Cisco Data Center/Storage Certificationd2zmdbbm9feqrf.cloudfront.net/2011/las/pdf/BRKCCIE-1001.pdf14/2 module: A. 4 B. 2 C. 6 D. 8 E. 10 26 CCIE SAN Lab Exam SAN Lab Exam: Locations

Cisco Data Center/Storage

Certification

Walid Issa

Product Manager – CCIE SAN program

July 12, 2011

Agenda

• CCIE Program Overview

• CCIE Storage Networking Certification

• CCIE SAN Written Exam

• CCIE SAN Lab Exam

• Preparation Resources and Test-Taking Tips

• The Future of Data Center Certifications

• Q&A

3

CCIE Program Overview

Overview: CCIE Certification

• Most highly regarded IT certification for over 15 years

• Identifies those with expert level skills and experience through both written and lab assessment

• Exams continually updated and revised with new technologies. New Storage Networking exam created in 2008

• Requires passing difficult, hands-on lab exam

www.cisco.com/go/learnnetspace

CCNACCENT

CCNP

CCIE

Cisco CCIE Certification

• CCIE R&S: Configure and troubleshoot complex converged networks

• CCIE Security: Configure complex, end-to-end secure networks, troubleshoot environments, and anticipate and respond to network attacks

• CCIE Service Provider: Configure and troubleshoot advanced technologies to support service provider networks

• CCIE Storage: Configure and troubleshoot storage area networks over a variety of interfaces

• CCIE Voice: Configure complex, end-to-end telephony, as well as network, troubleshoot, and resolve VoIP-related problems

• CCIE Wireless: Plan, design, implement, operate, and troubleshoot wireless network and mobility infrastructure

CCIE Information World Wide

Available in Seven Technical Specialties

Total of Worldwide CCIEs

22741*

Total of Routing and Switching CCIEs

16647

Total of Security CCIEs 2537

Total of Service Provider CCIEs

1951

Total of Service Provider Operation CCIEs

5

Total of Storage Networking CCIEs

145

Total of Voice CCIEs 1414

Total of Wireless CCIEs 42

Multiple CertificationsMany CCIEs Have Gone on to Pass the

Certification Exams In Additional Tracks,

Becoming a ―Multiple CCIE.‖ Below Are

Selected Statistics on CCIEs Who Are

Certified in More Than One Track

Total with Multiple Certifications Worldwide

2650

Total of Routing and Switching and Security CCIEs

809

Total of Routing and Switching and Service Provider CCIEs

790

Total of Routing and Switching and Storage Networking CCIEs

35

Total of Routing and Switching and Voice CCIEs

347

Total with 3 or More Certifications 476

*Last Updated 2.18.2011

Certification Process

• CCIEs must pass two exams

• The written qualification exam uses simulations and multiple-choice questions

• The lab exam is what makes this certification different; the full-day, hands-on lab exam tests the ability to configure and troubleshoot equipment

• Not all lab exams are offered at all lab locations

Process: CCIE Written Exams

• Available worldwide at VUE

• Two-hour exam with 100 multiple-choice questions

• Closed book; no outside reference materials allowed

• Pass/fail results are available immediately following the exam; the passing score is set by statistical analysis and is subject to periodic change

• Waiting period of 72 hours between attempts

• Must schedule first lab exam attempt within 18 months

Process: CCIE Lab Exams

• Available in selected Cisco locations

• Eight-hour exam requires working configurations and troubleshooting to demonstrate expertise

• Cisco documentation available in room; no personal materials of any kind allowed in lab

• Minimum score of 80% to pass

• Scores can be viewed online within 48 hours and failing score reports indicate areas where additional study may be useful

• NEW (effective 15 August 2011):

Core Knowledge Questions Removed

More Time for Configuration & Troubleshooting

Process: CCIE Lab Layout

Racks Are Fully Cabled

Candidates Do Not Have to Touch any Physical Equipment

11

Data Center Certification

Highlights

Existing Data Center and Storage

Certifications

CCIEStorage

(expert level)

Cisco Data Center& Storage

Specializations(foundation)

Data Center Networking Specializations

• DCAS focuses on ACE, GSS, ANM & WAAS.

