CCNA: Data Center

So I just found this on the Cisco Learning Network. I got a little confused when I saw CCNA twice and the one on the top of the list said "Data Center" I thought they got rid of R/S for a few seconds.

This certification has no prerequisites!!!!

"For data center network administrators who want to save time and money on data center design, equipment installation, and maintenance, the Cisco CCNA Data Center certification is a job-role-focused training and certification program that allows you to maximize your investment in your education and increase the value of your data center network.

Because of our experience with our existing certification and education programs and leadership in providing data center solutions, Cisco can provide a comprehensive program to address the key areas of data center network design, implementation, and maintenance."
https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/community/certifications/ccna_data_center

The certification comes in two exams. DCICN: 640-911 and DCICT: 640-916
911: 90 minutes (65–75 questions)
916: 90 minutes (65–75 questions)

DCICN:

Exam Description

The 640-911 (DCICN) Introducing Cisco Data Center Networking exam tests and validates a candidate's knowledge of networking concepts for the data center environment, based on Cisco NX-OS, including fundamental information on data center network function, virtualization configuration in the network, addressing schemes, and configuration skills. Candidates can prepare for this exam by taking the Introducing Cisco Data Center Networking (DCICN) course.

Candidates can prepare for this exam by taking the Introducing Cisco Data Center Networking course.

640-911 (DCICN) Introducing Cisco Data Center Networking Exam Topics

1.0 Describe how a network works

Describe the purpose and functions of various network devices

Select the components required to meet a network specification

Use the OSI and TCP/IP models and their associated protocols to explain how data flows in a network

Describe the purpose and basic operation of the protocols in the OSI and TCP/IP models

2.0 Configure, verify, and troubleshoot a switch with VLANs and interswitch communications

Explain the technology and MAC method for Ethernet networks

Explain basic switching concepts and the operation of Cisco switches

Describe and configure enhanced switching technologies, including VTP, VLAN, 802.1Q, and STP

3.0 Implement an IP addressing scheme and IP services to meet network requirements in a medium-size enterprise branch office network

Describe the operation and benefits of using private and public IP addressing

Describe the difference between the IPv4 and IPv6 addressing scheme

4.0 Configure, verify, and troubleshoot basic router operation and routing on Cisco devices

Describe and configure basic routing concepts, including packet forwarding and the router lookup process

Describe the operation of Cisco routers, including the router bootup process, POST, and router components

DCICT:

Exam Description

The 640-916 (DCICT) Introducing Cisco Data Center Technologies exam validates a candidate's knowledge of fundamental data center technologies such as network and server virtualization, storage, convergent I/O, and network services such as load balancing. Candidates can prepare for this exam by taking the Introducing Cisco Data Center Technologies (DCICT) course.

Exam Topics

The following topics are general guidelines for the content likely to be included on the Introducing Cisco Data Center Technologies exam. However, other related topics may also appear on any specific delivery of the exam. In order to better reflect the contents of the exam and for clarity purposes, the guidelines below may change at any time without notice.

640-916 (DCICT) Introducing Cisco Data Center Technologies Exam Topics
1.0 Cisco data center fundamental concepts

Describe network architectures for the data center (LAN, SAN)

Describe the modular approach in network design

Describe the data center core layer

Describe the data center aggregation layer

Describe the data center access layer

Describe the collapse core model

Describe Cisco FabricPath

Identify key differentiator between DCI and network interconnectivity

Describe, configure, and verify vPC

Describe the functionality of and configure port channels

Describe and configure VDC

Describe the edge and core layers of the SAN

Describe the Cisco Nexus product family

Configure and verify network connectivity

Identify control and data plane traffic

Perform initial setup

2.0 Data center unified fabric

Describe FCoE

Describe FCoE multihop

Describe VIFs

Describe FEX products

Perform initial setup

3.0 Storage networking

Describe the initiator target

Verify SAN switch operations

Describe basic SAN connectivity

Describe the different types of storage array connectivity

Verify name server login

Describe, configure, and verify zoning

Perform initial setup

Describe, configure, and verify VSAN

4.0 Data center virtualization

Describe device virtualization

Describe server virtualization

Describe the Cisco Nexus 1000V Switch

Verify initial setup and operation for the Cisco Nexus 1000V Switch

5.0 Unified computing

Describe the Cisco UCS product family

Describe the Cisco UCS Manager

Describe, configure, and verify cluster configuration

Describe and verify discovery operation

Describe, configure, and verify connectivity

Perform initial setup

Describe the key features of the Cisco UCS Manager

6.0 Data center network services

Describe standard Cisco ACE features for load balancing

Describe server load-balancing virtual context and high availability

Describe server load-balancing management options

Describe the benefits of the Cisco Global Load Balancing Solution

Describe how the Cisco Global Load Balancing Solution integrates with local Cisco load balancers

Describe the Cisco WAAS need and advantages in the data center

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Comments

SteveO86

Yes indeed

IT Certification - Cisco - Cisco Systems

NA/NP Data Center Paths are there. Figured that was a matter time.

umarbhatti

Yippeee i have been waiting for Cisco to provide a Data Centre Cert. After i finish my CCNA this is my next cert for sure.

