Cisco Data Center/Storage Certification

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1 Cisco Data Center/Storage Certification Walid Issa Product Manager CCIE SAN program July 12, 2011

2 Agenda CCIE Program Overview CCIE Storage Networking Certification CCIE SAN Written Exam CCIE SAN Lab Exam Preparation Resources and Test-Taking Tips The Future of Data Center Certifications Q&A

3 CCIE Program Overview 3

Overview: CCIE Certification Most highly regarded IT certification for over 15 years Identifies those with expert level skills and experience through both written

4 Overview: CCIE Certification Most highly regarded IT certification for over 15 years Identifies those with expert level skills and experience through both written and lab assessment Exams continually updated and revised with new technologies. New Storage Networking exam created in 2008 Requires passing difficult, hands-on lab exam

Cisco CCIE Certification CCIE R&S: Configure and troubleshoot complex converged networks CCIE Security: Configure complex, end-to-end secure networks, troubleshoot

Storage: Configure and troubleshoot storage area networks over a variety of interfaces CCIE Voice: Configure complex, end-to-end telephony, as well as network, troubleshoot,

5 Cisco CCIE Certification CCIE R&S: Configure and troubleshoot complex converged networks CCIE Security: Configure complex, end-to-end secure networks, troubleshoot environments, and anticipate and respond to network attacks CCIE Service Provider: Configure and troubleshoot advanced technologies to support service provider networks CCIE Storage: Configure and troubleshoot storage area networks over a variety of interfaces CCIE Voice: Configure complex, end-to-end telephony, as well as network, troubleshoot, and resolve VoIP-related problems CCIE Wireless: Plan, design, implement, operate, and troubleshoot wireless network and mobility infrastructure CCIE CCNP CCNA CCENT

6 CCIE Information World Wide Total of Worldwide CCIEs Total of Routing and Switching CCIEs 22741* Total of Security CCIEs 2537 Total of Service Provider CCIEs Total of Service Provider Operation CCIEs Total of Storage Networking CCIEs 1951 Available in Seven Technical Specialties Total of Voice CCIEs 1414 Total of Wireless CCIEs 42 Multiple Certifications Many CCIEs Have Gone on to Pass the Certification Exams In Additional Tracks, Becoming a Multiple CCIE. Below Are Selected Statistics on CCIEs Who Are Certified in More Than One Track Total with Multiple Certifications Worldwide Total of Routing and Switching and Security CCIEs Total of Routing and Switching and Service Provider CCIEs Total of Routing and Switching and Storage Networking CCIEs Total of Routing and Switching and Voice CCIEs Total with 3 or More Certifications 476 *Last Updated

certification different; the full-day, hands-on lab exam tests the ability to

7 Certification Process CCIEs must pass two exams The written qualification exam uses simulations and multiplechoice questions The lab exam is what makes this certification different; the full-day, hands-on lab exam tests the ability to configure and troubleshoot equipment Not all lab exams are offered at all lab locations

8 Process: CCIE Written Exams Available worldwide at VUE Two-hour exam with 100 multiple-choice questions Closed book; no outside reference materials allowed Pass/fail results are available immediately following the exam; the passing score is set by statistical analysis and is subject to periodic change Waiting period of 72 hours between attempts Must schedule first lab exam attempt within 18 months

9 Process: CCIE Lab Exams Available in selected Cisco locations Eight-hour exam requires working configurations and troubleshooting to demonstrate expertise Cisco documentation available in room; no personal materials of any kind allowed in lab Minimum score of 80% to pass Scores can be viewed online within 48 hours and failing score reports indicate areas where additional study may be useful NEW (effective 15 August 2011): Core Knowledge Questions Removed More Time for Configuration & Troubleshooting

10 Process: CCIE Lab Layout Racks Are Fully Cabled Candidates Do Not Have to Touch any Physical Equipment

11 Data Center Certification Highlights 11

12 Existing Data Center and Storage Certifications CCIE Storage (expert level) Cisco Data Center & Storage Specializations (foundation)

Data Center Networking Specializations Data Center Specializations DC Application Services Design & Support DC Unified Computing UCS (Design Specialist & Support) DC Networking Infrastructure Design,

13 Data Center Networking Specializations Data Center Specializations DC Application Services Design & Support DC Unified Computing UCS (Design Specialist & Support) DC Networking Infrastructure Design, Support & Specialist DC Storage Networking Design & Support DCAS focuses on ACE, GSS, ANM & WAAS. DCNI focuses on Data Center front end Ethernet network (Nexus). DCSN focuses on Data Center back end storage network (MDS). DCUC focuses on UCS product family (UCS-B, UCS-C & UCSM).

