learn a strong foundation in Data Center technologies. First, you’ll explore physical and layer 2 technologies. Next, you’ll discover such capabilities as Cloud Computing and specialized services. Finally, you’ll learn how to plan and provision basic Data Center devices. When you’re finished with this course, you’ll have the skills and knowledge of modern Data Centers needed to thrive in IT environments today.

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides a strong foundation in Data Center technologies, making it suitable for beginners
Covers physical and layer 2 technologies, cloud computing, and specialized services
Teaches skills and knowledge of modern Data Centers needed to thrive in IT environments
Lays a strong foundation for learners to build upon in their Data Center careers

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Reviews summary

Foundational cisco data center concepts

According to students, this course offers a solid foundation in Cisco Data Center basics, making complex topics approachable for those just starting in IT. Learners found the lectures clear and appreciated the coverage of typical data center physical and Layer 2 components, along with an introduction to cloud computing and specialized services. While excellent for beginners, more experienced professionals may find it too foundational, as it focuses on an overview rather than deep dives. It's highly beneficial for anyone looking to enter the data center field or prepare for related certifications, providing the essential knowledge to navigate modern IT environments.
Best suited for newcomers, not advanced practitioners.
"As a total beginner, this course was exactly what I needed."
"Experienced network engineers might find this too basic for their needs."
"I found it to be a perfect first step into the Cisco data center world."
Helps prepare for entry-level data center roles.
"I feel much more ready for my CCT Data Center certification after this."
"This course provided relevant knowledge for starting a career in data centers."
"It's a practical introduction for anyone looking to work in IT data centers."
Effectively explains physical and Layer 2 data center elements.
"The explanations of physical components were very easy to follow."
"I finally understood Layer 2 technologies much better after this course."
"The instructor did a good job breaking down complex data center parts."
Provides an excellent starting point for beginners in data centers.
"This course gave me a great initial understanding of data center concepts."
"I really needed a strong foundation, and this course delivered on that."
"It was perfect for someone like me who is just getting started in IT."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in CCT Data Center: Cisco Data Center Basics with these activities:
Identify a mentor in the Data Center field
Establishing a mentorship connection with an experienced professional to gain valuable guidance and insights.
Show steps
  • Reach out to individuals in your network or industry events.
  • Attend industry meetups and conferences to connect with potential mentors.
  • Request informational interviews to learn about their experiences and insights.
Review the Layer 2 protocols
Refresher on foundational Layer 2 protocols that are crucial for understanding Data Center technologies.
Browse courses on Ethernet
Show steps
  • Review the OSI Model and its layers.
  • Understand the different Layer 2 protocols, such as Ethernet, VLANs, and STP.
  • Practice configuring and troubleshooting Layer 2 devices.
Review the Cisco Data Center Infrastructure Design Guide
Review a comprehensive guide to Data Center design principles and best practices, enhancing theoretical knowledge.
Show steps
  • Read through the Cisco Data Center Infrastructure Design Guide.
  • Take notes and highlight important concepts.
  • Discuss the guide's content with peers or colleagues.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Connect with professionals in the Data Center industry
Networking opportunities to build connections, learn from experienced professionals, and stay updated on industry trends.
Show steps
  • Attend industry events and meetups.
  • Join professional organizations related to Data Centers.
  • Connect with professionals on LinkedIn and other social media platforms.
Explore Cisco's Data Center Infrastructure Solutions
Hands-on practice with Cisco's leading Data Center Infrastructure solutions for a deeper understanding of their capabilities.
Browse courses on Cisco ACI
Show steps
  • Go through the Cisco ACI documentation and tutorials.
  • Set up a lab environment and practice deploying and managing Cisco ACI.
  • Explore Cisco Nexus switches and their role in Data Center networking.
Build a Data Center diagram
Visual representation of a Data Center network to reinforce understanding of components and their interconnections.
Show steps
  • Identify the components of a typical Data Center network.
  • Use a network diagramming tool to create a diagram that represents the network.
  • Share the diagram with others for feedback.
Practice Data Center troubleshooting scenarios
Immersive practice in troubleshooting common Data Center issues, enhancing problem-solving skills for real-world scenarios.
Browse courses on Network Troubleshooting
Show steps
  • Identify common Data Center issues.
  • Practice troubleshooting these issues using simulators or real equipment.
  • Document the steps taken and the solutions found.

