350-601 DCCOR Exam – CCNP Data Center Implementation and Operation

What You’ll Learn

• Implement and manage Layer 2 and Layer 3 protocols in Cisco data centers, including VLANs, routing, and redundancy.
  
  

• Configure and operate overlay technologies like VXLAN and EVPN for scalable network virtualization.
  
  

• Understand and deploy Cisco ACI fabric components, policies, and integrations with virtualization platforms.
  
  

• Design and secure Fibre Channel and FCoE storage networks using Cisco MDS switches.
  
  

• Manage Cisco UCS servers and integrate compute, storage, and network infrastructure seamlessly.
  
  

• Learn Cisco HyperFlex hyperconverged infrastructure architecture and operations.
  
  

• Apply network security best practices including ACLs, CoPP, and role-based access control.
  
  

• Automate data center operations using tools like Ansible, Puppet, and Python scripting.
  
  

• Monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize data center performance with Cisco tools and protocols.
  
  

• Integrate data center infrastructure with hybrid cloud and virtualization environments.

This course prepares you for the CCNP Data Center certification and real-world Cisco data center implementations.

Course Overview

The 350-601 DCCOR: Implementing and Operating Cisco Data Center Core Technologies course is a comprehensive training program designed to provide IT professionals with the essential skills and practical experience required to manage and operate modern data center infrastructures effectively. This course is particularly suited for individuals aiming to achieve advanced-level certifications such as the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Data Center and the highly regarded Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) Data Center credentials. By covering a wide array of fundamental and advanced topics, the course prepares learners to meet the complex demands of today’s enterprise data center environments.

In today’s digital world, data centers form the backbone of virtually every organization’s IT infrastructure. They support business-critical applications, data storage, networking, and virtualization — all requiring seamless integration and high reliability. As these environments evolve rapidly with emerging technologies, having a solid grasp of core data center technologies is vital for IT professionals who want to stay relevant and excel in their roles. The 350-601 DCCOR course delivers precisely that, blending theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical skills that are immediately applicable in real-world settings.

This course begins by diving deep into the architectural principles behind Cisco’s data center solutions. Students learn about the design and operational aspects of Cisco Nexus switches, which serve as the high-performance backbone for data center networking. These switches support advanced features such as automation, programmability, and high availability, all essential for building scalable and resilient infrastructures.

Alongside networking, the course covers storage technologies critical to data center operation. This includes the Cisco MDS family of storage area network (SAN) switches, which provide the robust infrastructure needed for high-speed, reliable data transfer between servers and storage systems. Learners explore Fibre Channel fabric, Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE), and storage virtualization concepts, all pivotal for efficient storage management and optimization.

Compute infrastructure forms another cornerstone of the course curriculum. The Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) platform is a central focus, with lessons covering server form factors, network connectivity, and server virtualization integration. Understanding UCS architecture and its management tools equips students with the knowledge to deploy and maintain powerful, scalable compute resources in data centers.

Virtualization and automation are transforming data center operations by enabling greater agility and efficiency. The course introduces virtualization technologies and integration with Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI), which simplifies network management by using software-defined networking (SDN) principles. Automation tools and scripting techniques are also covered, helping learners to streamline repetitive tasks, reduce human error, and enhance operational consistency.

Security remains paramount in data center environments. This course addresses data center security strategies, including segmentation, access control, and threat mitigation techniques tailored for Cisco architectures. Students gain an understanding of how to protect critical data and resources while maintaining performance and scalability.

Throughout the course, learners benefit from the expertise of an instructor who holds multiple CCIE certifications, providing deep insights based on years of real-world experience. The instructor’s practical approach bridges the gap between theory and application, offering guidance on troubleshooting, best practices, and advanced configuration techniques.

By the end of this course, participants will have developed a robust understanding of core data center technologies and the confidence to implement, operate, and troubleshoot Cisco data center solutions effectively. This knowledge forms a critical foundation for those pursuing higher-level certifications or advancing their careers in data center design, management, and operations.

Course Description

In today’s evolving IT landscape, data centers are becoming increasingly complex and automated. The course begins by introducing the architectural principles and operational components of Cisco data centers, including Nexus switches, Unified Computing System (UCS), MDS storage fabrics, and Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI). This foundational knowledge is crucial for understanding how modern enterprise data centers function efficiently and securely.

One of the highlights is the in-depth exploration of overlay technologies such as VXLAN and EVPN. These protocols enable scalable Layer 2 and Layer 3 network virtualization, critical for supporting cloud and hybrid infrastructure models. Additionally, you will gain hands-on skills in configuring and managing Cisco’s storage networking solutions, including Fibre Channel and Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE), which ensure reliable and high-performance storage access.

