Cisco Collaboration Core: Infrastructure and Design from Pluralsight

Collaboration administrators are required to understand an enormous amount of technology: servers, protocols, codecs, SIP messaging, endpoints, and users. You will learn how to simplify, deploy, and troubleshoot these services and components.

A solid network infrastructure is required to build a successful Cisco Unified Communications and Collaboration system in an enterprise environment. In this course, Cisco Collaboration Core: Infrastructure and Design, you are going to examine the various deployment models, network protocols, SIP signaling, endpoint deployments, user privileges, and LDAP implementation.

First, you will learn about the components that make up the Cisco Collaboration solution, high availability deployment models, servers, routers, and how to use system sizing tools to determine your hardware requirements. Next, you will explore how to configure the most relevant network protocols used in collaboration deployments, including Network Time Protocol (NTP), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Domain Name Service (DNS), Trivial File Transport Protocol (TFTP), Cisco Discovery Protocol (CDP), and Link Layer Discovery Protocol – Media Endpoint Devices (LLDP-MED).

Next, you will also learn about what SIP does, how SIP works, how to examine SIP messages when troubleshooting, and boot and registration communication between a Cisco IP phone and Cisco Unified Communications Manager. This is essential for understanding normal voice network operations and for troubleshooting purposes.

Finally, you will discover how to configure Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM) to import and synchronize user accounts from an Active Directory using Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP), how to configure CUCM for LDAP authentication, which allows the LDAP system to control the passwords of the user's accounts, as well as how to troubleshoot and avoid the most common mistakes when implementing CUCM with an LDAP system.

When you are finished with this course, you will have the skills and knowledge needed to plan a Cisco Collaborations deployment, troubleshoot SIP messaging, deploy customized endpoints, and import users with an LDAP synchronization, as well as simplify password management with LDAP authentication.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Examining Cisco Collaboration Solutions Architecture

Examining IP Network Protocols

Examining IP Call Signaling

Configuring and Troubleshooting Collaboration Endpoints

Simplifying Deployments with Templates and Profiles

Configuring and Troubleshooting LDAP Integration with CUCM

Examining Webex Cloud Collaboration Solution

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Helps learners plan Cisco Collaboration deployments

Teaches learners about LDAP and how to integrate and synchronize it with CUCM

Teaches learners how to deploy customized endpoints

Taught by Sean Douglas, who are recognized for their work in Cisco Collaboration

Examines a wide range of topics, including network protocols, SIP signaling, LDAP integration, and CUCM configuration

Suitable for learners interested in designing and managing Cisco Collaboration deployments in an enterprise environment

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 Cisco Collaboration Core: Infrastructure and Design with these activities:

Attend a Collaboration Industry Conference or Meetup

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Connect with peers and experts in the collaboration field to gain insights and exchange ideas.

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Identify industry conferences or local meetups related to collaboration technology.
Register and attend the event.
Engage in discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities.

Review Networking Protocols

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Bolster understanding of key networking protocols utilized in collaboration deployments.

Browse courses on TCP/IP

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Research and gather resources on IP network protocols relevant to collaboration deployments.
Review concepts such as TCP/IP, UDP, DNS, and DHCP.
Read technical articles, whitepapers, or books on IP network protocol fundamentals.

Compile a Resource Library for Collaboration Endpoint Management

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Organize and collect resources to facilitate efficient management and configuration of collaboration endpoints.

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Gather documentation, user guides, and technical articles on endpoint management.
Create a shared repository or online space for storing and organizing the resources.
Categorize and tag the resources for easy retrieval.

Three other activities

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Configure Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM) Server

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Gain hands-on experience configuring the server that manages collaboration services.

Browse courses on Cisco Unified Communications Manager

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Set up a lab environment with CUCM software.
Follow guided tutorials or documentation to configure basic CUCM settings.
Practice creating and managing user accounts, devices, and services.

Support a Non-profit Organization with Collaboration Technology

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Gain practical experience implementing and supporting collaboration solutions in a real-world setting.

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Identify non-profit organizations that need assistance with collaboration technology.
Offer your skills and expertise to support their needs.
Configure and troubleshoot collaboration services to enhance their communication and productivity.

Participate in a Collaboration Deployment Hackathon

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Test and demonstrate your collaboration deployment skills in a competitive environment.

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Find a suitable collaboration deployment hackathon or competition.
Form a team or participate individually.
Design and implement a collaboration deployment solution within the given constraints.

