Management of the SD-WAN Environment for Government

Module 0: Introductions

Module 1: Introduction to Cisco C-Series Servers

• Cisco UCS Architecture Overview
• Position of C-Series Servers within UCS Solutions
• Key features, use cases, and deployment models (Standalone vs. UCS-Managed)

Module 2: Hardware Components and Architecture

• Chassis layout: CPUs, memory, storage, PCIe expansion
• Cisco VICs and network interface options
• Power, cooling, and redundancy considerations

Module 3: Cisco Integrated Management Controller (CIMC)

• Access methods: GUI, CLI, and APIs
• User accounts, roles, and security features
• Monitoring hardware health, alerts, and system logs
• Performing firmware and BIOS updates

Module 4: UCS Manager and Intersight Integration

• Differences between standalone and UCS-integrated management
• Policy-driven configuration with UCS Manager
• Cisco Intersight overview: cloud-based monitoring and lifecycle management
• Example: Using Intersight for remote troubleshooting

Module 5: VMware ESXi and vCenter Maintenance

• Installing ESXi on Cisco C-Series servers
• Configuring datastores and networking for ESXi
• Adding and managing hosts in vCenter
• Lifecycle management: patching and upgrading ESXi/vCenter
• Configuring HA, DRS, and vSAN basics
• Troubleshooting ESXi host disconnections
• Backup and recovery strategies for ESXi and vCenter

Module 6: Networking and Connectivity

• Configuring network interfaces through CIMC
• VLANs, NIC teaming, and uplink design
• Best practices for separating management, data, and storage traffic

Module 7: Storage Management

• RAID controller options and setup
• Local vs. SAN/NAS storage integration
• Hyperconverged support (Cisco HyperFlex overview)

Module 8: Security and Compliance

• BIOS security, TPM modules, and secure boot
• Ensuring firmware integrity and patch compliance

Module 9: SDWAN Control Component Deployment

• On-Prem Controller Deployment
• Create Manager VM Instance
• Create Validator (vBond) and Controller (vSmart)
• Enterprise CA Configuration
• Controller High Availability

Module 10: Monitoring and Troubleshooting C Series Server

• Using CIMC and UCS Manager for diagnostics
• Common hardware issues and resolutions
• Collecting logs for TAC support
• Example: Troubleshooting CPU and memory alerts