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Class hours may vary, please reach out to contact@ascendientlearning.com if you have any questions.
Understanding Cisco Data Center Foundations
In this 5-day course, Understanding Cisco Data Center Foundations (DCFNDU), students will gain the foundational knowledge and skills needed to configure Cisco data center technologies including:...
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$4,595 USD
Duration
5 days
Course Code
DCFNDU-NTO
Available Formats
Virtual, Classroom
Overview
In this 5-day course, Understanding Cisco Data Center Foundations (DCFNDU), students will gain the foundational knowledge and skills needed to configure Cisco data center technologies including: networking, virtualization, storage area networking, and unified computing. Students will be introduced to Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (Cisco ACI), automation, and cloud computing. You will get hands-on experience with configuring features on Cisco Nexus Operating System (Cisco NX-OS) and Cisco Unified Computing System (Cisco UCS). This course will help students:
- Prepare for entry-level job roles in the high-demand area of data center environments
- Prepare for courses that support the Cisco Certified Network Professional Data Center certification exams
- Gain knowledge and hands-on skills through Ciscos unique combination of lessons and hands-on practice using enterprise-grade Cisco learning technologies, data center equipment, and software
Skills Gained
Upon completing this course, the learner will be able to meet these overall objectives:
- Describe the foundations of data center networking
- Describe Cisco Nexus products and explain the basic Cisco NX-OS functionalities and tools
- Describe Layer 3 first-hop redundancy
- Describe Cisco Fabric Extender (FEX) connectivity
- Describe Ethernet port channels and virtual port channel (VPCs)
- Introduce switch virtualization, machine virtualization, and network virtualization
- Compare storage connectivity options in the data center
- Describe Fibre Channel communication between the initiator server and the target storage
- Describe Fibre Channel zone types and their uses
- Describe N-Port Virtualization (NPV) and N-Port Identifier Virtualization (NPIV)
- Describe data center Ethernet enhancements that provide a lossless fabric
- Describe Fibre Channel over Ethernet FCoE
- Describe data center server connectivity
- Describe Cisco UCS Manager
- Describe the purpose and advantages of APIs
- Describe Cisco ACI
- Describe the basic concepts of cloud computing
Who Can Benefit
The primary audience for this course is as follows:
- Data center administrators
- Data center engineers
- Systems engineers
- Server administrators
- Network managers
- Cisco integrators and partners
Prerequisites
The knowledge and skills that the learner should have before attending this course are as follows:
- Good understanding of networking protocols
- Good understanding of the VMware environment
- Basic knowledge of Microsoft Windows operating systems
Course Details
Module 1: Describing the Data Center Network Architectures
- Cisco Data Center Architecture Overview
- Three-Tier Network: Core, Aggregation, and Access
- Spine-and-Leaf Network
- Two-Tier Storage Network
Module 2: Describing the Cisco Nexus Family and Cisco NX-OS Software
- Cisco Nexus Data Center Product Overview
- Cisco NX-OS Software Architecture
- Cisco NX-OS Software CLI Tools
- Cisco NX-OS Virtual Routing and Forwarding
Module 3: Describing Layer 3 First-Hop Redundancy
- Default Gateway Redundancy
- Hot Standby Router Protocol
- Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol
- Gateway Load Balancing Protocol
Module 4: Describing Cisco FEX
- Server Deployment Models
- Cisco FEX Technology
- Cisco FEX Traffic Forwarding
- Cisco Adapter FEX
Module 5: Describing Port Channels and VPCs
- Ethernet Port Channels
- Virtual Port Channels
- Supported VPC Topologies
Module 6: Describing Switch Virtualization
- Cisco Nexus Switch Basic Components
- Virtual Routing and Forwarding
- Cisco Nexus 7000 Virtual Device Contexts (VDCs)
- VDC Types
- VDC Resource Allocation
- VDC Management
Module 7: Describing Machine Virtualization
- Virtual Machines
- Hypervisor
- VM Manager
Module 8: Describing Network Virtualization
- Overlay Network Protocols
- Virtual Extensible LAN (VXLAN) Overlay
- VXLAN Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) Ethernet VPN (EVPN) Control Plane
- VXLAN Data Plane
- Cisco Nexus 1000VE Series Virtual Switch
- VMware vSphere Virtual Switches
Module 9: Introducing Basic Data Center Storage Concepts
- Storage Connectivity Options in the Data Center
