(DCID) Designing Cisco Data Center Infrastructure
Learn how to design efficient and secure data centers. DCID training provides practical, theoretical knowledge and design-oriented activities.
Duration
5 days
Version
8.0
CE Credits
40
The Cisco Continuing Education Program enables you to renew your certifications while exploring new learning paths and enhancing your skillset. It's a convenient way to stay certified without retaking exams. Click here to learn more.
CLCs
41
Cisco Learning Credits (CLCs) are prepaid training vouchers that can be used as investment into your knowledge. You can attend NIL Learning’s trainings and pay with CLCs. Click here to learn more.
By default, our instructors deliver the courses remotely in real time in English. On-premise delivery and other languages available on request.
Dates and Prices
| Date | Language | Location | Price Select currency |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
23.03.2026 - 27.03.2026 |
English |
Online, GMT+1 |
2780 € 2810 $ 2420 £ |
Book now |
|
13.07.2026 - 17.07.2026 |
English |
Online, GMT+2 |
2780 € 2810 $ 2420 £ |
Book now |
|
30.11.2026 - 04.12.2026 |
English |
Online, GMT+1 |
2780 € 2810 $ 2420 £ |
Book now |
| All prices exclude VAT. |
All prices exclude VAT.
Cisco Learning Credits (CLCs) are prepaid training vouchers that can be used as investment into your knowledge. You can attend NIL Learning’s trainings and pay with CLCs. Click to learn more.
Course Overview
The Designing Cisco Data Center Infrastructure (DCID) training focuses on data center design based on Cisco solutions and technologies. The training includes theoretical content and design-oriented case studies that are in the form of activities. The training includes information on designing data centers with Cisco components and technologies. It covers network designs with virtualization, Layer 2 and Layer 3 technologies and routing protocols, and data center interconnect design options. Also covered are device virtualization technologies such as virtualized network devices with virtual appliances, including virtual switches, virtual routers, and virtual firewalls. Storage and SAN design is covered, including an explanation of Fibre Channel networks. Design practices for the Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) solution based on Cisco UCS B-Series and C-Series servers, Cisco UCS-X are covered. Management and orchestration topics feature Cisco UCS Manager, Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller (NDFC), and Cisco Intersight, with additional emphasis on automation solutions such as programmability, Ansible, and Terraform. The training also addresses the integration of artificial intelligence, real-world use cases, and the design of AI-ready infrastructure.
This training prepares you for the 300-610 DCID exam. If passed, you earn the Cisco Certified Specialist – Data Center Design certification and satisfy the concentration exam requirement for the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Data Center certification. This training also earns you 40 Continuing Education (CE) credits toward recertification.
This training will help you:
- Make design choices for optimal data center infrastructure performance, virtualization, security, and automation
- Gain the practical and theoretical knowledge necessary to design a scalable, reliable, and intelligent data center based on Cisco technologies
- Qualify for professional-level job roles in the high-demand area of enterprise-class data center environments
- Prepare for the 300-610 DCID exam
- Earn 40 CE credits toward recertification
Welcome to Your Path to Mastery!
Hey! Ready to learn and grow? I'm here to help you every step of the way!
Welcome aboard! This course is tailored to empower you with the knowledge and skills you need. We'll make learning engaging and fun, turning your challenges into achievements. Let's get started on your amazing journey!
Robert Lesar
Lead Instructor
Objectives
Gain expert IT skills with NIL Learning: Benefit from our blend of theory and practical experience. Enhance your growth with insights into current and future tech trends. Choose us for cutting-edge Cisco training and more, taught by field-proven experts to maximize your training investment.
