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Designing Networking for Cisco Data Center Infrastructure

Greg Dickinson

A proper network design is the foundation for a properly functioning data center. This course will cover datacenter redundancy strategies at both layers 2 and 3, as well as disaster recovery planning and the basics of network automation on the ASIC.

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A proper network design is the foundation for a properly functioning data center. This course will cover datacenter redundancy strategies at both layers 2 and 3, as well as disaster recovery planning and the basics of network automation on the ASIC.

Designing a robust and redundant datacenter network can present unique challenges. In this course, Designing Networking for Cisco Data Center Infrastructure, you will learn the techniques to ensure the core network is designed with these design principles in mind . First, you will cover the concepts of designing a redundant datacenter core. Next, you will learn the methods used to connect multiple datacenters for high availability. Finally, you will cover the concepts of Application-Centric Infrastructure and how to automate that technology. When you're finished with this course, you will have the knowledge of Cisco data center technologies needed to keep your environment running smoothly

This course is no longer available. Find something similar by browsing:
Cisco Data Center Infrastructure Network Design Data Center Redundancy Disaster Recovery Network Automation Layer 2 Redundancy Layer 3 Redundancy

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview
Designing Data Center Connectivity
Designing Data Center Redundancy
Interconnecting Data Centers
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Taught by Greg Dickinson, who are recognized for their work in network infrastructure
Examines network designs that are especially relevant to data center infrastructure
Develops skills for designing high availability data center networks
Useful for individuals working in data center network infrastructure, such as network engineers and architects
Course teaches foundational concepts in data center network design
Does not explicitly require learners to have prior experience in data center network design, but it may be helpful

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Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
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Reviews summary

In-depth cisco data center network design

According to students, this course provides an excellent deep dive into Cisco Data Center network design, with the instructor's expertise frequently highlighted for clear explanations. Learners found the content up-to-date and highly relevant to modern data center practices, particularly appreciating the thorough coverage of redundancy strategies, ACI, and an introduction to network automation. While praised for its strong theoretical foundation and conceptual understanding, some noted a desire for more hands-on lab examples and practical configuration scenarios. The course assumes a significant amount of prior networking knowledge, making it more suitable for professionals and those with an existing CCNA-level background rather than absolute beginners.
Best suited for learners with existing networking background.
"I found it moved a bit too fast and assumed a significant amount of prior knowledge."
"It felt like it was designed for people already familiar with the concepts, not for beginners."
"It does require some prior understanding of general networking principles to fully grasp."
Provides solid conceptual understanding of DC design.
"This course provided an excellent deep dive into Cisco Data Center network design."
"The coverage of network design principles for redundancy was thorough and presented clearly."
"It provides a good theoretical base for designing robust and redundant networks."
Knowledgeable instructor provides clear, concise insights.
"The instructor's expertise was evident, and I particularly appreciated the detailed explanations on ACI..."
"The instructor broke down complex topics like Layer 2 and Layer 3 redundancy into easily digestible segments."
"The instructor is very knowledgeable and explains complex topics clearly."
While strong conceptually, it lacks practical lab examples.
"I was hoping for more hands-on lab examples rather than just conceptual overviews."
"I wish there were more practical, step-by-step configuration examples or labs to practice."
"Wanted more practical design scenarios and less theory."

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 Designing Networking for Cisco Data Center Infrastructure with these activities:
Seek guidance from experienced professionals
Find mentors who can provide insights and guidance beyond the course.
Show steps
  • Attend industry events or online forums
  • Reach out to professionals in your field
Organize course materials
Keep course materials well-organized to optimize the learning process.
Show steps
  • Create a folder or notebook for course notes
  • Maintain a separate folder for practice exercises
Review networking fundamentals
Start by reviewing essential networking concepts and protocols to establish a foundation for learning more advanced topics in the course.
Browse courses on Network Fundamentals
Show steps
  • Review OSI model layers and their functions
  • Revisit TCP/IP protocol suite and common protocols
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Volunteer as a peer mentor
Share your knowledge and gain a deeper understanding by mentoring others.
Show steps
  • Identify opportunities to assist fellow students
  • Offer guidance and support on course topics
Seek guidance from online tutorials
Explore external resources to reinforce concepts and gain a deeper understanding.
Show steps
  • Identify relevant tutorials on specific topics
  • Follow the instructions and complete practice exercises
Design a basic network topology
Apply the concepts learned to create a network design, solidifying comprehension.
Show steps
  • Choose a scenario and define network requirements
  • Design a network topology that meets the requirements
  • Document the design in a diagram or written description
Solve network configuration exercises
Engage in hands-on practice to enhance problem-solving skills and solidify understanding.
Show steps
  • Find online platforms or books with network configuration exercises
  • Attempt to solve the exercises on your own
  • Compare your solutions with provided answers
Contribute to open-source projects
Engage with real-world network challenges and learn from the contributions of others.
Show steps
  • Identify open-source projects related to networking
  • Review the codebase and identify areas for contribution
Develop a disaster recovery plan
Design a plan for network recovery, ensuring business continuity in the event of disruptions.
Show steps
  • Identify potential risks and threats to network infrastructure
  • Develop a step-by-step recovery process
  • Test the plan through simulations or exercises