• DCNI focuses on Data Center ―front end‖ Ethernet network (Nexus).

• DCSN focuses on Data Center ―back end‖ storage network (MDS).

• DCUC focuses on UCS product family (UCS-B, UCS-C & UCSM).

DC Networking InfrastructureDesign, Support & Specialist

DC Application ServicesDesign & Support

DC Storage NetworkingDesign & Support

Data Center Specializations

DC Unified ComputingUCS (Design Specialist & Support)

14

CCIE Storage Networking


• Track introduced in 2004, fully revised in 2008

• Expert-level knowledge of Cisco SAN implementation and troubleshooting. Only focused on MDS product line

• Solve complex connectivity problems and apply solutions to increase bandwidth, improve response times, maximize performance, improve security, and ensure reliability.


• Storage Networking is one of the building blocks for any Data Center Technology.

• If you see Data Center in your future, start today with Storage Networking: you will have a solid competitive advantage tomorrow.

Cisco Business Units/ Technology GroupsCisco Standard Architects

Advisory Subject Matter Experts

Technical SupportTAC Cases

Technical Bulletins, Best Practices, Whitepapers

Enterprise Technical Advisory Board

Focus Groups/ Customer Sessions

CCIE Field Surveys

SAN Exam Content Development

EXAM OBJECTIVES

and BLUEPRINTS

CONTENT

MANAGER

CONTENT

ADVISORY

GROUP

Input Sought from:

Reaching Out to Extended Team

Ensures Exam Is Realistic and Relevant

18

CCIE SAN Written Exam

19

• Covers storage networking theory related to:

General Fiber Channel Protocol

MDS Device Operation

Advanced Fiber Channel Features

TCP/IP in SAN/Data Center Environment

SAN Extension and IP Storage-based Solution

SAN Management

Switch Interoperability

Cisco Intelligent Storage Services

Troubleshoot SAN Infrastructure

• The written exam Lays foundation for SAN Lab exam.

CCIE SAN Written Exam Blue Print

SAN Written Exam: Sample Question #1

• What is the Boot sequence used by Cisco MDS SAN Switches

A. BIOS, Loader, System, Kickstart

B. Loader, BIOS, System, Kickstart

C. BIOS, Loader, Kickstart, System

D. loader, BIOS, Kickstart, System


• Which of the following are valid Cisco MDS user login authentication methods (Choose Three):

A. Active Directory

B. NIS

C. Radius

D. Tacacs+

E. Tacacs+ and Active Directory


• Which of the following features require Enterprise License:

A. iSCSI

B. Fiber Channel QoS

C. PortChannels

D. Native Interoperability Mode

E. Port Security


• Refer to the exhibit (The fabric containing Switch A is merging with the fabric containing Switch B. Which switch will become the principal switch, and why?) :

A. Switch A, because its switch WWN is lowerFiber Channel QoS

B. Switch B, because its switch WWN is higher

C. Switch B, because its switch priority is lower

D. Switch A, because its switch priority is higher

E. Not Enough information were given


• When attaching iSCSI hosts, where is VRRP used in an MDS 9000 iSCSI topology:

A. Between the server and the IP network

B. Between the IP network and the MDS switches

C. Between the MDS switches and the storage devices

D. VRRP is not required


• How many FCIP tunnels can be configured using MDS 9000 MPS 14/2 module:

A. 4

B. 2

C. 6

D. 8

E. 10

26

CCIE SAN Lab Exam

SAN Lab Exam: Locations

Brussels, Sydney and San Jose are the three Locations

currently available for the Lab Exam. (Tokyo starting Aug 2011).