Iceman25k

I'm glad they did this; not really fair to have a CCIE track that doesn't have an entry level starting point.

azaghul

Though from experience, I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for study materials/books from Cisco Press or others...though anything is possible:D

PsychoFin

Yup, I doubt that they will release any study material. However, INEs CCIE Data Center series is great, as well as the existing CCIE-level books

That should be sufficient to pass both the A and P stuff

SteveO86

There is still a CCIE: Storage with and NA/NP level

I've got a bunch of 5k coming in so I might look into this next year, after I'm through the INE material. Not sure why but just to have it.

QHalo

Good stuff here. Agreed that there is some materials already out there that could be used. The only trouble with this track is the access to equipment. You could learn it all in theory but NX-OS has a few differences from IOS. Nexus 1000v is easy, its free now so access to it shouldn't be a problem. The UCS platform emulator might be enough to get through most of the UCS stuff. The only things you won't be able to do are the vPC/VDC stuff that requires NX-OS to do. Then there's the SAN stuff.....tough track but only tough from an equipment standpoint.

JustFred

Books to come in 2023

WiseWun

Just read about the new certs today and I'm really excited. We recently got the Nexus 7000 switches so I can't wait to play with these new toys! Actually I did test them out, problem is the lack of lab materials.

I just hope the exam questions aren't leaked, sick and tired of these braindumpsters!

JasonIT

any idea when the books will be available?

J

YFZblu

I wouldn't count on books being available for it any time soon.

That being said, I think some of our more experienced network engineers could probably get together and throw some links/book suggestions together that would fit the bill. Or perhaps they would tell us to suck it up and do our own research

malcybood

Data centre switching on the Nexus switches is more or less identical to normal IOS. You need to be aware of stuff like OTV, VDC's and vPCs but they are not difficult concepts to grasp or configure.

I think if there is any SAN switching included that will be the most difficult topic to get your head around along with UCS.

In regard to study materials, I would recommend the PEC (if you work for a Cisco partner) and use the labs. I know there is a bunch of DC labs as I've done them when preparing for specialist exams (vPC, OTV etc). There is also labs on UCS and UCS Manager etc available.

Another resource is the Cisco SBA section of the design zone. This has configs and design / deployment guides that are easy to read / follow and they're not hundreds of pages long so quite easy to understand. Covers more or less all of Cisco's products to make it easy for engineers to deploy technology they maybe haven't used before.

Data Centre link below, covers most DC kit - not Nexus 7k that I can see but the concepts are more or less identical as 5k plus/minus a few features like OTV which is only available on 7k:

Design Zone for Smart Business Architecture - Cisco Systems

umarbhatti

Going through the Cisco Forums, Todd Lammle is aiming for March 2013 to have his books ready.

Even thought this Cert does not have any Pre-Req, just looking at the course outline it would be very benefical to have your CCNA

veritas_libertas

Wait! So it's CCNA Data Center, but it doesn't require you to hold the CCNA in order to be CCNA Data Center certified? Umm, okay...

QHalo

Neither does CCNA Service Provider

veritas_libertas

QHalo wrote: »

Neither does CCNA Service Provider

Interesting. I don't really see the point. You would think it would be a good idea for the candidate of those exams to have a solid foundation in R&S.

QHalo

I wouldn't do it without it.

Mike-Mike

veritas_libertas wrote: »

Wait! So it's CCNA Data Center, but it doesn't require you to hold the CCNA in order to be CCNA Data Center certified? Umm, okay...

isnt that how the CCNP's work? you can just get a CCNP speciality, you don't have to have a stand alone CCNP right?

umarbhatti

I e-mailed CBT Nuggets if they would have any Data Centre Videos available or are planning to release any Data Centre Videos and the answer is no

Looks like the only study material so far is Lammle Book in 2013 or CCIE level reading

jorglct

Hey Guys, that mean CCNA disappear? Im study to CCNA now!

SteveO86

No, CCNA is not going anywhere. These are just other specializations for different Cisco tracks:

Data Center
Wireless
Security
Service Provider
Voice
etc.

Core routing/switching will never disappear it's what carriers everything.

Roguetadhg

While this is exciting, we must not forget that quality self-study aides can be very difficult to come by.

CCNA would never disappear. Route/Switch is networking, and everything else rides ontop of Route and Switching.

If there's a book that'll come out for it, It's definitely something to have and read.

SteveO86

They updated the NX-OS book to second edition. Rough Cuts are available from Safari.

RicM

Hi guys, is the routing in 640-911 (DCICN) based on NX-OS or even with IOS knowledge someone is good to go?

alanaround

I haven't looked at exam scheduling yet, but hopefully I can sit the first one (DCICN) in Jan/Feb. I have pretty good experience on the 7000/2000 series and we also have UCS with FC, so I think I can fill in the gaps. The first Exam also covers base topics like the OSI model, basic network devices and so on, as their are no pre reqs for the CCNA in this track.

With the way things are going this is quite a good track to get into, IMHO.:D