Module 1: Intersight Foundations
Objective: Gain a foundational understanding of Cisco Intersight architecture and deployment models, and learn to navigate the Intersight storage dashboard.
- Lesson 1: Intersight Architecture
- Lesson 2: Flexible Deployment Models
- Lesson 3: Infrastructure Services Licensing
- Lesson 4: Intersight Dashboards
Module 2: Monitoring and Maintaining UCS Infrastructure with Intersight
Objective: Develop skills in monitoring UCS device health, managing standalone UCS C-Series servers, and understanding server compatibility and firmware upgrade processes via Intersight.
- Lesson 1: Device Health and Monitoring
- Lesson 2: Standalone Management for UCS C-Series Servers
- Lesson 3: Server Compatibility (HCL), Advisories (CVEs), and Contract Status
- Lesson 4: Firmware Upgrades
Module 3: Operationalizing Cisco Compute Hyperconverged Solutions with Nutanix
Objective: Learn to implement and manage Nutanix solutions within Cisco UCS environments using Intersight, focusing on integration in vSphere environments.
- Lesson 1: Implementing Nutanix Solutions in Cisco UCS Environments
- Lesson 2: Managing Cisco Nutanix Solutions in vSphere Environment
- Lesson 3: Migration from HX
- Lesson 4: Use Cases and Workloads
Module 4: Cisco UCS X Series Overview and Configuration
Objective: Acquire comprehensive knowledge of Cisco UCS M6, and X Series, including their deployment, power and cooling efficiency, and advanced processor technologies.
- Lesson 1: Cisco UCS X-Series 5thGeneration
- Architecture
- X-Series Fabric Interconnects (Gen 5, Gen 4)
- Compute X-Series (x210c M6,7, x410c M7)
- X-Series Direct
- Lesson 2: Power/Cooling Efficiency
- Cooling Capacity, Airflow, Thermal Policies, Future-Proof Cooling, Power Policies
- Lesson 3: Advanced Processor Technologies in UCS Platforms
- Intel 4th Gen Intel® Xeon® SP Sapphire Rapids, AMD EPYC Processors
- Lesson 4: UCS Compute Series
- Architecture, GPU Offerings for X-Series
- 7th Generation C245 M8 Servers
- Adapters and GPU offerings for M8
- Rack Servers M6, M7 Models GPUs
- Management Options for Rack Servers
Module 5: Designing Cisco UCS LAN and SAN Connectivity
Objective: Master the design of LAN and SAN connectivity for Cisco UCS, including configuring VSANs and understanding fibre channel switching modes.
- Lesson 1: LAN Connectivity Overview Gen 4/5
- End Host Mode, VLAN Configuration in UCS Manager
- Lesson 2: Configuring Compute Node SAN Connectivity
- Lesson 3: Fibre Channel Switching
- Fibre Channel Operating Modes, EHM and N-Port Virtualization
- Lesson 4: Configuring VSANs in Cisco UCS Manager
Module 6: Configuring Cisco UCS-X in IMM Mode
Objective: Understand how to configure Cisco UCS-X in IMM mode, focusing on domain profiles, policy concepts, server profiles, and transition tools.
- Lesson 1: IMM and Domain Profiles
- Lesson 2: Domain Policy Concepts and Usage
- Lesson 3: Cisco Intersight Server Profiles
- Lesson 4: Cisco IMM Transition Tool
- Lesson 5: Thermal and Power Policies in IMM Mode
Module 7: Implementing Cisco UCS-X Firmware Updates
Objective: Learn the intricacies of firmware operations in Cisco UCS-X using Intersight, including managing firmware bundles and standalone firmware management.
- Lesson 1: Intersight Platform Firmware Operations Overview
- Lesson 2: Intersight Firmware Bundles
- Lesson 3: Cisco Stand-Alone Firmware Management
Module 8: Intersight Workload Optimizer (IWO)
Objective: Gain insights into Intersight Workload Optimizer, its delivery, tiers, and value proposition in UCS environments.
- Lesson 1: Intersight Workload Optimizer Overview
- Lesson 2: IWO Delivery and Tiers
Lesson 3: IWO Value Proposition and Market
Module 9: AI-Powered Forecasting; Workload and Systems Optimization with IMM and Intersight
Objective: Leverage AI-powered tools within Cisco Intersight to forecast IT workload demands and optimize system performance using Integrated Management Module (IMM).
- Lesson 1: Introduction to AI in Cisco Intersight
- Lesson 2: Predictive Analytics and Forecasting
- Lesson 3: Cisco Nvidia Partnership for AI
Module 10: Intersight Cloud Orchestrator (ICO) with Automation Tools
Objective: Master ICO for workflow design and execution, emphasizing Terraform, Ansible, Python, and PowerShell.
- Lesson 1: Workflow Designer
- Lesson 2: Validate and Execute Workflows
- Lesson 3: ICO Overview
- Lesson 4: Validate workflow with ICO
- Lesson 5: Advanced Scripting for ICO with Powershell, Python, Terraform and Ansible
Module 11: Intersight API and Advanced Automation Techniques
Objective: Achieve proficiency in using Intersight APIs and automation tools, including SDKs, Ansible modules, and practical use case implementations.
- Lesson 1: Intersight API Integration with Automation Tools
- Lesson 2: Developing Custom Automation Solutions with Intersight SDKs
- Lesson 3: Use Case Demonstrations
Lab Outline:
Labs are designed to assure learners a whole practical experience, through the following practical activities:
Lab 0: Connecting to the Lab Environment
- Basics of accessing and setting up the lab environment for Intersight and IMM exercises.
Lab 1: Exploring Cisco Intersight Interface
- Familiarize with the Intersight dashboard and basic navigation.
Lab 2: Setting Up IMM in Cisco Intersight
- Implement IMM and understand its role in UCS management.
Lab 3: Implementing and Troubleshooting RBAC using the Intersight API
- Setting up role-based access control and integrating with Active Directory using IMM best practices.
Lab 4: Nutanix Integration in Cisco UCS
- Configure and manage Nutanix solutions within a Cisco UCS setup.
Lab 5: Cisco UCS X-Series Configuration with Intersight
- Deploy and configure the UCS X-Series using Intersight, focusing on IMM features.
Lab 6: Designing LAN and SAN Connectivity for UCS
- Set up and validate LAN and SAN connectivity configurations in a UCS environment.
Lab 7: Managing UCS-X in IMM Mode
- Configure and manage UCS-X in IMM mode, including server profiles and policies.
Lab 8: Firmware Management in Cisco UCS-X with Intersight
- Perform firmware updates in UCS-X using Intersight, applying IMM methodologies.
Lab 9: Utilizing Intersight Workload Optimizer (IWO)
- Explore and apply the Intersight Workload Optimizer in UCS management scenarios.