This course focuses on Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) deployment and operations. You will learn how to configure and manage UCS servers with consolidated I/O networking for LAN and SAN connectivity, and you will learn how to virtualize server properties to enable simple and rapid mobility of server OS images between physical servers. In the labs, you will practice implementing a multi-tenant management model, configuring fault tolerance, backing up and restoring system configurations, and using the built-in monitoring and troubleshooting tools. You will also install and configure the Cisco Nexus 1000V virtual switch on the UCS infrastructure.
To participate in this course and access the remote labs, you are required to bring a laptop running Windows 98, ME, NT4, 2000, XP, or Vista, and including Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher. Also, the ability to install new ActiveX components may be required.
What You'll Learn
How UCS addresses key problems in Data Center server environments
UCS system architecture
UCS hardware components and options
Perform the key operational tasks required to deploy a Cisco UCS
Configure physical and logical unified fabric connectivity
Implement the basic opt-in and logical server management models
Configure system-level fault tolerance
Implement a multi-tenant management model using Role-Based Access Control
Perform system upgrades
Back up and restore system configurations
Monitor system events and use the built-in troubleshooting tools
Course Outline
1. Introduction to the Cisco Unified Computing System
Implementing Cisco Virtualized Data Centers
Evolution of Server Scalability
Management Challenges
Blade Challenges
The Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS)
Logical View of UCS
I/O Consolidation
2. Understanding the Cisco Unified Computing System
Hardware Components
Cisco UCS Hardware Overview
Cisco UCS Chassis Hardware
Cisco UCS Fabric Interconnect
Cisco UCS Blades
VMware Integration
Architecture and Feature Overview
Cisco UCS Management Architecture
Cisco UCS Management Assignments
Installing Cisco UCS Hardware
Installation Guidelines
Configuring Chassis Power Supplies
Chassis Module Installation
3. UCS Connectivity
Unified Connectivity
Hardware Component Connectivity
High Availability Connectivity
Fabric Interconnect Network Configuration
UCS User Interfaces
The Graphical User Interface
Startup and Shutdown
Cisco UCS 6100 Startup and Shutdown
Upgrading Software
Cisco UCS Software Upgrade Overview
4. Cisco UCS Manager
UCS Manager Fundamentals
Cisco UCS Resources
Resource Pools
Service Profiles
Service Profile Policies
Service Profiles in Basic Opt-In Model
Service Profiles in Logical Server Model
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
Management Groups
Remote RBAC Configuration
5. Establishing Compute Node Connectivity
LAN Connectivity
Server and Uplink Ports
Ethernet Host Virtualizer Mode
Ethernet Switching Mode
Use of VLANs
Virtual NICs
Comparison
Port Channels
Pin Groups
LAN Tools
SAN Connectivity
N Port Identifier Virtualization
SAN Port Connectivity
6. Implementation of Server Resources
Identity and Resource Pools
Mobile Service Profiles
MAC Addresses
World Wide Names
Universally Unique Identifiers
Server Pools
Creating Service Profiles
Service Profile Review
Service Profile Expert Wizard
Managing Service Profiles
Associating Service Profiles
7. Maintaining a Cisco UCS
Backup and Restore
Backup Types
Backup and Import Jobs
Backup Configuration
Import Configuration
Managing High Availability
High Availability Connectivity
Managing High Availability
Monitoring System Events
GUI Monitoring
Threshold Policies
8. UCS Deployments
UCS Use Cases
Server Operations
Virtualization
Databases
Operating System Provisioning
SAN-Based Installation
9. Networks in a Virtual Server Environment
Introduction to the Cisco Nexus 1000V
Data Center Access Layer Networks
Virtual Environment Overview
Cisco Virtual Switching Overview
Feature Overview
Server Virtualization Primer
Server Virtualization
Virtual Storage Networking with VMware
VMware Ethernet Networking
Virtual Access Layer
Distributed Virtual Switching
Nexus 1000V Architecture
Cisco Nexus 1000V Architectural Overview
Installation and Operation
Configure VMware Switching
Configure vSwitches
Installing and Configuring the Cisco Nexus 1000V
Configure VSM vSwitch Networks
Connect the VSM to vCenter
Configure Basic Cisco Nexus 1000V Networking
Port Profiles
Creating VM Data Port Profiles
10. Appendix: Exploring the Unified Computing User Interfaces
Command-Line Interface
The connect Commands
UCS Acronyms
Labs
Lab 1: Initial Configuration
Lab 2: Upgrading UCS Components
Lab 3: Configuring Role-Based Access Control
Lab 4: Creating Simple Service Profiles
Lab 5: Configuring Resource Pools
Lab 6: Creating Mobile Service Profiles
Lab 7: Testing High Availability
Lab 8: Configuration Backup and Import
Lab 9: Reporting
Lab 10: Installing VMware vSphere
Lab 11: Installing a Nexus 1000V VSM
Lab 12: Configuring Port Profiles
