Cisco Data Center Core: Configuring and Managing a Cisco Data Center Lab from Pluralsight

This course provides hands-on examples of deploying, operating, and maintaining Cisco data center networking, storage, and computing infrastructure to help you prepare for certification and to assist you with your data center deployments.

Cisco data center administrators are responsible for deploying, operating, and maintaining data center networking, storage, and computing infrastructure. In this course, Cisco Data Center Core: Configuring and Managing a Cisco Data Center Lab, you will prepare for the Cisco Data Center Core exam certification and gain knowledge needed to assist you in your professional-level data center role. First, you will learn how to configure a high availability layer 2 domain using rapid spanning tree (RSTP) and port channels, and how to configure virtual port channels (vPCs) to provide fault tolerance and high speed links between switches, routers, and computing nodes. Next, you will explore how to provision a Cisco UCS fabric interconnect, as well as server and uplinks ports using Cisco UCS Manager, how to deploy service polices to provision your servers, and how to configure fibre channel on Nexus and MDS switches as well as how to provision VSANs and zoning. You also learn how to use automation software like Bash, Python, and UCS PowerTools to simplify the administration of data center infrastructure. Finally, you will discover how to deploy the overlay protocols OTV and VXLAN on Nexus 7000 and 9000 series switches. When you are finished with this course, you will have a fundamental understanding of what administrators do to provision, manage, and maintain their data center deployments.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Configuring Network Lab

Configuring Compute Lab

Implementing Storage Network Lab

Configuring Automation Lab

Configuring Overlay Lab

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Prepares students to take and pass the Cisco Data Center Core Exam

Presents knowledge at a professional level for those seeking to advance their data center careers

Develops foundational understanding in data center deployments

Teaches best practices for deploying, operating, and maintaining data center infrastructure

This course will be helpful for Cisco data center administrators who are preparing for the Cisco Data Center Core exam

Instructed by recognized expert instructors

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 Data Center Core: Configuring and Managing a Cisco Data Center Lab with these activities:

Review basic networking concepts

Show steps

Refreshes understanding of basic networking concepts, which are foundational to the course's content.

Browse courses on Subnetting

Show steps

Review notes and materials from previous courses or self-study on networking basics.
Complete online tutorials or quizzes on subnetting, IP addressing, routing, and TCP/IP.

Configure and troubleshoot basic network devices

Show steps

Provides hands-on practice in configuring and troubleshooting network devices, which is essential for understanding the course's content.

Browse courses on Packet Tracer

Show steps

Set up a network simulation environment using a tool like Cisco Packet Tracer.
Configure basic network devices such as routers and switches.
Troubleshoot common network issues such as connectivity problems and routing loops.

Join a study group or discussion forum

Show steps

Provides opportunities to interact with peers, discuss concepts, and clarify doubts.

Show steps

Join an online study group or discussion forum related to the course.
Participate in discussions, ask questions, and share knowledge with other students.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Create a presentation on a specific topic covered in the course

Show steps

Enhances understanding of the course material by requiring students to research and present on a specific topic.

Show steps

Choose a specific topic covered in the course.
Research the topic and gather relevant information.
Create a presentation that includes visuals, examples, and clear explanations.

Explore advanced networking concepts and technologies

Show steps

Expands knowledge and understanding of advanced networking concepts and technologies covered in the course.

Browse courses on Data Center Networking

Show steps

Search for and review online tutorials and documentation on data center networking, storage networking, overlay networks, and Cisco UCS.
Follow step-by-step instructions to configure and manage these technologies in a lab environment.

Attend a workshop on data center networking or storage

Show steps

Provides an opportunity for students to learn from industry experts and gain practical experience.

Show steps

Research and identify relevant workshops.
Attend the workshop and actively participate in discussions and activities.

Design and document a data center network topology

Show steps

Provides practical experience in designing and documenting a data center network topology, which is a valuable skill for data center administrators.

Browse courses on Network Design

Show steps

Gather requirements for the data center network.
Design a network topology that meets the requirements.
Document the network topology using a network diagram and configuration files.