- Describe the physical design of modern data centers and different network types
- Describe how to design and manage the physical layer infrastructure of modern data centers
- Understand the multi-layered concept of data center redundancy, encompassing hardware, software, topological, and site-level resiliency
- Describe the Layer 2 forwarding options and protocols that are used in a data center
- Describe the Layer 3 forwarding options and protocols that are used in a data center
- Describe virtual infrastructure options and their considerations when deploying
- Describe overlay networks and operation of VXLAN and ACI
- Describe Fabric Interconnect operation and connectivity
- Describe Cisco UCS hardware options and hardware design
- Describe UCS connectivity for LAN and SAN
- Describe design aspects of UCS servers, networking, and hardware
- Describe physical design of modern data centers and different network types
- Describe the storage options for the compute function and the different RAID levels from a high-availability and performance perspective
- Describe Fibre Channel concepts and architecture
- Describe Fibre Channel concepts and architecture
- Describe Fibre Channel topologies and design
- Describe the hyperconverged solution and integrated systems
- Describe security threats and solutions in the data center
- Describe advanced data center security technologies and best practices
- Describe security options in the storage network
- Describe RBAC and integration with directory servers to control access rights on UCS Manager
- Describe key concepts in artificial intelligence, focusing on traditional AI, machine learning, and deep learning techniques and their applications.
- Describe generative AI, its challenges, and future trends, while examining the nuances between traditional and modern AI methodologies
- Explain how AI enhances network management and security through intelligent automation, predictive analytics, and anomaly detection
- Describe the importance of AI-specific hardware in reducing training times and supporting the advanced processing requirements of AI tasks
- Describe key network challenges from the perspective of AI/ML application requirements
- Explain the mechanisms and operations of RDMA and RoCE protocols
- Describe the role of optical and copper technologies in enabling AI/ML data center workloads
- Understand the compute hardware required to run AI/ML solutions
- Describe sustainable AI infrastructure practices, focusing on environmental and economic sustainability
- Describe Cisco network management models and license management approaches
- Provide learners with knowledge and skills to manage and automate compute infrastructure lifecycle using Cisco Intersight and related platforms for scalable, secure hybrid data centers
- Gain expertise in orchestrating, automating, and monitoring modern data center networks using Cisco Nexus Dashboard and its suite of integrated services
- Describe the design considerations of datacenter automation through programmability
- Analyze and plan for using orchestration with Ansible and Terraform to deploy, configure and operate Cisco data centers
Who should enroll?
- Network Designers
- Network Administrators
- Network Engineers
- Systems Engineers
- Data Center Engineers
- Consulting Systems Engineers
- Technical Solutions Architects
- Cisco Integrators and Partners
- Server Administrators
- Network Managers
- Storage Administrators
- Program Managers
- Project Managers
Technical solutions architects
- Server administrators
- Network managers
- Cisco integrators or partners
Course benefits:
Get expert knowledge
Our learning programs are designed and led by expert IT engineers, consultants, and instructors. We constantly implement participants’ feedback to improve courses.
Our experiences build your competencies
With 30+ years of experience, we’ve been on the market as long as Cisco. Our understanding of IT systems and industry job demands gives us the insight to guide you toward becoming a world-class expert yourself.
Rise above the industry average
Cisco courses are intended not only for passing the certification exam but also for developing your skills and rising above the industry average. Our instructors provide guidance and references that allow you to grow into a confident and competent professional.
Retain the knowledge longer
Our in-depth, non-interrupted learning program ensures you understand the bigger picture and retain the knowledge long term. It also reduces the risk of information loss and confusion.
Learn from the best in Cisco technologies
Our IT consultants-turned-instructors have years of experience and dedicate time to listening and interacting with participants within the course content. Their hands-on project involvement brings practical expertise to our learning programs.
Have peace of mind
We deliver on our promise and schedule. Rest assured, our instructors will give you knowledge, information, hints, and practical experiences around specific topics. Based on a global survey conducted by Cisco, NIL Learning instructors enjoy an average score of 4.78 out of 5.
Be ahead of the curve
As Cisco’s Platinum Learning Partner and technical community member, we create learning content for major technological vendors. NIL Learning is among the first to offer high-quality learning and training courses in Cisco Technologies.
Get more from a training
Our instructors deliver the courses with practical and useful examples from real-life situations. All NIL Learning instructors are field-proven experts – each both an active engineer and instructor.
Courses delivered by experts for experts in the making.