Brussels

SanJose

Sydney

Tokyo

CCIE SAN Lab Exam

• Candidates build a network to a series of supplied specifications

• The point values for each question are shown on the exam

• Report any suspected equipment issues to the proctor as soon as possible; adjustments cannot be made once the exam is over

SAN Lab Exam: Equipment and

SW Version

• Passing the lab requires hands-on practice with equipment

• Lab may test any feature that can be configured on the equipment and SW versions listed below, or on the CCIE website; more recent versions may be installed in the lab, but you won’t be tested on them

MDS 9216i, 9509, 9124, 9222i (SANOS 3.2)

Third-party FC switches (no configuration on third party is required)

SAN Lab Exam: Start of Day

31

• Connecting hosts, switches, storage; physical connectivity, zoning, IVR

• FC security

• FC QoS

• IP storage based solutions

• FICON

• FC management

• Intelligent storage services

• Switch Interoperability

• Diagnostics and Troubleshooting

• Check the online Blueprint for a more detailed list.

Lab Exam Blue Print

SAN Lab Exam: Sample Question #1

You are required to create the necessary physical and VSAN and connectivity to perform the following task:

SAN Lab Exam: Sample Question # 1

• Connect switch 1–2 using 4Gig port channel

• Use VSAN 2 for this task

Score: 2 points

SAN Lab Exam: Sample Config # 1

(Switch #1)

interface fc1/5

no shut

interface fc1/7

no shut

interface port-channel 1

sw speed 4

interface fc1/5, fc1/7

channel-group 1 force


switchport trunk allowed vsan 2

no shut

SAN Lab Exam: Sample Answer # 1Verification–1 (Switch 1)

Switch1# show port-channel data

port-channel 1

Administrative channel mode is on

Operational channel mode is on

Last membership update succeeded

First operational port is fc1/5

2 ports in total, 2 ports up

Ports: fc1/5 [up] *

fc1/7 [up]


• Create 2 FCIP links with the information in the following table

• Make sure the connectivity is robust with respect to future addition of one more FCIP link between the two switches

• Customer requirements for the link should be configured as per following:

•Max bandwidth: 900 mbps

•Min bandwidth: 500 mbps

•RTT: 2 msScore: 3 points

You are now asked to add FCIP connectivity supporting FC between switch 2 and 3 to allow SAN extension

SAN Lab Exam: FCIP Table # 1

#2 to #3 GigE IP Address FCIP GigE IP Address FCIP Vsans

Switch #2 2/1 192.168.20.11Switch

#32/1 192.168.20.12 31 2

Switch #2 2/2 192.168.20.12Switch

#32/2 192.168.20.12 32 2


(Switch #3)interface GigabitEthernet2/1

switchport mtu 2300

ip address 192.168.20.12 255.255.255.0

no shutdown

!

interface GigabitEthernet2/2

switchport mtu 2300

ip address 192.168.20.22 255.255.255.0

no shutdown

!

fcip enable

!

fcip profile 21

ip address 192.168.20.12

tcp max-bandwidth-mbps 900 min-available-bandwidth-mbps 500 round-trip-time-us 350

!

fcip profile 22

ip address 192.168.20.22

tcp max-bandwidth-mbps 900 min-available-bandwidth-mbps 500 round-trip-time-ms 2


no switchport trunk allowed vsan all

switchport trunk allowed vsan 2

no shut

!

interface fcip21

channel-group 2

use-profile 21

peer-info ipaddr 192.168.20.11

no shutdown

!

interface fcip22

channel-group 2

use-profile 22

peer-info ipaddr 192.168.20.21

no shutdown


Switch 2 # show port-channel data

port-channel 1




First operational port is fc1/5


Ports: fc1/5 [up] *

fc1/7 [up]

port-channel 2




First operational port is fcip22


Ports: fcip21 [up]

fcip22 [up] *


Switch 3 # show port-channel data

port-channel 2




First operational port is fcip32


Ports: fcip 31 [up]

fcip32 [up] *


• Create additional 4Gig port-channel between Switch 1-2 (VSAN 2)

