Course Overview
This intensive 4-Day training program delivers comprehensive, hands-on instruction in the deployment, configuration, management, and optimization of Cisco MDS (Multilayer Director Switch) storage networking solutions. Designed for storage and network professionals, this course equips participants with the skills necessary to build and maintain high-performance, secure, and scalable Storage Area Networks (SANs) using Cisco's MDS 9000 Series switches. Participants will gain deep technical knowledge across a wide array of MDS topics, including foundational switch configuration, advanced SAN analytics, smart licensing, deep packet inspection, dynamic congestion management (DIRL), and Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller (NDFC) integration. Real-world lab exercises reinforce concepts, offering practical experience with technologies such as zoning, telemetry, FCIP, NVMe/FC, and SAN performance optimization.
Course Objectives
- Overview and setup of Cisco MDS fabric and director-class switches (9124V, 9148V, 9700 series)
- Cisco Smart Licensing for scalable, centralized license management
- Integration and policy management through Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller (NDFC)
- Deep packet visibility, telemetry streaming, and real-time SAN Analytics
- Advanced congestion management with Dynamic Ingress Rate Limiting (DIRL) and Fabric Performance Impact Notifications (FPINs)
- SAN security features including secure boot, encryption, zoning, and RBAC
- Best practices for VSAN segmentation, virtualized environment integration, and disaster recovery using FCIP
- Troubleshooting methodologies using analytics-driven root cause analysis tools
Who Should Attend?
This course is ideal for SAN administrators, storage engineers, and IT professionals responsible for managing Cisco storage networks in enterprise and data center environments. It emphasizes operational best practices and prepares attendees to optimize SAN performance, improve resilience, and simplify network management.
- Top-rated instructors: Our crew of subject matter experts have an average instructor rating of 4.8 out of 5 across thousands of reviews.
- Authorized content: We maintain more than 35 Authorized Training Partnerships with the top players in tech, ensuring your course materials contain the most relevant and up-to date information.
- Interactive classroom participation: Our virtual training includes live lectures, demonstrations and virtual labs that allow you to participate in discussions with your instructor and fellow classmates to get real-time feedback.
- Post Class Resources: Review your class content, catch up on any material you may have missed or perfect your new skills with access to resources after your course is complete.
- Private Group Training: Let our world-class instructors deliver exclusive training courses just for your employees. Our private group training is designed to promote your team’s shared growth and skill development.
- Tailored Training Solutions: Our subject matter experts can customize the class to specifically address the unique goals of your team.
Agenda
- Cisco MDS Intent-Based SAN Automation
- Automated SAN Network Analytics
- Cisco MDS Switching Portfolio Overview
- MDS 9124V and MDS 9148V Fabric Switches
- MDS 9700 Series Director - Class Switches
- Key Features of Cisco MDS Switches
- High Availability, Reliability, and Redundancy
- Use Cases for Cisco MDS SAN Switches