Career center

Learners who complete Cisco Data Center Core: Configuring and Managing a Cisco Data Center Lab will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Network Engineer

Network Engineers design, implement, and maintain computer networks. They ensure that the network is reliable, scalable, and secure. This course can help you build a foundation in networking, which is essential for success as a Network Engineer. You will learn about topics such as network design, routing, switching, and security.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer

Cloud Network Architect

Cloud Network Architects design, implement, and maintain cloud networks. They ensure that the network is reliable, scalable, and secure. This course can help you build a foundation in cloud networking, which is essential for success as a Cloud Network Architect. You will learn about topics such as network design, routing, switching, and security in a cloud environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Network Architect

Data Center Network Architect

Data Center Network Architects design, implement, and maintain data center networks. They ensure that the network is reliable, scalable, and secure. This course can help you build a foundation in data center networking, which is essential for success as a Data Center Network Architect. You will learn about topics such as network design, routing, switching, and security.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Center Network Architect

Cloud Architect

Cloud Architects design, implement, and maintain cloud computing solutions. They ensure that the cloud solution is reliable, scalable, and secure. This course can help you build a foundation in cloud computing, which is essential for success as a Cloud Architect. You will learn about topics such as cloud design, deployment, and management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Architect

Data Center Manager

Data Center Managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a data center. They ensure that the data center is running smoothly and efficiently. This course can help you build a foundation in data center management, which is essential for success as a Data Center Manager. You will learn about topics such as data center design, operations, and security.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Center Manager

DevOps Engineer

DevOps Engineers work to bridge the gap between development and operations. They ensure that software is developed and deployed quickly and efficiently. This course can help you build a foundation in DevOps, which is essential for success as a DevOps Engineer. You will learn about topics such as software development, deployment, and automation.

See salaries and explore the career path for DevOps Engineer

Storage Engineer

Storage Engineers design, implement, and maintain storage systems. They ensure that the storage system is reliable, scalable, and secure. This course can help you build a foundation in storage engineering, which is essential for success as a Storage Engineer. You will learn about topics such as storage design, deployment, and management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Storage Engineer

Systems Engineer

Systems Engineers design, implement, and maintain computer systems. They ensure that the system is reliable, scalable, and secure. This course can help you build a foundation in systems engineering, which is essential for success as a Systems Engineer. You will learn about topics such as system design, deployment, and management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Engineer

Security Engineer

Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain security systems. They ensure that the system is secure from unauthorized access. This course can help you build a foundation in security engineering, which is essential for success as a Security Engineer. You will learn about topics such as security design, deployment, and management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Engineer

Business Analyst

Business Analysts analyze business processes and identify areas for improvement. They use data to make informed decisions. This course can help you build a foundation in business analysis, which is essential for success as a Business Analyst. You will learn about topics such as business process analysis, data analysis, and decision making.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data. They use data to make informed decisions. This course can help you build a foundation in data analysis, which is essential for success as a Data Analyst. You will learn about topics such as data collection, analysis, and interpretation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Network Administrator

Network Administrators manage and maintain computer networks. They ensure that the network is running smoothly and efficiently. This course can help you build a foundation in network administration, which is essential for success as a Network Administrator. You will learn about topics such as network design, routing, switching, and security.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Consultant

Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on a variety of topics. They use their expertise to help organizations improve their performance. This course can help you build a foundation in consulting, which is essential for success as a Consultant. You will learn about topics such as business analysis, project management, and communication.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant

Project Manager

Project Managers plan, execute, and close projects. They ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality. This course can help you build a foundation in project management, which is essential for success as a Project Manager. You will learn about topics such as project planning, execution, and closing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Cloud Administrator

Cloud Administrators manage and maintain cloud computing solutions. They ensure that the cloud solution is running smoothly and efficiently. This course can help you build a foundation in cloud administration, which is essential for success as a Cloud Administrator. You will learn about topics such as cloud design, deployment, and management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Administrator