• Make port-channel 1 the preferred path for VSAN 2

• Accomplish this without changing routing of any other VSAN

Score: 2 points

Fibre Channel Traffic Engineering


Switch 1 #

int port-channel 2

fspf cost 300 vsan 2

Switch 2#

int port-channel X

fspf cost 300 vsan 2

SAN Lab Exam: Sample Question # 2Verification–1

Switch 2 # show fspf internal route vsan 2

FSPF Unicast Routes

---------------------------

VSAN Number Dest Domain Route Cost Next hops

-----------------------------------------------

2 0x20(32) 250 port-channel 2

2 0x21(33) 750 fc1/14

SAN Lab Exam: Sample Topology


(Troubleshooting)

• Create a 4 Gbps port channel between Switch#1 and Switch#2

• Create an 8 Gbps port channel between Switch#1 and Switch#2

• Use minimum number of ports

• Must guarantee high availability

• Challenge:

•Port Channels are not coming up

•Not enough resources “error message”

Implementing Port Channel(s)


(Troubleshooting)

• Each line card has 4 port groups.

• Each port group has 12.8Gbps of shared Bandwidth

• Ports can be configured to have dedicated BW (1Gb,2Gb, etc..)

• Remaining Ports shared unused Bandwidth

Module Architecture


Switch # (24 ports line card)

int fc 1/7-8

switchport speed 4000 **

switchport rate-mode dedicated

switchport mode e


** Check SFP type/speed

• Best practices for configuring ports:

Shared to dedicated; configure in order: speed, rate-mode, mode, credit.

Dedicated to shared; configure in order: credit, rate-mode, speed, mode

Switch # (48 ports line card)

Int fc2/15-18

out-of-service

int fc 2/13-14

switchport speed 4000

switchport rate-mode dedicated

switchport mode e



Verification

Switch1# sh int po 13

Port-channel 13 is trunking

Port WWN is 24:0d:00:0d:ec:0f:06:40

Admin port mode is E, trunk mode is on

Port mode is TE

Port vsan is 31

Speed is 8 Gbps

…

Member[1] : fc2/13

Member[2] : fc2/14

• Best practices for configuring ports:

Shared to dedicated; configure in order: speed, rate-mode, mode, credit.

Dedicated to shared; configure in order: credit, rate-mode, speed, mode

Switch2# sh int po12

Port-channel 12 is trunking

Port WWN is 24:0c:00:0d:ec:3f:47:00

Admin port mode is E, trunk mode is on

Port mode is TE

Port vsan is 1

Speed is 4 Gbps

…

Member[1] : fc1/7

Member[2] : fc1/8

SAN Lab Exam: Grading

• Proctors grade all lab exams

• Grading process is 100% manual

• Proctors complete grading of the exam and submits the final score within 48 hours

• Partial credit is not awarded on questions

• Points are awarded for working solutions only

50

Preparation and Test-Taking

Tips

Written Qualification Exam

• Use written exam blueprint on the CCIE website as your guide (www.cisco.com/go/learnnetspace Storage Networking Track)

• Check suggested Reading list.

• Refer to online resources and documentation CD.

• Written exam stresses networking theory more than configuration skills.

