Course Length:

5 Days

Course Description:

Implementing Cisco Storage Networking Solutions (ICSNS) v4.2 is a five-day lecture and lab course using NX-OS v5.0.4, that provides learners with fundamental skills in implementing and troubleshooting Cisco storage networks. Course topics include installing and bringing up the switch, configuring virtual SANs (VSANs), domains, interfaces, and zones, implementing port channels, configuring management security, and basic troubleshooting. Students will also learn how to configure highly available Fibre Channel over IP (FCIP) tunnels and tune the performance of your FCIP links.

Who Should Attend:

This course is for field and systems engineers.

Benefits of Attendance:

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Identify the components, services, and features of the MDS 9000 platform that can be used to improve the availability, scalability, performance, and manageability of the SAN
• Describe how to safely install the switch hardware and perform the initial software configuration process
• Explain how to implement the logical topology that is specified by a SAN design, so that connectivity between end devices can be verified and traffic management features applied
• Describe how to use FCIP to implement appropriate solutions for SAN extension
• Use Cisco MDS 9000 Series Switch diagnostic tools to diagnose SAN problems and common configuration errors

Prerequisites:

Students must have a basic understanding of data storage hardware components and protocols, including SCSI and Fibre Channel and a basic understanding of network protocols, including Ethernet and IP. CCNA certification is recommended.

Course Outline:

• Module 1: Cisco MDS 9000 Platform
  1. Introducing the MDS 9000 Platform
  2. System Architecture
  3. Using Intelligent Fabric Services
  4. Implementing Integrated Management
• Module 2: System Installation and Initial Configuration
  1. Installing Switch Hardware
  2. Performing the Initial Switch Configuration
  3. Installing and Licensing Cisco NX-OS Software
  4. Configuring the Call Home Feature
  5. Lab 2-1: Quick Start Switch Configuration
  6. Lab 2-2: Upgrading Switch Software
  7. Lab 2-3: Configuring Call Home
• Module 3: Building Virtual SANs
  1. Configuring VSANs
  2. Managing Domains
  3. Using Distributed Device Aliases
  4. Configuring Interfaces
  5. Configuring PortChannels
  6. Configuring Fabric Services
  7. Improving Management Security
  8. Implementing Zones
  9. Lab 3-1: Creating VSANs
  10. Lab 3-2: Configuring Interfaces
  11. Lab 3-3: Configuring PortChannels
  12. Lab 3-4: Using Advanced Cisco Fabric Services
  13. Lab 3-5: Configuring Zones
• Module 4: Implementing FCIP
  1. FCIP Protocol Overview
  2. Configuring FCIP
  3. Configuring FCIP High Availability
  4. Implementing IVR for SAN Extension
  5. Tuning FCIP Performance
  6. Lab 4-1: Implementing an FCIP Tunnel
  7. Lab 4-2: Configuring FCIP High Availability
  8. Lab 4-3: Implementing IVR for SAN Extension
  9. Lab 4-4: Tuning FCIP Performance
• Module 5: Troubleshooting Tools and Scenarios
  1. Using Diagnostic Tools and Methodologies
  2. Capturing and Analyzing SAN Traffic
  3. Troubleshooting SAN Configuration
  4. Lab 5-1: Using SPAN and the Cisco Port Analyzer Adapter
  5. Lab 5-2: Challenge Lab