CCNP Data Center DCCOR 350-601 Exam Guide

The “Implementing Cisco Data Center Core Technologies” (DCCOR 350-601) examination is a crucial assessment tied to the CCNP and CCIE Data Center Certifications. Spanning 120 minutes, the exam verifies a candidate’s expertise in deploying essential data center technologies such as networking, compute capabilities, storage networking, automation, and security protocols. The companion course provides in-depth preparation, ensuring that candidates are well-versed in the comprehensive subject matter likely to be addressed in the examination.

Exam Content Overview

1.0 Network (25%)

The Network domain serves as the backbone of data center operations, demanding advanced knowledge and skills in designing, implementing, and troubleshooting complex network infrastructures. Mastery of routing and switching protocols such as OSPF, MP-BGP, RSTP+, and LACP is crucial for efficient data transmission and ensuring high availability across the network. Understanding overlay networks, specifically VXLAN EVPN, is vital for deploying scalable network architectures that support multi-tenancy and cloud services. The domain also emphasizes the importance of Cisco’s Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI), where candidates need to know how to configure and manage ACI environments including fabric setup and access policies. Additionally, this domain covers network technologies including packet flow analysis across unicast, multicast, and broadcast domains, implementation of cloud service models based on NIST standards, and utilization of tools like Cisco Nexus Dashboard, NetFlow, and SPAN for monitoring network performance and troubleshooting issues.

• 1.1 Routing Protocols

  • OSPFv2 and OSPFv3: Mastery in configuring these protocols ensures efficient routing within IPv4 and IPv6 networks.
  • MP-BGP: Understanding Multi-Protocol BGP is crucial for managing the exchange of routing information between different systems.
  • PIM: Proficiency in Protocol Independent Multicast is essential for multicast routing in the network.
  • FHRP: Knowledge of First Hop Redundancy Protocols is vital for network resilience and high availability.
    
    

• 1.2 Switching Protocols

  • RSTP+, LACP, and vPC: Skills in these protocols ensure robust switching and enhanced link aggregation capabilities.
    
    

• 1.3 Overlay Protocols

  • VXLAN EVPN: Implementing Virtual Extensible LAN with Ethernet VPN is fundamental for creating scalable network architectures in data centers.
    
    

• 1.4 ACI Concepts

  • Fabric Setup, Access Policies, VMM: Understanding the setup and management of Application Centric Infrastructure is crucial for modern data center operations.
    
    

• 1.5 Packet Flow Analysis

  • Analyzing how unicast, multicast, and broadcast packets traverse the network provides insights into network performance and troubleshooting.
    
    

• 1.6 Cloud Services

  • Knowledge of NIST 800-145 cloud service and deployment models aids in aligning data center operations with cloud architectures.
    
    

• 1.7 Software Updates

  • Understanding the impact of software updates, whether disruptive or nondisruptive, and managing hardware programming with EPLD.
    
    

• 1.8 to 1.11 Network Management and Assurance

  • Implementing tools like NetFlow, SPAN, and Nexus Dashboard enhances monitoring and assurance capabilities in network management.
    
    

2.0 Compute (25%)

The Compute domain focuses on the configuration and management of server resources, which are critical for running applications and services efficiently in the data center. It includes comprehensive knowledge of Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) for both Rack and Blade server configurations, covering initial setup, infrastructure management, and integration with network and storage solutions. Understanding Cisco’s HyperFlex technology and its deployment benefits, which provide a scalable and efficient hyper-converged infrastructure solution, is also essential. Effective server management techniques, including automation of routine tasks and monitoring server health through tools like Cisco Intersight, as well as managing firmware and software updates that impact system performance and stability, are critical components in maintaining operational continuity.

• 2.1 to 2.2 Cisco UCS Configuration

  • Detailed implementation of Rack and Blade Servers, including initial setups and management of infrastructure, network, and storage through UCS Manager.
    
    

• 2.3 HyperFlex Infrastructure

  • Exploring the concepts and benefits of HyperFlex technology, including Edge and Hybrid Architectures versus all-flash configurations.
    
    

• 2.4 to 2.6 Compute Management and Monitoring

  • Managing firmware, implementing compute configuration backup and restoration, and using tools like SPAN and Cisco Intersight for operational monitoring.
    
    

3.0 Storage Network (20%)

Storage networking is key to the management and access of data across data centers. This domain includes configuring high-speed storage networks using Fibre Channel and understanding the integration of Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) for unified fabric deployments. It also covers knowledge of NFS and NAS for file-based storage solutions, crucial for scalable storage systems, and implementing zoning in Fibre Channel fabrics and managing VSANs to isolate and secure storage traffic within the data center.

• 3.1 Fibre Channel Implementation

  • Comprehensive setup of Fibre Channel networks, including switch fabric initialization, port channels, and advanced zoning techniques.
    
    

• 3.2 to 3.5 Advanced Storage Networking

  • Implementing FCoE, understanding NFS/NAS concepts, and leveraging infrastructure monitoring tools to ensure optimal performance.

4.0 Automation (15%)

Automation plays a pivotal role in reducing operational complexity and enhancing efficiency within data centers. This domain includes using scripting and automation tools like EEM, Python, and Ansible for automating routine tasks and complex operations. Proficiency with Cisco’s automation platforms, such as the Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller, and practical skills in using REST APIs, JSON, XML, and on-box Python to customize and extend the capabilities of Cisco data center products are also emphasized.

• 4.1 Automation Tools

  • Utilizing EEM, Scheduler, various shell environments, REST API, and Python scripting to automate tasks within Cisco environments.
    
    

• 4.2 Orchestration Technologies

  • Evaluating and applying technologies like Ansible, Python, POAP, Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller, PowerShell, and Terraform to enhance data center operations.
    
    

5.0 Security (15%)

Security is paramount in protecting data center resources and ensuring compliance with regulations. This domain focuses on implementing robust access control strategies using AAA, RBAC, and first-hop security features to protect network and compute infrastructures. Utilizing Cisco ACI for microsegmentation to enhance security at the application and data layer, and safeguarding storage resources through technologies like fabric binding and port security to prevent unauthorized access and ensure data integrity, are also crucial elements.

• 5.1 to 5.3 Security Applications
  
  
  • Applying AAA, RBAC, ACI contracts, and first-hop security features across network, compute, and storage layers to ensure robust data center security.

Each domain in the DCCOR 350-601 exam is designed to ensure candidates have a thorough understanding of and ability to implement, manage, and troubleshoot Cisco data center technologies effectively, making them invaluable assets in any data center environment.