INTUCSX Training
Administering Cisco UCS X-Series Solutions with Intersight
This deep-dive training covers Cisco UCS X-Series server family and how Intersight can be the enablement platform for all UCS servers. We will cover Intersight features such as IWOM, IST, ICO, and programmability either On-Prem or in the Cloud. Attendees will learn the breadth of the physical X-Series (pools, policies, firmware, so much more) platform as well as maintaining existing infrastructure with Intersight Infrastructures Services. Also covered is how to manage physical, virtual, cloud platforms and deploy to any or all.
The primary audience for this course is as follows:
Server Administrators
Systems Engineers
Storage Administrators
Technical Solutions Architects
Integrators and Partners
Consulting Systems Engineers
Network Administrators
Network Engineers
Network Managers
Architects
N/A
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to meet these overall objectives:
Understand, describe, and configure Cisco Intersight (on prem and SaaS models)
Understand, describe, and configure Intersight Advanced features (IST, ICO, IWOM)
Understand, describe, and configure IMM and UMM mode for UCS
Understand, describe, and configure Cisco X-Series (FI, IFM, X210c Server, Adv Fabric Module)
Create Intersight Pools, Policies, and Management for X-Series
Design and operate Cisco UCS with Intersight Managed Mode Solutions
Section 1: Intersight Foundations
Intersight Architecture
Flexible Deployment Models
Cisco Intersight Infrastructure Service LicensingIntersight Essentials License Tier
Intersight Advantage License Tier
Intersight Premier License Tier
Section 2: Monitoring and Maintaining UCS Infrastructure with Intersight
Device Health and Monitoring
Standalone Management for UCS C-Series Servers
Server Compatibility (HCL), Advisories (CVEs), and Contract Status
Firmware Upgrades
Section 3: Designing & Operationalizing Cisco UCS Solutions with Intersight
Implementing Cisco Hyperflex with Intersight
Managing Cisco HyperFlex in vSphere Environment
Section 4: Cisco UCS M5, M6, X Overview and Configuration
Cisco UCS X-Series with Intersight DeploymentArchitecture
X-Series Fabric Interconnects
Compute X-Series
Power/Cooling EfficiencyCooling Capacity
Airflow
Thermal Policies
Future-Proof Cooling
Power Policies
Compute SeriesArchitecture – C220 M6
Architecture – C240 M6
Cisco VIC Offerings for M6
GPU Offerings for X-Series
Management Options for C220 / C240 M6 Rack Servers
UCS 7th Generation Intel Rack ServersArchitecture – C220 M7
Architecture – C240 M7
Intel 4th Gen Intel® Xeon® SP Sapphire Rapids High Level Features
M7 Memory DIMMsArchitecture – C225 M6
Architecture – C245 M6
Section 5: Designing Cisco UCS LAN and SAN Connectivity
LAN Connectivity Overview Gen 4End Host Mode
Requirements for Configuring VLANs in Cisco UCS Manager
Role of the vNIC in Abstracting MAC Addresses
Configuring Compute Node SAN Connectivity
Fibre Channel SwitchingFibre Channel Operating Modes
EHM and N-Port Virtualization
Configuring VSANs in Cisco UCS ManagerCreating VSANs and FCoE VLANs in Cisco UCS
Role of vHBAs when Abstracting WWNNs and WWPNs into a Service Profile
Configuring Manual Uplink Pinning and Recovery from Failure
Section 6: Configuring Cisco UCS-X in IMM Mode
IMM and Domain Profiles
Domain Policy Concepts and Usage
Cisco Intersight Server Profiles
Creating and Deploying a UCS C-Series Server Profile – Process Overview
Importing a Server Profile – Process Overview
Upgrading Firmware
Cisco IMM Transition Tool
Thermal Policies
Power Policies
Section 7: Implementing Cisco UCS-X Firmware Updates
Intersight Platform Firmware Operations Overview
Intersight Firmware Bundles
Cisco Stand-Alone Firmware Management
Cisco HX Firmware Management
UCS Managed Infrastructure Firmware Management
UCS Intersight Managed Mode Firmware Management
Hardware Compatibility List
Section 8: Intersight Workload Optimizer (IWO)
Intersight Workload Optimizer Overview
IWO Delivery and Tiers
Workload Optimizer – What’s New?
IWO Value PropositionApplication Resource Management
IWO Market
Section 9: Intersight Cloud Orchestrator (ICO)
Sample Scenario
Workflow Designer
Validate and Execute a Workflow
ICO – Intersight Cloud Orchestrator
Infrastructure Orchestration
Infrastructure as Code with ICO
Immutability with Intersight Cloud Orchestrator
Workflow Versions
Rollback Tasks (Task Designer)
Section 10: Intersight API Overview
Intersight API Resources
SDKs / Ansible Modules
Use Case
Appendix 1: Intersight Kubernetes Services (IKS) and Intersight Workload Engine (IWE)
IKS Overview
IKS Policies
Kubernetes Cluster Profile
IKS Dashboard
Container Technologies
Intersight Integration with HashiCorp Terraform Cloud
Appendix 2: Intersight Services for Terraform (IST)
Terraform OSS Challenges
Application & Infrastructure Deployment and Delivery
Benefits
Target Workflow
DeploymentStep 1: Deploy an Intersight Assist
Step 2: Add Terraform Cloud Target to Intersight
Step 3: Deploy Terraform Cloud Agents to Intersight Assist
Labs are designed to assure learners a whole practical experience, through the following practical activities.
Lab 0: Before You Begin
Lab 1: Start the Lab
Lab 2: Dashboard Overview
Lab 3: Overview
Lab 4: Operate
Lab 5: Create Pools and Policies
Lab 6: Create a Server Profile Template
Lab 7: Server Firmware Update
Lab 8: Boot ESXi and Configure
Lab 9: Cisco Intersight Workload Optimizer