Recommended Course: Implementing and Operating Cisco Data Center Core Technologies (DCCOR) v1.0

This course is designed to help candidates prepare for high-level roles in the data center by acing test 350-601. It focuses on what you need to know to execute compute for data center, SAN and LAN architecture. Besides, it gives in-depth coverage of the basics of security and automation in various data centers. Through hands-on lab environments and interactive lectures, you will understand how to put into practice, operate, secure, and support the Cisco data center architecture such as the Cisco Unified Computing System, Nexus Switches, and MDS Switches. The vendor designed this training with all the candidates’ needs in mind, thus it's easy to see why it is offered in as many as 3 modes. These include the eLearning option, classroom learning, and instructor-led classes. Regardless of the chosen mode of training, this course is intended to run for a maximum of eight days. The instructor-led training alone combines 5 days of intense hands-on lab training with another 3 of self-paced studying. Similarly, the virtual instructor-led training involves 5 days of web-based training plus another 3 of studying with self-paced resources. Lastly, the eLearning mode only features a comprehensive 8-day training using exciting challenges, practice, and videos. By preparing for the official exam using this course, you will not only be ready to test yourself with the industry’s best materials but also get prepared to hold a variety of exciting data center roles at the professional and expert levels.

Reference: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/training-events/training-certifications/exams/current-list/dccor-350-601.html

Introduction to Cisco 350-601: Implementing and Operating Cisco Data Center Core Technologies Exam

This 350-601 exam test helps you prepare for the Cisco CCNP Data Center and CCIE Data Center certifications for advanced-level data center roles. In this course, you will master the skills and technologies you need to implement data center compute, LAN, and SAN infrastructure. You will also learn the essentials of automation and security in data centers. You will gain hands-on experience deploying, securing, operating, and maintaining Cisco data center infrastructure including Cisco MDS Switches and Cisco Nexus Switches; Cisco Unified Computing System (Cisco UCS) B-Series Blade Servers, and Cisco UCS C-Series Rack Servers.

The first step to prepare for the Cisco 350-601 exam is to review the topics covered in it. This will help evaluate the scope of work and select the right study materials. The highlights of the knowledge areas that constitute the content of the certification test are provided below:

• Compute – 25%

  The aim of this exam section is to assess the competency of the professionals in implementing Cisco Unified Compute System Rack Servers. It also encompasses their expertise in implementing Cisco Unified Compute System Blade Chassis, comprising network management, primary setup, storage management, infrastructure management, as well as server management. Other abilities measured within this subject area include describing HyperFlex Infrastructure Concepts as well as their benefits; explaining software & firmware updates as well as their influence on B-Series & C-Series servers; implementing the management of compute configuration; implementing infrastructure monitoring such as SPAN and Intersight.

• Automation – 15%

  This module requires that the examinees possess the skills in implementing automation & scripting tools, such as EEM, scheduler, REST API, Bash Shell & Guest Shell for NX-OS, JSON & XML encodings. They should also be able to assess the automation & orchestration technologies, such as Ansible, UCSD, Puppet, POAP, Python, DCNM, and PowerShell.

• Security – 15%

  The last part of the Cisco 350-601 exam comprises of the application of network security (AAA & RBAC, DHCP snooping, ACI contracts & microsegmentation, CoPP, first-hop security features like dynamic ARP inspection, and port security); application of compute security (AAA & RBAC as well as keychain authentication); application of storage security (AAA & RBAC, port security, and fabric binding).

• Network – 25%

  To answer the questions related to this topic, the candidates need to show their proficiency in implementing routing protocols (OSPFv2, MP-BGP, OSPFv3, PIM, and FHRP); implementing switching protocols, such as LACP, RSTP+, and Vpc; implementing overlay protocols, including VXLAN EVPN and OTV; implementing the ACI concepts, such as fabric setup, VMM, access policies, and tenant policies. Besides that, the applicants are required to show that they possess the skills in analyzing packet flow (comprising multicast, unicast, and broadcast); analyzing Cloud service as well as deployment models (NIST 800-145); describing software updates as well as their impacts (comprising disruptive/nondisruptive, EPLD, and patches); implementing the management of network configuration; implementing infrastructure monitoring such as NetFlow as well as SPAN; describing the concepts of network assurance like streaming telemetry.

• Storage Network – 20%

  The focus of this domain is on the ability of the students to perform the following technical tasks: implementation of Fibre Channel (comprising switch fabric initialization, NPV & NPIV, port channels, CFS, FCID, zoning, device alias, FCNS, and VSAN); implementation of FCoE Unified Fabric (comprising FIP & DCB); description of NFS as well as NAS concepts; description of software updates and their effects (comprising disruptive/nondisruptive & EPLD); implementation of infrastructure monitoring.

Cisco 350-601 is a new exam that's directly geared towards the following certifications: CCIE Data Center, CCNP Data Center, and Cisco Certified Specialist – Data Center Core. In essence, this test is usually known as Implementing Cisco Data Center Core Technologies (DCCOR) and validates one's knowledge of the most basic and common areas in the field.