Career center

Learners who complete Cisco Collaboration Core: Infrastructure and Design will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Network Engineer

A Network Engineer designs, installs, and maintains computer networks. They ensure that networks are running smoothly and securely. This course, with its in-depth coverage of network protocols, SIP signaling, and endpoint deployments, provides a solid foundation for a career in Network Engineering. The course also teaches students how to troubleshoot common network issues, which is an essential skill for Network Engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer

Systems Administrator

A Systems Administrator is responsible for the day-to-day operation of an organization's computer systems. They ensure that systems are running smoothly and securely, and they troubleshoot any problems that arise. This course provides a solid foundation for a career in Systems Administration, as it teaches students how to configure and troubleshoot a variety of network protocols, servers, and endpoints. The course also covers topics such as high availability and disaster recovery, which are essential for Systems Administrators.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

IT Manager

An IT Manager is responsible for the planning, implementation, and management of an organization's IT systems. They develop and implement IT strategies, and they oversee the work of IT staff. This course provides a solid foundation for a career in IT Management, as it teaches students how to design and deploy a Cisco Unified Communications and Collaboration system. The course also covers topics such as high availability and disaster recovery, which are essential for IT Managers.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager

Collaboration Engineer

A Collaboration Engineer designs, deploys, and manages collaboration systems for organizations. They work with a variety of technologies, including voice, video, and data. This course provides a solid foundation for a career in Collaboration Engineering, as it teaches students how to design and deploy a Cisco Unified Communications and Collaboration system. The course also covers topics such as high availability and disaster recovery, which are essential for Collaboration Engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Collaboration Engineer

Security Engineer

A Security Engineer designs, deploys, and manages an organization's security systems. They protect networks and data from unauthorized access and attacks. This course provides a solid foundation for a career in Security Engineering, as it teaches students how to configure and troubleshoot a variety of network security protocols. The course also covers topics such as high availability and disaster recovery, which are essential for Security Engineers.

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Telecommunications Engineer

A Telecommunications Engineer designs, deploys, and maintains telecommunications systems. They work with a variety of technologies, including voice, video, and data. This course provides a solid foundation for a career in Telecommunications Engineering, as it teaches students how to design and deploy a Cisco Unified Communications and Collaboration system. The course also covers topics such as high availability and disaster recovery, which are essential for Telecommunications Engineers.

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Cloud Architect

A Cloud Architect designs and deploys cloud-based solutions for organizations. They work with a variety of cloud technologies, including Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). This course provides a solid foundation for a career in Cloud Architecture, as it teaches students how to design and deploy a Cisco Unified Communications and Collaboration system in the cloud. The course also covers topics such as high availability and disaster recovery, which are essential for Cloud Architects.

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Data Analyst

A Data Analyst collects, analyzes, and interprets data to help organizations make better decisions. They work with a variety of data sources, including structured and unstructured data. This course provides a solid foundation for a career in Data Analytics, as it teaches students how to use data to make informed decisions. The course also covers topics such as data visualization and data mining, which are essential for Data Analysts.

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Project Manager

A Project Manager plans, executes, and closes projects. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including clients, team members, and vendors. This course provides a solid foundation for a career in Project Management, as it teaches students how to plan and execute a project. The course also covers topics such as risk management and stakeholder management, which are essential for Project Managers.

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Business Analyst

A Business Analyst analyzes business needs and develops solutions to meet those needs. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including clients, users, and developers. This course provides a solid foundation for a career in Business Analysis, as it teaches students how to analyze business needs and develop solutions. The course also covers topics such as requirements gathering and documentation, which are essential for Business Analysts.

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Quality Assurance Analyst

A Quality Assurance Analyst tests software and systems to ensure that they meet quality standards. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including developers, testers, and users. This course provides a solid foundation for a career in Quality Assurance, as it teaches students how to test software and systems. The course also covers topics such as test planning and execution, which are essential for Quality Assurance Analysts.

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Technical Writer

A Technical Writer creates documentation for software and systems. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including developers, users, and customers. This course provides a solid foundation for a career in Technical Writing, as it teaches students how to write clear and concise documentation. The course also covers topics such as information architecture and user experience, which are essential for Technical Writers.

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Trainer

A Trainer develops and delivers training programs to employees. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including learners, managers, and executives. This course provides a solid foundation for a career in Training, as it teaches students how to develop and deliver training programs. The course also covers topics such as learning objectives and assessment, which are essential for Trainers.

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Help Desk Analyst

A Help Desk Analyst provides technical support to users. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including users, managers, and vendors. This course provides a solid foundation for a career in Help Desk, as it teaches students how to provide technical support. The course also covers topics such as troubleshooting and problem-solving, which are essential for Help Desk Analysts.

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Customer Service Representative

A Customer Service Representative provides support to customers. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including customers, managers, and vendors. This course may be useful for a career in Customer Service, as it teaches students how to provide support to customers. The course also covers topics such as communication and problem-solving, which are essential for Customer Service Representatives.

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