- Fibre Channel Storage Networking
- Virtual Storage Area Network (VSAN) Configuration and Verification
Module 10: Describing Fibre Channel Communication Between the Initiator Server and the Target Storage
- Fibre Channel Layered Model
- Fabric Login (FLOGI) Process
- Fibre Channel Flow Control
Module 11: Describing Fibre Channel Zone Types and Their Uses
- Fibre Channel Zoning
- Zoning Configuration
- Zoning Management
Module 12: Describing Cisco NPV Mode and NPIV
- Cisco NPV Mode
- NPIV Mode
Module 13: Describing Data Center Ethernet Enhancements
- Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) Data Center Bridging
- Priority Flow Control
- Enhanced Transmission Selection
- Data Center Bridging Exchange (DCBX) Protocol
- Congestion Notification
Module 14: Describing FCoE
- Cisco Unified Fabric
- FCoE Architecture
- FCoE Initialization Protocol
- FCoE Adapters
Module 15: Describing Cisco UCS Components
- Physical Cisco UCS Components
- Cisco Fabric Interconnect Product Overview
- Cisco I/O Module (IOM) Product Overview
- Cisco UCS Mini
- Cisco Integrated Management Controller (IMC) Supervisor
- Cisco Intersight
Module 16: Describing Cisco UCS Manager
- Cisco UCS Manager Overview
- Identity and Resource Pools for Hardware Abstraction
- Service Profiles and Service Profile Templates
- Cisco UCS Central Overview
- Cisco HyperFlex Overview
Module 17: Using APIs
- Common Programmability Protocols and Methods
- How to Choose Models and Processes
Module 18: Describing Cisco ACI
- Cisco ACI Overview
- Multitier Applications in Cisco ACI
- Cisco ACI Features
- VXLAN in Cisco ACI
- Unicast Traffic in Cisco ACI
- Multicast Traffic in Cisco ACI
- Cisco ACI Programmability
- Common Programming Tools and Orchestration Options
Module 19: Describing Cloud Computing
- Cloud Computing Overview
- Cloud Deployment Models
- Cloud Computing Services
Lab Outline: Labs are designed to assure learners a whole practical experience, through the following practical activities:
- Explore the Cisco NX-OS CLI
- Explore Topology Discovery
- Configure Hot Standby Router Protocol (HSRP)
- Configure the Cisco Nexus 2000 FEX
- Configure VPCs
- Configure VPCs with Cisco FEX
- Configure Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF)
- Explore the Virtual Device Contexts (VDC) Elements
- Install VMware Elastic Sky X Integrated (ESXi) and vCenter
- Configure VSANs
- Validate FLOGI and FCNS
- Configure Zoning
- Configure Unified Ports on a Cisco Nexus Switch and Implement FCoE
- Explore the Cisco UCS Server Environment
- Configure a Cisco UCS Server Profile
- Configure Cisco NX-OS with APIs
- Explore the Cisco UCS Manager XML API Management Information Tree
Schedule
9 options available
-
Jun 9, 2025 - Jun 13, 2025 (5 days)
Virtual | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM PDT Language English Select from 2 options below Virtual |9:00 AM – 5:00 PM PDT- Enroll
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Jul 7, 2025 - Jul 11, 2025 (5 days)
Virtual | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM EDT Language English Select from 1 options below Virtual |10:00 AM – 6:00 PM EDT- Enroll
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Aug 4, 2025 - Aug 8, 2025 (5 days)
| 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM CDT Language English Select from 1 options below |9:00 AM – 5:00 PM CDT- Enroll
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-
Aug 25, 2025 - Aug 29, 2025 (5 days)
Virtual | 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM EDT Language English Select from 1 options below Virtual |8:30 AM – 4:30 PM EDT- Enroll
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Sep 8, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025 (5 days)
Virtual | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM EDT Language English Select from 1 options below Virtual |10:00 AM – 6:00 PM EDT- Enroll
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Sep 29, 2025 - Oct 3, 2025 (5 days)
| 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EDT Language English Select from 1 options below |9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EDT- Enroll
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Nov 3, 2025 - Nov 7, 2025 (5 days)
Virtual | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM EDT Language English Select from 1 options below Virtual |10:00 AM – 6:00 PM EDT- Enroll
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Dec 1, 2025 - Dec 5, 2025 (5 days)
| 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM PDT Language English Select from 1 options below |9:00 AM – 5:00 PM PDT- Enroll
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FAQ
Does the course schedule include a Lunchbreak?