• Don’t study for written exam and lab exam at the same time

http://www.cisco.com/go/learnnetspace

Recommended Reading

• Fibre Channel: A Comprehensive Introduction (Kembel, Northwest Learning Assoc. Inc., ISBN# 0931836840)

• Fibre Channel Arbitrated Loop (Kembel, Truestedt, Northwest Learning Assoc. Inc., ISBN# 0931836824)

• Fibre Channel Switched Fabric (Kembel, Northwest Learning Assoc. Inc., ISBN# 0931836719)

• Fibre Channel for SANs (Benner, McGraw-Hill, ISBN# 0071374132 )

• IBM FICON Native Implementation and Reference Guide (IBM Redbooks)

• iSCSI: The Universal Storage Connection (Hufferd, Addison-Wesley Professional, ISBN# 020178419X)

• Storage Network Performance Analysis (Simitci, Wiley, ISBN# 076451685X)

• Storage Security: Protecting, SANs, NAS and DAS (Chirillo, Wiley, ISBN# 0764516884)

Recommended Reading (Cont.)CLN and www.cisco.com

• Read, read, read and research!!!

• Cisco Learning Network (CLN)

• Study Group on CLN Site

• Cisco.com MDS support area

• Product Support > Storage Networking

MDS 9x00 Configuration and Troubleshooting Guides

http://www.cisco.com/

54

• It is the place where you can ask questions and share ideas with other members as you prepare for your certification.

• Your Study Group Leader will address questions and lead study sessions using discussion forums, document sharing, and other interactive features within a focused Group structure.

• Groups are a valuable support resource as you take your career to the next level.

CCIE Storage Networking Study Group

55

CCIE Storage Networking Study Group

Lab Preparation: Assessing

Your Strengths

• Evaluate your experience and knowledge in the major topic areas listed in the blueprint

• For areas of strength: practice for speed and time management

• For weaker areas: boost knowledge with training or book study first, then practice

• Speed is vital on the exam; review and practice core materials (VSAN, zoning, trunking, FM, IVR, IP services) a week before exam

Suggested Training Courses

General SAN Courses

• SNIA courses: (www.snia.org), Access the page http://www.snia.org/education/education_continuum/courses/ and select your choice of course

• SAN ACCELERATE: Go to www.cisco.com/go/pec, Search for SAN Accelerate. You will land on http://cisco.partnerelearning.com/peclms/lang-en/management/TAX_Search.asp?SearchStr=San%20accelerate&UserMode=0&SelectedNodeID=0&VSC=TAX_CiscomView_All&VSO=A&View=0&SearchNodeID=0&AdvType=2&FindBy=1&UpcomingDays=180&SelectedNodeID=0#Results.PEC Login required

Cisco Training

• ICSNS Implementing Cisco Storage Networking Solutions: http://tools.cisco.com/E-Learning-IT/LPCM/LpcmLLController?action=CourseDesc&COURSE_ID=5059

• IASNS Implementing Cisco Advanced Storage Networking Solutions: http://tools.cisco.com/E-Learning-IT/LPCM/LpcmLLController?action=CourseDesc&COURSE_ID=5061;

• DCSNS Designing Cisco Storage Network Solutions: http://tools.cisco.com/E-Learning-IT/LPCM/LpcmLLController?action=CourseDesc&COURSE_ID=5060;

• CMSS Cisco Mainframe Storage Solution: http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/le31/le46/products/products-storage-networking.html

• CCIE Bootcamps

http://www.snia.org/

http://www.snia.org/education/education_continuum/courses/

http://www.cisco.com/go/pec

http://cisco.partnerelearning.com/peclms/lang-en/management/TAX_Search.asp?SearchStr=San accelerate&UserMode=0&SelectedNodeID=0&VSC=TAX_CiscomView_All&VSO=A&View=0&SearchNodeID=0&AdvType=2&FindBy=1&UpcomingDays=180&SelectedNodeID=0





http://tools.cisco.com/E-Learning-IT/LPCM/LpcmLLController?action=CourseDesc&COURSE_ID=5059















http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/le31/le46/products/products-storage-networking.html





Lab Preparation: Materials

and Resources

• Choose materials that offer configuration examples and take a ―hands-on‖ approach: white papers, config guide examples

• Look for materials approved or provided by Cisco and its learning partners

• Know how to navigate the MDS documentation; it will save you time during the exam