Among the first to offer training on newly arrived Cisco technologies
Part of Conscia, leading European IT solutions and services provider
A tech powerhouse with 30+ years of training & field experience
Industry-acclaimed, broadly expertised, and technically proficient
Connecting you with future trusted industry advisors
Course Outline
- Data Center Topologies
- Layer 1 Connectivity
- Data Center Redundancy
- Layer 2 Connectivity
- Layer 3 Connectivity
- Virtual Resources
- Overlay Networks
- Fabric Interconnect Connectivity
- Cisco Unified Computing System Server Options
- Cisco UCS Network Design
- Cisco Unified Computing System Server Design
- Cisco Unified Computing System Configuration
- Storage Options and Design
- Fibre Channel Networks
- Storage Virtualization
- Fibre Channel Topologies
- Hyperconverged and Integrated Systems
- Basic Data Center Security
- Advanced Data Center Security
- Storage Security
- Cisco Unified Computing System Role-Based Access Contro
- Fundamentals of AI
- Generative AI
- AI Use Cases
- AI-Enabling Hardware
- Key Network Challenges and Requirements for AI Workloads
- Application-Level Protocols
- AI Transport
- AI Compute Resources
- AI Sustainability
- Network and License Management
- Compute Management and Orchestration
- Network Orchestration
- Data Center Programmability and Automation
- Infrastructure as Code Automation
Lab Outline
- Module 1: High Availability on Layer 2
- Module 2: Designing Layer 3 Connectivity
- Module 3: Designing Data Center Topologies
- Module 4: Locator/ID Separation Protocol
- Module 5: VXLAN Overlay Networks
- Module 6: Hardware and Device Virtualization
- Module 7: Cisco FEX Options
- Module 8: Basic Data Center Security
- Module 9: Advanced Data Center Security
- Module 10: Management and Orchestration
- Module 11: Storage and RAID Options
- Module 12: Fibre Channel Topologies
- Module 13: Fibre Channel Topologies
- Module 14: FCoE
- Module 15: Storage Security
- Module 16: SAN Management and Orchestration
- Module 17: Cisco UCS Servers and Use Cases
- Module 18: Fabric Interconnect Connectivity
- Module 19: Hyperconverged and Integrated Systems
- Module 20: Cisco UCS Manager Systemwide Parameters
- Module 21: Cisco UCS RBAC
- Module 22: Pools for Service Profiles
- Module 23: Policies for Service Profiles
- Module 24: Network-Specific Adapters and Policies
- Module 25: Templates in Cisco UCS Manager
- Module 26: Designing Data Center Automation
Prerequisite Knowledge
There are no prerequisites for this training. However, the knowledge and skills you are recommended to have before attending this training are:
- Implement data center networking, including Local Area Network (LAN) and Storage Area Network (SAN)
- Describe data center storage
- Implement data center virtualization
- Implement Cisco Unified Computing System
- Implement data center automation and orchestration with the focus on Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI), Cisco Nexus Dashboard, and Cisco Intersight
- Describe products in the Cisco Data Center Nexus and Multilayer Director Switch (MDS) families
These skills can be found in the following Cisco Learning Offerings:
Associated certifications
Why NIL?
Global Leading Provider of Cisco Courses
30+ years of experience
Since 1992, NIL has been at the forefront of advanced contributors to strategic partner Cisco technologies, learning curriculum and value-added solutions deployed to clients around the globe.
Learn more about us
Gave us the best information needed
Very educated person. Gave us the best information needed and answered our questions. Taught us the basics and extra information needed to deal with the devices and configuration.
The best technical training I have participated in
I can say it was the best technical training I have participated in so far. The instructor explained the topic perfectly, down to the finest detail. The training always progressed interactively.
Directly applicable skills
I am extremely satisfied with all aspects of the program, from the relevant and well-organized content, to the knowledgeable and engaging instructor. The skills and knowledge I gained will be directly applicable to my work as a network engineer, helping me better understand and position Cisco products for my organization.
Explained real-world scenarios
Robert has explained real-world scenarios, with examples of how to implement solutions with our customers (service providers).
Instructor is very knowledgeable
Instructor (Robert) is very knowledgeable, and I appreciated his teaching skills.