Career center

Learners who complete Designing Networking for Cisco Data Center Infrastructure will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Data Center Network Architect
Data Center Network Architects design and implement network architectures for data centers. They ensure that the network is reliable, scalable, and secure. This course can help you build a foundation in data center networking and prepare you for a career as a Data Center Network Architect.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Center Network Architect
Network Engineer
Network Engineers design, implement, and maintain computer networks. They ensure that networks are reliable, efficient, and secure. This course can help you build a foundation in data center networking and prepare you for a career as a Network Engineer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer
Data Center Technician
Data Center Technicians install, maintain, and repair computer equipment in data centers. They ensure that equipment is operating properly and that the data center is running smoothly. This course can help you build a foundation in data center networking and prepare you for a career as a Data Center Technician.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Center Technician
Cloud Architect
Cloud Architects design and implement cloud computing solutions. They ensure that cloud solutions are scalable, reliable, and secure. This course can help you build a foundation in data center networking and prepare you for a career as a Cloud Architect.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Architect
Data Center Manager
Data Center Managers oversee the operation of data centers. They ensure that data centers are running efficiently and that data is protected. This course can help you build a foundation in data center networking and prepare you for a career as a Data Center Manager.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Center Manager
IT Manager
IT Managers oversee the operation of information technology (IT) systems. They ensure that IT systems are running efficiently and that data is protected. This course can help you build a foundation in data center networking and prepare you for a career as an IT Manager.
See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager
Systems Administrator
Systems Administrators install, maintain, and repair computer systems. They ensure that systems are running efficiently and that data is protected. This course can help you build a foundation in data center networking and prepare you for a career as a Systems Administrator.
See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator
Database Administrator
Database Administrators install, maintain, and repair databases. They ensure that databases are running efficiently and that data is protected. This course may be useful if you are interested in a career as a Database Administrator.
See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They ensure that software applications are reliable, efficient, and secure. This course may be useful if you are interested in a career as a Software Engineer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts design and implement security measures to protect computer systems and data. They ensure that systems are secure from unauthorized access and attack. This course may be useful if you are interested in a career as an Information Security Analyst.
See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst
Computer Programmer
Computer Programmers write and maintain computer programs. They ensure that programs are efficient, reliable, and secure. This course may be useful if you are interested in a career as a Computer Programmer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer
Web Developer
Web Developers design and develop websites. They ensure that websites are accessible, user-friendly, and secure. This course may be useful if you are interested in a career as a Web Developer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create and maintain documentation for technical products and services. They ensure that documentation is clear, concise, and accurate. This course may be useful if you are interested in a career as a Technical Writer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer
Project Manager
Project Managers plan and execute projects. They ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality. This course may be useful if you are interested in a career as a Project Manager.
See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager
Business Analyst
Business Analysts analyze business processes and identify opportunities for improvement. They develop solutions to improve efficiency and effectiveness. This course may be useful if you are interested in a career as a Business Analyst.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

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 Designing Networking for Cisco Data Center Infrastructure.
Cover image
Introduction to Networks Companion Guide
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of Cisco's data center infrastructure design principles and best practices. It covers topics such as network design, server virtualization, storage networking, and security.
Introduction to Networks Companion Guide
Paperback
Check
Introduction to Networks Companion Guide
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Cloud Computing
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of data center networking technologies and architectures. It covers topics such as network design, routing, switching, and security.
Cloud Computing: Concepts, Technology &...
Hardcover
$$
(中文) Cloud Computing: Concepts. Technology and...
Paperback
$$
Cloud Computing: Concepts, Technology &...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Connecting Networks v6 Companion Guide
Save
Comprehensive guide to designing Cisco ACI (Application Centric Infrastructure) solutions. It covers a wide range of topics, including ACI architecture, design principles, and best practices. The book provides detailed guidance on how to design an ACI solution that meets the specific needs of an organization.
Connecting Networks v6 Companion Guide
Paperback
Check
Connecting Networks v6 Companion Guide
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
CCNA Cybersecurity Operations Lab Manual
Save
Provides a detailed overview of Cisco's data center networking technologies and design principles. It covers topics such as network design, routing, switching, and security.
CCNA Cybersecurity Operations Lab Manual
Paperback
Check
CCNA Cybersecurity Operations Lab Manual
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Data Center Handbook
Save
Practical guide to planning, designing, and operating data centers. It covers a wide range of topics, including data center architectures, network design, storage networking, and security. The book provides in-depth coverage of data center design and operations.
Data Center Handbook
Paperback
Check
Data Center Handbook
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Exam 98-349 Windows Operating System Fundamentals 2E
Save
Provides an overview of Microsoft Azure Data Center Fundamentals. It covers a wide range of topics, including data center architectures, network design, storage networking, and security. The book provides in-depth coverage of Microsoft Azure Data Center Fundamentals technologies.
Exam 98-349 Windows Operating System Fundamentals 2E
Paperback
Check
Exam 98-349 Windows Operating System Fundamentals 2E
Kindle Edition
Check

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Course image
Time
140 hours
Level
Intermediate
Via
Pluralsight
Instructor
Greg Dickinson
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Taught by Greg Dickinson, who are recognized for their work in network infrastructure
Examines network designs that are especially relevant to data center infrastructure
Develops skills for designing high availability data center networks
Useful for individuals working in data center network infrastructure, such as network engineers and architects
Course teaches foundational concepts in data center network design
Does not explicitly require learners to have prior experience in data center network design, but it may be helpful
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