Career center

Learners who complete CCT Data Center: Cisco Data Center Basics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Systems Engineer
Systems Engineers design, implement, and manage computer systems. This often includes data center technologies. A foundational understanding in these technologies is very helpful for Systems Engineers.
Cybersecurity Architect
A Cybersecurity Architect's primary responsibility is to design and implement security solutions. This often includes planning and provisioning physical as well as virtual devices. This course has entire sections dedicated to these topics, and is therefore an excellent foundational course.
Data Center Engineer
Data Center Engineers are responsible for ensuring uptime of all data center devices. One of their key responsibilities is the monitoring of day-to-day operations and making adjustments as needed. This course can help build a foundation in data center devices and should be considered for a person looking to work as a Data Center Engineer.
Security Engineer
Security Engineers design and implement security solutions. Many of these solutions are data center-based. A foundational understanding in these technologies is very helpful in this role.
Senior IT Architect
Senior IT Architects often lead teams of other IT professionals. They are responsible for oversight of IT infrastructure design and implementation. A strong foundation in the technologies discussed in this course can help aspiring Senior IT Architects to succeed in this leadership role.
Site Reliability Engineer
Site Reliability Engineers are responsible for the reliability of software systems, often including the design and implementation of data center-based solutions. A foundational understanding in these technologies is very helpful in this role.
Cloud Engineer
Cloud Engineers are responsible for the maintenance and deployment of cloud-based technologies. This course can help build a foundation in foundational DC technologies, which is often required of successful Cloud Engineers. Once cloud-based technologies are chosen, the Cloud Engineer implements, manages, and maintains them. This course has a valuable section on Cloud Computing, which is highly beneficial to a career as a Cloud Engineer.
Infrastructure Architect
Infrastructure Architects design, implement, and manage IT infrastructure. They must have a wide knowledge base, often encompassing day-to-day operations of the data center, which is a very complex environment. This course can help build a foundation in these technologies.
Network Architect
Network Architects design and maintain computer networks. In modern environments, this often includes the data center as well as cloud-based solutions. A Network Architect will greatly benefit from a foundational understanding in these topics.
Network Engineer
Network Engineers maintain and troubleshoot computer networks. In modern environments, this often includes the data center as well as cloud-based solutions. A Network Engineer will greatly benefit from a foundational understanding in these topics.
Principal Engineer
Principal Engineers consult on complex technical issues, often including the design and implementation of complex data center solutions. A foundational understanding in data center technologies is a must-have.
Security Analyst
Security Analysts help to protect an organization's systems and data from attack. An understanding of the data center can be a great advantage in this career path.
IT Manager
IT Managers are responsible for the day-to-day management of IT operations. This course provides a solid foundation in foundational data center technologies, which are often used on a day-to-day basis by IT Managers.
Operations Manager
Operations Managers manage day-to-day operations of an organization's IT infrastructure. A foundational understanding in data center devices and technologies is very helpful for aspiring Operations Managers.
DevOps Engineer
DevOps Engineers build tools that make it possible to continuously deliver software solutions. A foundational understanding in Data Center technologies is very helpful to a successful DevOps Engineer. This course may be helpful to a person who is looking to work in DevOps.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in CCT Data Center: Cisco Data Center Basics.
Provides a comprehensive overview of cloud computing concepts, technologies, and architectures. It good resource for anyone who wants to learn more about cloud computing.
Provides a comprehensive overview of data center networking. It covers a wide range of topics, including data center network design, implementation, and management. This book valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about data center networking.
Provides a comprehensive overview of data center security. It covers a wide range of topics, including data center security threats, vulnerabilities, and countermeasures. This book valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about data center security.
Provides a collection of best practices for data center design, construction, and management. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about how to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their data center.
Provides a comprehensive guide to data center management. It covers a wide range of topics, including data center operations, maintenance, and security. This book valuable resource for anyone who is involved in the management of data centers.
Provides a high-level overview of data center technologies and concepts. It good starting point for anyone who is new to data centers. This book is commonly used as a textbook.

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