14 CCIE Storage Networking 14

15 CCIE Storage Networking Track introduced in 2004, fully revised in 2008 Expert-level knowledge of Cisco SAN implementation and troubleshooting. Only focused on MDS product line Solve complex connectivity problems and apply solutions to increase bandwidth, improve response times, maximize performance, improve security, and ensure reliability.

16 CCIE Storage Networking Storage Networking is one of the building blocks for any Data Center Technology. If you see Data Center in your future, start today with Storage Networking: you will have a solid competitive advantage tomorrow.

17 SAN Exam Content Development Input Sought from: Cisco Business Units/ Technology Groups Cisco Standard Architects Advisory Subject Matter Experts Technical Support TAC Cases Technical Bulletins, Best Practices, Whitepapers Enterprise Technical Advisory Board Focus Groups/ Customer Sessions CCIE Field Surveys Reaching Out to Extended Team Ensures Exam Is Realistic and Relevant CONTENT MANAGER EXAM OBJECTIVES and BLUEPRINTS CONTENT ADVISORY GROUP

18 CCIE SAN Written Exam 18

19 CCIE SAN Written Exam Blue Print Covers storage networking theory related to: General Fiber Channel Protocol MDS Device Operation Advanced Fiber Channel Features TCP/IP in SAN/Data Center Environment SAN Extension and IP Storage-based Solution SAN Management Switch Interoperability Cisco Intelligent Storage Services Troubleshoot SAN Infrastructure The written exam Lays foundation for SAN Lab exam. 19

20 SAN Written Exam: Sample Question #1 What is the Boot sequence used by Cisco MDS SAN Switches A. BIOS, Loader, System, Kickstart B. Loader, BIOS, System, Kickstart C. BIOS, Loader, Kickstart, System D. loader, BIOS, Kickstart, System

21 SAN Written Exam: Sample Question #2 Which of the following are valid Cisco MDS user login authentication methods (Choose Three): A. Active Directory B. NIS C. Radius D. Tacacs+ E. Tacacs+ and Active Directory

22 SAN Written Exam: Sample Question #3 Which of the following features require Enterprise License: A. iscsi B. Fiber Channel QoS C. PortChannels D. Native Interoperability Mode E. Port Security

SAN Written Exam: Sample Question #4 Refer to the exhibit (The fabric containing Switch A is merging with the fabric containing Switch B. Which switch will become the principal switch, and why?) : A.

23 SAN Written Exam: Sample Question #4 Refer to the exhibit (The fabric containing Switch A is merging with the fabric containing Switch B. Which switch will become the principal switch, and why?) : A. Switch A, because its switch WWN is lowerfiber Channel QoS B. Switch B, because its switch WWN is higher C. Switch B, because its switch priority is lower D. Switch A, because its switch priority is higher E. Not Enough information were given

24 SAN Written Exam: Sample Question #5 When attaching iscsi hosts, where is VRRP used in an MDS 9000 iscsi topology: A. Between the server and the IP network B. Between the IP network and the MDS switches C. Between the MDS switches and the storage devices D. VRRP is not required

25 SAN Written Exam: Sample Question #6 How many FCIP tunnels can be configured using MDS 9000 MPS 14/2 module: A. 4 B. 2 C. 6 D. 8 E. 10

26 CCIE SAN Lab Exam 26

27 SAN Lab Exam: Locations Tokyo SanJose Sydney Brussels Brussels, Sydney and San Jose are the three Locations currently available for the Lab Exam. (Tokyo starting Aug 2011).

28 CCIE SAN Lab Exam Candidates build a network to a series of supplied specifications The point values for each question are shown on the exam Report any suspected equipment issues to the proctor as soon as possible; adjustments cannot be made once the exam is over

29 SAN Lab Exam: Equipment and SW Version Passing the lab requires hands-on practice with equipment Lab may test any feature that can be configured on the equipment and SW versions listed below, or on the CCIE website; more recent versions may be installed in the lab, but you won t be tested on them MDS 9216i, 9509, 9124, 9222i (SANOS 3.2) Third-party FC switches (no configuration on third party is required)

30 SAN Lab Exam: Start of Day

31 Lab Exam Blue Print Connecting hosts, switches, storage; physical connectivity, zoning, IVR FC security FC QoS IP storage based solutions FICON FC management Intelligent storage services Switch Interoperability Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Check the online Blueprint for a more detailed list. 31