Classes typically include a 1-hour lunch break around midday. However, the exact break times and duration can vary depending on the specific class. Your instructor will provide detailed information at the start of the course.
What languages are used to deliver training?
Most courses are conducted in English, unless otherwise specified. Some courses will have the word "FRENCH" marked in red beside the scheduled date(s) indicating the language of instruction.
What does GTR stand for?
GTR stands for Guaranteed to Run; if you see a course with this status, it means this event is confirmed to run. View our GTR page to see our full list of Guaranteed to Run courses.
How do I find an Ascendient Learning training location?
We have training locations across the United States and Canada - View a complete list of classroom training locations.
Which delivery formats are available?
At Ascendient Learning, we offer training that is Instructor-Led, Online, Virtual, and Self-Paced.
Does Ascendient Learning deliver group training?
Yes, we provide training for groups, individuals and private on sites. View our group training page for more information.
What does vendor-authorized training mean?
As a vendor-authorized training partner, we offer a curriculum that our partners have vetted. We use the same course materials and facilitate the same labs as our vendor-delivered training. These courses are considered the gold standard and, as such, are priced accordingly.
Is the training too basic, or will you go deep into technology?
It depends on your requirements, your role in your company, and your depth of knowledge. The good news about many of our learning paths, you can start from the fundamentals to highly specialized training.
How up-to-date are your courses and support materials?
We continuously work with our vendors to evaluate and refresh course material to reflect the latest training courses and best practices.
Are your instructors seasoned trainers who have deep knowledge of the training topic?
Ascendient Learning instructors have an average of 27 years of practical IT experience and have also served as consultants for an average of 15 years. To stay current, instructors spend at least 25 percent of their time learning new, emerging technologies and courses.
Do you provide hands-on training and exercises in an actual lab environment?
Lab access is dependent on the vendor and the type of training you sign up for. However, many of our top vendors will provide lab access to students to test and practice. The course description will specify lab access.
Will you customize the training for our company’s specific needs and goals?
We will work with you to identify training needs and areas of growth. We offer a variety of training methods, such as private group training, on-site of your choice, and virtually. We provide courses and certifications that are aligned with your business goals.
How do I get started with certification?
Getting started on a certification pathway depends on your goals and the vendor you choose to get certified in. Many vendors offer entry-level IT certification to advanced IT certification that can boost your career. To get access to certification vouchers and discounts, please contact info@ascendientlearning.com.
Will I get access to content after I complete a course?
You will get access to the PDF of course books and guides, but access to the recording and slides will depend on the vendor and type of training you receive.
How do I request a W9 for Ascendient Learning?
View our filing status and how to request a W9.
Reviews
The instructor really took his time and made sure I was able to understand the concepts.
vary good online learning. instructor is vary good the way he explained every thing.
Overall it was a good bootcamp. A lot to cover so it is understandable that the pace had to be a little fast.
Quick to sign-up to course, and was able to garner some information from the course.
Great class I learned a great deal from the material. There would seem to a large amount that I need to learn about.
