Cisco Data Center Core: Configuring Networking from Pluralsight

Companies face constant pressure to improve data center reliability and performance. As a result, there is a tremendous need for skilled data center administrators. This course will examine the networking protocols used in modern Cisco data centers.

In today’s high-tech world, the need for organizations to provide reliable, secure access to data center compute and storage facilities, for users and applications, continues to increase at an exponential rate. Cisco is leading this technological revolution. In Deploying Cisco Data Center Core: Configuring Networking, you will learn how to configure and deploy the networking protocols used in Cisco data centers. We are going to examine the protocols used to provide reliable, redundant connections using Cisco Nexus, switches, and routers. First, you will learn how to deploy port aggregation protocols to provide a loop-free redundant network. Next, you will explore how to deploy routing protocols OSPFv2, OSPFv3, and BGP, and how IP multicast can be deployed within the data center to facilitate the delivery requirements of a variety of applications. Finally, you will explore the Cisco overlay protocols, OTV and VXLAN, so that you will understand how they are used to connect disparate Layer 2 data center networks over Layer 3 transport networks. When you are finished with this course, you will have the skills and knowledge needed to implement, manage, and maintain these protocols used within Cisco data centers.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Applying Switching Protocols

Applying First-hop Redundancy Protocols

Applying Routing Protocols

Applying Multicast Protocols

Configuring Overlay Protocols

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops networking protocols used in Cisco data centers, which is standard in the industry

Taught by Sean Douglas, who are recognized for their work on data center networking

Examines networking protocols used in Cisco data centers, which is highly relevant to data center administrators

Provides hands-on labs and interactive materials, making it engaging and practical

Covers loop-free redundant network, routing protocols, multicast protocols, and overlay protocols, making it comprehensive

Requires extensive background knowledge in networking, which can be a barrier to some students

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 Networking with these activities:

Review Routing Protocols

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Refresh your knowledge of routing protocols, which are essential for understanding how data is forwarded in Cisco data centers.

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Review the basic concepts of routing protocols.
Compare and contrast different routing protocols.

Compile Study Resources

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Organize and gather study resources, such as notes, articles, and videos, to enhance your understanding and retention of course materials.

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Review course materials and identify key concepts.
Search for and download relevant articles and videos.
Create a study guide or resource list.

Review port aggregation protocols

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Review the purpose of port aggregation protocols, how to configure them, and when it is beneficial to use them in Cisco data centers.

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Review the purpose and benefits of port aggregation protocols.
Configure port aggregation protocols on Cisco switches.
Verify the configuration of port aggregation protocols.

Five other activities

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Attend Cisco Data Center Events

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Connect with professionals in the Cisco data center industry, learn about the latest trends and technologies, and expand your network.

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Identify and register for relevant Cisco data center events.
Attend presentations and workshops.
Network with industry experts and peers.

Connect with Cisco Experts

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Seek guidance and mentorship from experienced Cisco professionals to accelerate your understanding of Cisco data center technologies.

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Identify potential mentors through professional networks.
Reach out to mentors and schedule meetings.
Prepare questions and seek advice on specific topics.

Configure OSPFv2

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Configure OSPFv2, which is a widely used routing protocol in Cisco data centers, to enhance network efficiency and stability.

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Configure OSPFv2 on Cisco routers.
Verify the configuration of OSPFv2.
Troubleshoot OSPFv2 issues.

Configure Cisco Overlay Protocols

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Reinforce your understanding of Cisco overlay protocols, OTV and VXLAN, which are commonly used in Cisco data centers to extend Layer 2 networks over Layer 3 networks.

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Explore the benefits and use cases of Cisco overlay protocols.
Configure and implement OTV and VXLAN in a lab environment.
Troubleshoot common issues related to Cisco overlay protocols.

Design and Implement Network Topology

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Design and implement a network topology for a Cisco data center, applying the concepts and technologies learned in the course to a real-world scenario.

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Gather requirements and design network topology.
Choose and configure network devices.
Implement and test network topology.
Document and present the network design.