32 SAN Lab Exam: Sample Question #1

33 SAN Lab Exam: Sample Question # 1 You are required to create the necessary physical and VSAN and connectivity to perform the following task: Connect switch 1 2 using 4Gig port channel Use VSAN 2 for this task Score: 2 points

34 SAN Lab Exam: Sample Config # 1 (Switch #1) interface fc1/5 no shut interface fc1/7 no shut interface port-channel 1 switchport trunk allowed vsan 2 no shut interface port-channel 1 sw speed 4 interface fc1/5, fc1/7 channel-group 1 force

35 SAN Lab Exam: Sample Answer # 1 Verification 1 (Switch 1) Switch1# show port-channel data port-channel 1 Administrative channel mode is on Operational channel mode is on Last membership update succeeded First operational port is fc1/5 2 ports in total, 2 ports up Ports: fc1/5 [up] * fc1/7 [up]

36 SAN Lab Exam: Sample Question # 2 You are now asked to add FCIP connectivity supporting FC between switch 2 and 3 to allow SAN extension Create 2 FCIP links with the information in the following table Make sure the connectivity is robust with respect to future addition of one more FCIP link between the two switches Customer requirements for the link should be configured as per following: Max bandwidth: 900 mbps Min bandwidth: 500 mbps RTT: 2 ms Score: 3 points

37 SAN Lab Exam: FCIP Table # 1 #2 to #3 GigE IP Address FCIP GigE IP Address FCIP Vsans Switch #2 2/ Switch #2 2/ Switch #3 Switch #3 2/ /

38 SAN Lab Exam: Sample Config # 1 (Switch #3) interface GigabitEthernet2/1! switchport mtu 2300 ip address no shutdown interface GigabitEthernet2/2! switchport mtu 2300 ip address no shutdown fcip enable! fcip profile 21! ip address tcp max-bandwidth-mbps 900 min-available-bandwidth-mbps 500 round-trip-time-us 350 fcip profile 22 ip address tcp max-bandwidth-mbps 900 min-available-bandwidth-mbps 500 round-trip-time-ms 2 interface port-channel 2 no switchport trunk allowed vsan all switchport trunk allowed vsan 2 no shut! interface fcip21 channel-group 2 use-profile 21 peer-info ipaddr no shutdown! interface fcip22 channel-group 2 use-profile 22 peer-info ipaddr no shutdown

39 SAN Lab Exam: Sample Answer # 1 Verification 2 (Switch 2) Switch 2 # show port-channel data port-channel 1 Administrative channel mode is on Operational channel mode is on Last membership update succeeded First operational port is fc1/5 2 ports in total, 2 ports up Ports: fc1/5 [up] * fc1/7 [up] port-channel 2 Administrative channel mode is on Operational channel mode is on Last membership update succeeded First operational port is fcip22 2 ports in total, 2 ports up Ports: fcip21 [up] fcip22 [up] *

40 SAN Lab Exam: Sample Answer # 1 Verification 3 (Switch 3) Switch 3 # show port-channel data port-channel 2 Administrative channel mode is on Operational channel mode is on Last membership update succeeded First operational port is fcip32 2 ports in total, 2 ports up Ports: fcip 31 [up] fcip32 [up] *

41 SAN Lab Exam: Sample Question # 2 Fibre Channel Traffic Engineering Create additional 4Gig port-channel between Switch 1-2 (VSAN 2) Make port-channel 1 the preferred path for VSAN 2 Accomplish this without changing routing of any other VSAN Score: 2 points

42 SAN Lab Exam: Sample Config # 2 Switch 1 # int port-channel 2 fspf cost 300 vsan 2 Switch 2# int port-channel X fspf cost 300 vsan 2

43 SAN Lab Exam: Sample Question # 2 Verification 1 Switch 2 # show fspf internal route vsan 2 FSPF Unicast Routes VSAN Number Dest Domain Route Cost x20(32) 250 port-channel 2 2 0x21(33) 750 fc1/14 Next hops

44 SAN Lab Exam: Sample Topology

45 SAN Lab Exam: Sample Question # 3 (Troubleshooting) Implementing Port Channel(s) Create a 4 Gbps port channel between Switch#1 and Switch#2 Create an 8 Gbps port channel between Switch#1 and Switch#2 Use minimum number of ports Must guarantee high availability Challenge: Port Channels are not coming up Not enough resources error message

46 SAN Lab Exam: Sample Question # 3 (Troubleshooting) Module Architecture Each line card has 4 port groups. Each port group has 12.8Gbps of shared Bandwidth Ports can be configured to have dedicated BW (1Gb,2Gb, etc..) Remaining Ports shared unused Bandwidth

47 SAN Lab Exam: Sample Config # 3 Switch # (24 ports line card) int fc 1/7-8 switchport speed 4000 ** switchport rate-mode dedicated switchport mode e channel-group 13 force ** Check SFP type/speed Switch # (48 ports line card) Int fc2/15-18 out-of-service int fc 2/13-14 switchport speed 4000 switchport rate-mode dedicated switchport mode e channel-group 12 force Best practices for configuring ports: Shared to dedicated; configure in order: speed, rate-mode, mode, credit. Dedicated to shared; configure in order: credit, rate-mode, speed, mode

48 SAN Lab Exam: Sample Config # 3 Verification Switch1# sh int po 13 Port-channel 13 is trunking Port WWN is 24:0d:00:0d:ec:0f:06:40 Admin port mode is E, trunk mode is on Port mode is TE Port vsan is 31 Speed is 8 Gbps Member[1] : fc2/13 Member[2] : fc2/14 Switch2# sh int po12 Port-channel 12 is trunking Port WWN is 24:0c:00:0d:ec:3f:47:00 Admin port mode is E, trunk mode is on Port mode is TE Port vsan is 1 Speed is 4 Gbps Member[1] : fc1/7 Member[2] : fc1/8 Best practices for configuring ports: Shared to dedicated; configure in order: speed, rate-mode, mode, credit. Dedicated to shared; configure in order: credit, rate-mode, speed, mode

49 SAN Lab Exam: Grading Proctors grade all lab exams Grading process is 100% manual Proctors complete grading of the exam and submits the final score within 48 hours Partial credit is not awarded on questions Points are awarded for working solutions only

50 Preparation and Test-Taking Tips 50

51 Written Qualification Exam Use written exam blueprint on the CCIE website as your guide ( Storage Networking Track) Check suggested Reading list. Refer to online resources and documentation CD. Written exam stresses networking theory more than configuration skills. Don t study for written exam and lab exam at the same time

52 Recommended Reading Fibre Channel: A Comprehensive Introduction (Kembel, Northwest Learning Assoc. Inc., ISBN# ) Fibre Channel Arbitrated Loop (Kembel, Truestedt, Northwest Learning Assoc. Inc., ISBN# ) Fibre Channel Switched Fabric (Kembel, Northwest Learning Assoc. Inc., ISBN# ) Fibre Channel for SANs (Benner, McGraw-Hill, ISBN# ) IBM FICON Native Implementation and Reference Guide (IBM Redbooks) iscsi: The Universal Storage Connection (Hufferd, Addison-Wesley Professional, ISBN# X) Storage Network Performance Analysis (Simitci, Wiley, ISBN# X) Storage Security: Protecting, SANs, NAS and DAS (Chirillo, Wiley, ISBN# )

53 Recommended Reading (Cont.) CLN and Read, read, read and research!!! Cisco Learning Network (CLN) Study Group on CLN Site Cisco.com MDS support area Product Support > Storage Networking MDS 9x00 Configuration and Troubleshooting Guides

CCIE Storage Networking Study Group It is the place where you can ask questions and share ideas with other members as you prepare for your certification.

54 CCIE Storage Networking Study Group It is the place where you can ask questions and share ideas with other members as you prepare for your certification. Your Study Group Leader will address questions and lead study sessions using discussion forums, document sharing, and other interactive features within a focused Group structure. Groups are a valuable support resource as you take your career to the next level. 54

55 CCIE Storage Networking Study Group 55

56 Lab Preparation: Assessing Your Strengths Evaluate your experience and knowledge in the major topic areas listed in the blueprint For areas of strength: practice for speed and time management For weaker areas: boost knowledge with training or book study first, then practice Speed is vital on the exam; review and practice core materials (VSAN, zoning, trunking, FM, IVR, IP services) a week before exam

57 Suggested Training Courses General SAN Courses SNIA courses: ( Access the page and select your choice of course SAN ACCELERATE: Go to Search for SAN Accelerate. You will land on deid=0&vsc=tax_ciscomview_all&vso=a&view=0&searchnodeid=0&advtype=2&findb y=1&upcomingdays=180&selectednodeid=0#results. PEC Login required Cisco Training ICSNS Implementing Cisco Storage Networking Solutions: IT/LPCM/LpcmLLController?action=CourseDesc&COURSE_ID=5059 IASNS Implementing Cisco Advanced Storage Networking Solutions: Learning-IT/LPCM/LpcmLLController?action=CourseDesc&COURSE_ID=5061; DCSNS Designing Cisco Storage Network Solutions: IT/LPCM/LpcmLLController?action=CourseDesc&COURSE_ID=5060; CMSS Cisco Mainframe Storage Solution: CCIE Bootcamps

58 Lab Preparation: Materials and Resources Choose materials that offer configuration examples and take a hands-on approach: white papers, config guide examples Look for materials approved or provided by Cisco and its learning partners Know how to navigate the MDS documentation; it will save you time during the exam

59 Lab Preparation: Hands-On Practice Essential for passing lab Borrow equipment you can practice on Two or three MDS switches will support most scenarios Build and practice scenarios for each topic Go beyond the basics practice additional features If a protocol has multiple configurations practice all of them, variations Know Best Practices Learn show and debug commands for each topic

60 Lab Exam Tips Reduce stress arrive early Leave yourself time exam can run over Read entire exam before you start Redraw topology to clarify scenario Manage your time Make no assumptions Clarify questions with proctor if any uncertainty Work questions as a unit Test your work; build checklists Save configurations after each verified solution Minimize last-minute changes

61 Lab Exam Proctors Proctor s role is to keep exam fair Talk to proctor if you don t understand the wording of the question Ask the proctor clarification questions Report any equipment or technical problems to proctor as soon as they occur

62 Troubleshooting Know how to troubleshoot using tools available Verify each question before moving on; work the simple or basic questions first and then the complex ones Check for typos when configuring Keep in mind the point value and scenario dependencies; don t lose too much time working on low-impact questions Keep track of used resources (VSANs, Links, Domain IDs)

63 For More Information Beware of rumors Visit the CCIE web page Visit the CCIE SAN web page Then go to Storage Networking Track Online Support Cheating

64 The Future of Data Center Certifications 64

65 Certification Roadmap While we are continuously in the process of revisiting our training and certification programs, a major change in the CCIE program would be made known to the public with enough advanced notice to give anyone the time to take the appropriate decisions on which path to follow and time to prepare, practice, etc The CCIE SAN Program will still be in place Possible Refresh, ideas, examples will be discussed in the next slides 2011 Cisco and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Cisco Confidential 65

Data Center Technologies Today Data Center is one of the fastest-growing areas in the industry Building a Data Center or Disaster Recovery site is on top in the

66 Data Center Technologies Today Data Center is one of the fastest-growing areas in the industry Building a Data Center or Disaster Recovery site is on top in the agenda of all organizations There is a growing demand for Data Center professionals in the industry Lack of Skills in SAN, LAN, Servers and Application related Services

67 Written Exam We are looking into the existing SAN Track blueprint for possible refresh: MDS device operation, Advanced FC Features, SAN extension & switch Interop. SAN Management is being integrated in the new overall DC management protfolio In addition to new topics that may include: Basic Data Center L3 topology Data Center Access Layer deployment L2, vpc, QoS.. Virtualization Unified I/O, FCoE, DCBX Unified Computing System (UCS) Load Balancing techniques and algorithms Branch WAN Acceleration Data Center Management 67

68 Lab Exam SAN will always remain in the lab as well as 3 rd party FC switches We will consider adding DC solutions and technologies that can be deployed on the following Cisco Products: MDS SAN Switches Nexus 7000, 5000, 3000, 2000 and Nexus 1000v Cisco Unified Computing Systems (UCS) Application Control Engine (ACE) Global Site Selector (GSS) Wide Area Application Services (WAAS) Data Center Management for both LAN & SAN Virtualization 68

Meet the CCIE Certification Lounge Area 2 Hours per track 2011

71 Visit the Cisco Store for Related Titles 71

72 Complete Your Online Session Evaluation Receive 25 Cisco Preferred Access points for each session evaluation you complete. Give us your feedback and you could win fabulous prizes. Points are calculated on a daily basis. Winners will be notified by after July 22nd. Complete your session evaluation online now (open a browser through our wireless network to access our portal) or visit one of the Internet stations throughout the Convention Center. Don t forget to activate your Cisco Live and Networkers Virtual account for access to all session materials, communities, and ondemand and live activities throughout the year. Activate your account at any internet station or visit 72

73 Thank you.

UCS Engineering Details for the SAN Administrator

UCS Engineering Details for the SAN Administrator Craig Ashapa 2 First things first: debunking a myth Today (June 2012 UCS 2.02m) there is no FCoE northbound of UCS unless you really really really want