Duration: 2 Days
In this course, you will learn about the next-generation Cisco Nexus 9000 Switches. These switches are highly programmable, high-density; 1/10/40G Ethernet switches offer the highest performance and extensibility to 100GE switching and lowest cost-per-port. They offer extremely high-flexibility and programmability for next-generation automation and orchestration. Cisco Nexus 9000 Switches build on existing NX-OS technology to bring two new data center network deployment options to customers.
You will learn about the first deployment option, known as Standalone Mode. This mode offers significant extensions to NX-OS in the area of programmability, including:
- A RESTful API, Python scripting, Linux BASH access, and direct ASIC-level access for traffic flow monitoring
- Support for open-systems automation and orchestration DevOps platforms, including Puppet, Chef, and Cisco's own onePK
- Support for software defined networking (SDN) and emerging overlay network technologies, including VXLAN, OpenFlow, and the OpenDaylight Controller
The course and the hands-on labs focus on the hardware architecture of the Nexus 9000 and the new programmability features and interfaces that have been added to NX-OS. Prior knowledge of NX-OS and the Nexus 5000, 6000, or 7000 platforms is highly recommended.
You will also be introduced to the second operating mode, called Application Centric Infrastructure---or ACI. ACI runs on the same Nexus 9000 hardware platform and builds on the fundamental concepts of SDN to deliver a completely reconceptualized operational model that goes far beyond existing SDN solutions.
What You Will Learn
- How the Nexus 9000 platform addresses current trends in Data Center architecture and management
- Identify Nexus 9000 platform components
- Nexus 9000 hardware architecture, including line card architecture and packet forwarding
- The new NX-OS features available on the Nexus 9000 Switches
- Operation and configuration details of VXLAN
- ACI operating mode
- Programmability, automation, and monitoring options available on the Nexus 9000 switches
- The OpenFlow protocol
- Design possibilities with the Nexus 9000 Switches
Audience
System engineers, network engineers, architects, and Data Center architects who design, implement, and manage Data Center networks using the Cisco Nexus 9000. The focus is on the Nexus 9000 operating in Standalone mode, with a brief overview of ACI Fabric mode.
Prerequistes
- Experience with Cisco NX-OS
- Understanding of Cisco Data Center network architecture
Course Outline
1. Cisco Nexus 9000 Solution Overview
- Data Center Trends
- Nexus 9000 Overview
- Introduction to NX-OS Enhancements
2. Hardware Overview
- Nexus 9500 Chassis
- Line Card Modules
- Supervisors
- Fabric Modules
- Power Supplies
- System Controllers
- Nexus 9300 Switches
- FEX Support
- 40G and 100GE Networking
- Supported Optics
3. Hardware Architecture
- 9500 Architecture
- Line Card Architecture
- 9300 Architecture
- Packet Forwarding
4. Nexus 9000 NX-OS Enhancements
- Nexus 9000 NX-OS Feature Overview
- High Availability
- Management
5. VXLAN
- Introduction to Overlay Networks
- VXLAN Overview
- VXLAN Control Plane
- VXLAN Forwarding Plane
- Configuring VXLAN
6. Cisco ACI Overview
- What is Application Centric Infrastructure?
- ACI Architectural Overview
- ACI Benefits
7. Programmability and Automation
- Programming Features
- Automation Features
- Visibility and Monitoring Features
8. OpenFlow Overview
- OpenFlow Concepts and Architecture
- OpenFlow Protocol
9. Nexus 9000 Topology Designs
- Traditional Data Center
- Topologies Spine and Leaf Topologies
- Overlay Topologies
Course Labs
Lab 1: Nexus 9000 Initial Configuration
Lab 2: Configuring VXLAN
Lab 3: Using NX-OS API
Lab 4: Python Scripting
Lab 5: XMPP Management
Lab 6: OpenFlow
