Overview

Updated in May 2025. This course now features Coursera Coach! A smarter way to learn with interactive, real-time conversations that help you test your knowledge, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding as you progress through the course. This course is designed to equip you with the in-depth knowledge required to succeed in the Cisco CCNP Data Center DCCOR (350-601) certification exam. You will gain a strong understanding of the various components and technologies that are vital for managing a modern data center network. By the end of this course, you will be proficient in both the theoretical and practical aspects of Cisco’s data center solutions. The course begins with an introduction to core networking concepts, including NX-OS, OSPFv2, and MP-BGP, before diving deeper into more complex topics such as Virtual Port Channels (vPC), VXLAN, and EVPN. You will also explore Cisco ACI (Application Centric Infrastructure), including configuration of ACI access policies, tenant policies, and contract-based micro-segmentation. Real-world use cases will help solidify your understanding of these advanced technologies. Next, you will expand into computing and storage networking, learning about Cisco UCS rack servers, hyper-converged infrastructure, Fibre Channel, and VSANs. Emphasis will be placed on automation, including tools like Ansible, Puppet, and Python, which allow you to automate data center processes effectively. By mastering these automation tools, you'll be able to streamline configuration and management tasks, reducing human error and increasing operational efficiency. This course is ideal for network engineers and IT professionals aiming to further their careers in data center management. With no prerequisites other than basic networking knowledge, it is accessible to individuals who already have a foundational understanding of networking and are looking to specialize in data center technologies.

Syllabus

Networking

In this module, we will explore the core networking concepts and protocols vital for Cisco Data Centers, including routing, multicast, link aggregation, and virtual port channels. You'll gain hands-on experience configuring OSPF, BGP, VXLAN, and ACI. We will also dive deep into the management of Cisco Nexus devices, including monitoring, configuration, and advanced features like telemetry.

Compute

In this module, we will dive into the Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) focusing on both UCS Rack Servers and Blade Chassis. You will learn how to configure and manage UCS infrastructure, network, storage, and monitoring tools. Additionally, we will cover advanced topics such as HyperFlex integration, UCS software updates, backup and restore operations, and utilizing Cisco Intersight for enhanced management.

Storage Networking

In this module, we will cover key storage networking technologies, focusing on Fibre Channel, VSANs, and Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE). You will learn how to configure Port Channels, manage SAN switch fabric initialization, and set up Virtual SANs for better management and security. Additionally, we will explore monitoring strategies and software updates for Cisco MDS devices, along with Cisco's support for NFS and NAS systems for storage.

Automation

In this module, we will explore powerful automation techniques for Cisco Data Center environments, including the use of Embedded Event Manager (EEM) and the Scheduler for task automation. You will learn about various user interface options for managing Nexus devices, as well as data formats like JSON and XML for configuration. We will also cover automation tools such as Ansible, Puppet, and Python, along with advanced topics like POAP for device provisioning and the management capabilities of DCNM and UCSD for data center networks.

Security

In this module, we will cover key security mechanisms for protecting Cisco Data Center environments. You will learn about AAA and RBAC for secure access control, first-hop security options to safeguard data center devices, and port security on MDS devices. Additionally, we will explore CoPP, a crucial technique for defending against DoS attacks on the control plane of Nexus devices.