Career center

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

Network Architect

Network Architects design, implement, and maintain an organization's computer networks. They work with a variety of networking technologies, including routers, switches, and firewalls. Architects also develop strategies for network security and performance. This course provides a foundation in the networking protocols used in Cisco data centers, which is essential knowledge for Network Architects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Architect

Network Engineer

Network Engineers install, configure, and maintain computer networks. They also troubleshoot network problems and make recommendations for improvements. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the networking protocols used in Cisco data centers, which is essential knowledge for Network Engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer

Systems Administrator

Systems Administrators manage and maintain computer systems, including servers, networks, and databases. They also install new software and hardware, and troubleshoot system problems. This course provides a foundation in the networking protocols used in Cisco data centers, which is essential knowledge for Systems Administrators.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

Data Center Technician

Data Center Technicians maintain and repair computer networks and servers. They also install new hardware and software, and troubleshoot network problems. This course provides a foundation in the networking protocols used in Cisco data centers, which is essential knowledge for Data Center Technicians.

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Cloud Engineer

Cloud Engineers build and maintain cloud computing solutions. They work with a variety of cloud technologies, including virtualization, storage, and networking. This course provides a foundation in the networking protocols used in Cisco data centers, which is essential knowledge for Cloud Engineers.

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Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity Analysts protect computer systems and networks from cyberattacks. They work with a variety of security technologies, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and virtual private networks. This course provides a foundation in the networking protocols used in Cisco data centers, which is essential knowledge for Cybersecurity Analysts.

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Network Security Engineer

Network Security Engineers design and implement network security solutions. They work with a variety of security technologies, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and virtual private networks. This course provides a foundation in the networking protocols used in Cisco data centers, which is essential knowledge for Network Security Engineers.

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Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts identify and assess security risks to an organization's computer systems and networks. They also develop and implement security solutions. This course provides a foundation in the networking protocols used in Cisco data centers, which is essential knowledge for Information Security Analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Cloud Architect

Cloud Architects design and implement cloud computing solutions. They work with a variety of cloud technologies, including virtualization, storage, and networking. This course provides a foundation in the networking protocols used in Cisco data centers, which is essential knowledge for Cloud Architects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Architect

IT Manager

IT Managers plan and direct the activities of an organization's IT department. They work with a variety of IT technologies, including networking, storage, and virtualization. This course provides a foundation in the networking protocols used in Cisco data centers, which is essential knowledge for IT Managers.

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Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Systems Analysts design, implement, and maintain computer systems. They work with a variety of computer technologies, including hardware, software, and networking. This course provides a foundation in the networking protocols used in Cisco data centers, which is essential knowledge for Computer Systems Analysts.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators design, implement, and maintain databases. They work with a variety of database technologies, including SQL, NoSQL, and cloud-based databases. This course provides a foundation in the networking protocols used in Cisco data centers, which is essential knowledge for Database Administrators. The skills you will learn in this course, including configuring and deploying routing and multicast protocols, will ensure that you can understand the connectivity requirements for databases and how to integrate them into a robust and reliable network infrastructure.

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Software Developer

Software Developers design, develop, and test software applications. They work with a variety of programming languages and technologies. The skills you will learn in this course, particularly those related to routing and multicast protocols, will help you understand how to build software applications that can effectively communicate and collaborate across a network. This knowledge is essential for developing scalable and reliable software applications.

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IT Consultant

IT Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on how to use IT to improve their business operations. They work with a variety of IT technologies, including networking, storage, and virtualization. The knowledge you will gain from completing this course, especially in areas such as network configuration and protocol implementation, will allow you to stay current on the latest networking technologies and best practices. This will make you a more valuable asset to your clients and help you build a successful career as an IT Consultant.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create documentation for computer software and hardware. They work with a variety of technical topics, including networking, storage, and virtualization. The skills you will learn in this course, including those related to network protocols and configuration, will provide you with a solid foundation for understanding the technical aspects of computer systems. This knowledge will enable you to write clear and concise documentation that is essential for users to understand and use software and hardware products effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer