Administering Cisco UCS X-Series Solutions with Intersight (INTUCSX)

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 5^thGeneration
  • 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
  • 7^th 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.