Lab Preparation: Hands-On Practice

• Essential for passing lab

• Borrow equipment you can practice on

• Two or three MDS switches will support most scenarios

• Build and practice scenarios for each topic

• Go beyond the basics—practice additional features

• If a protocol has multiple configurations—practice all of them, variations

• Know Best Practices

• Learn show and debug commands for each topic

Lab Exam Tips

• Reduce stress—arrive early

• Leave yourself time—exam can run over

• Read entire exam before you start

• Redraw topology to clarify scenario

• Manage your time

• Make no assumptions

• Clarify questions with proctor if any uncertainty

• Work questions as a unit

• Test your work; build checklists

• Save configurations after each verified solution

• Minimize last-minute changes

Lab Exam Proctors

• Proctor’s role is to keep exam fair

• Talk to proctor if you don’t understand the wording of the question

• Ask the proctor clarification questions

• Report any equipment or technical problems to proctor as soon as they occur

Troubleshooting

• Know how to troubleshoot using tools available

• Verify each question before moving on; work the simple or basic questions first and then the complex ones

• Check for typos when configuring

• Keep in mind the point value and scenario dependencies; don’t lose too much time working on low-impact questions

• Keep track of used resources (VSANs, Links, Domain IDs)

For More Information

• Beware of rumors

• Visit the CCIE web page

http://www.cisco.com/go/ccie

• Visit the CCIE SAN web page

www.cisco.com/go/learnnetspace

Then go to Storage Networking Track

• Online Support

www.cisco.com/go/certsupport

• E-mail

[email protected]

• Cheating

[email protected]






http://www.cisco.com/go/certsupport

mailto:[email protected]








64

The Future of Data Center

Certifications

© 2011 Cisco and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Cisco Confidential 65

• While we are continuously in the process of revisiting our training and certification programs, a major change in the CCIE program would be made known to the public with enough advanced notice to give anyone the time to take the appropriate decisions on which path to follow and time to prepare, practice, etc…

• The CCIE SAN Program will still be in place

• Possible Refresh, ideas, examples will be discussed in the next slides

Certification Roadmap

Data Center Technologies Today

• Data Center is one of the fastest-growing areas in the industry

• Building a Data Center or Disaster Recovery site is on top in the agenda of all organizations

• There is a growing demand for Data Center professionals in the industry

• Lack of Skills in SAN, LAN, Servers and Application related Services

67

• We are looking into the existing SAN Track blueprint for possible refresh:

•MDS device operation, Advanced FC Features, SAN extension & switch Interop.

•SAN Management is being integrated in the new overall DC management protfolio

• In addition to new topics that may include:

•Basic Data Center L3 topology

•Data Center Access Layer deployment

•L2, vPC, QoS..

•Virtualization

•Unified I/O, FCoE , DCBX

•Unified Computing System (UCS)

•Load Balancing techniques and algorithms

•Branch WAN Acceleration

•Data Center Management

Written Exam

68

• SAN will always remain in the lab as well as 3rd party FC switches

• We will consider adding DC solutions and technologies that can be deployed on the following Cisco Products:

•MDS SAN Switches

•Nexus 7000, 5000, 3000, 2000 and Nexus 1000v

•Cisco Unified Computing Systems (UCS)

•Application Control Engine (ACE)

•Global Site Selector (GSS)

•Wide Area Application Services (WAAS)

•Data Center Management for both LAN & SAN

•Virtualization

Lab Exam

© 2011 Cisco and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Cisco Confidential 69

• Certification Lounge Area

• 2 Hours per track

Meet the CCIE

71

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Related Titles

http://theciscostores.com

http://theciscostore.com/

72

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Documents

Cisco Data Center/Storage Certificationd2zmdbbm9feqrf.cloudfront.net/2011/las/pdf/BRKCCIE-1001.pdf14/2 module: A. 4 B. 2 C. 6 D. 8 E. 10 26 CCIE SAN Lab Exam SAN Lab Exam: Locations