Security plays a central role in this curriculum. You will learn to enforce network security policies using ACLs, control-plane policing, role-based access, and other best practices. This knowledge helps protect data center assets from unauthorized access and network threats.

Automation and orchestration are rapidly transforming data center operations. This course covers popular automation tools such as Ansible, Puppet, and Python scripting, along with Cisco’s own orchestration platforms like DCNM and Intersight. These skills empower you to reduce manual tasks, improve consistency, and accelerate deployment processes, making you more efficient in managing large-scale infrastructures.

The course also focuses on infrastructure monitoring and troubleshooting, teaching you to use telemetry, SNMP, and diagnostic tools to maintain data center health and resolve issues promptly. Understanding how to proactively manage device performance and system events is critical to minimizing downtime and ensuring high availability.

Cisco UCS integration is another major component, where you learn to manage both B-Series blade and C-Series rack servers, creating unified compute fabrics that scale seamlessly. Additionally, you’ll explore Cisco HyperFlex hyperconverged systems that combine compute, storage, and networking into a single, software-driven platform designed for simplicity and scalability.

Requirements

To get the most out of this course, certain prerequisites are recommended:

• A solid understanding of Ethernet networking, including VLANs, IP addressing, and TCP/IP fundamentals.
  
  

• Familiarity with Cisco Nexus switches and general data center routing concepts such as OSPF and BGP.
  
  

• Basic knowledge of storage networking, including Fibre Channel and SAN architectures.
  
  

• Experience or foundational knowledge of virtualization technologies like VMware.
  
  

• Awareness of Cisco UCS server components and data center architecture.
  
  

• General IT infrastructure experience, preferably in enterprise or large-scale environments.

These prerequisites help ensure that you can follow the advanced topics without being overwhelmed by basic networking or storage concepts.

Who Should Take This Course?

This course is ideal for network engineers, systems engineers, infrastructure specialists, and technical consultants working or aspiring to work with Cisco data center technologies. Whether you are preparing for the CCNP Data Center certification or looking to upgrade your data center skills for real-world deployments, this course equips you with the essential tools and knowledge to succeed.

Key Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Implement Layer 2 and Layer 3 routing protocols and redundancy mechanisms in the data center
  
  

• Configure and operate overlay technologies such as VXLAN and EVPN
  
  

• Understand and apply Cisco ACI concepts, building blocks, and integrations
  
  

• Deploy and secure Fibre Channel and Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) networks
  
  

• Monitor and manage data center infrastructure with native tools and software
  
  

• Automate operations using Cisco’s automation and orchestration technologies
  
  

• Integrate Cisco UCS B-Series and C-Series servers within a unified data center fabric
  
  

• Describe Cisco HyperFlex architecture and its operational benefits
  
  

• Implement security features across compute, storage, and networking layers

Ideal Audience

This course is targeted at professionals aiming to strengthen their skills in enterprise data center technologies. It is particularly beneficial for:

• Network engineers working in data center environments
  
  

• Systems engineers managing compute and storage solutions
  
  

• Data center infrastructure specialists focused on Cisco technologies
  
  

• Technical consultants advising on enterprise deployments
  
  

• Cisco channel partners delivering end-to-end data center solutions
  
  

• Server and storage administrators looking to expand their network knowledge
  
  

• Professionals preparing for CCNP and CCIE Data Center certification exams
  
  

• Architects designing scalable, automated data center infrastructures
  
  

• Field engineers responsible for maintaining critical IT environments

Whether you're building from foundational knowledge or upgrading existing skill sets, this course offers the tools needed to advance your career in data center technology.

Prerequisites

Before diving into this course, learners should have:

• A working understanding of Ethernet and TCP/IP networking principles
  
  

• Familiarity with storage networks and Fibre Channel protocol
  
  

• Experience with Cisco Nexus switches and data center routing concepts
  
  

• An understanding of virtualization platforms such as VMware
  
  

• A basic awareness of Cisco UCS components and system architecture
  
  

• A general knowledge of enterprise-level IT infrastructure

Meeting these prerequisites will ensure a smoother learning experience, especially when covering advanced implementations or troubleshooting scenarios.

Course Modules and Topics

The course is structured around Cisco’s official DCCOR 350-601 exam topics, ensuring alignment with real-world exam objectives and enterprise needs. Below is a detailed overview of the modules covered:

1. Data Center Networking Infrastructure

• Implementing switching protocols in Cisco Nexus environments
  
  

• Configuring VLANs, port channels, vPC, and FabricPath
  
  

• Enabling first-hop redundancy using HSRP and VRRP
  
  

• Routing within the data center using OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP
  
  

• Configuring multicast features for high-throughput environments
  
  

• Understanding network segmentation and traffic isolation

2. Overlay Technologies

• Overview of overlay networks in the data center
  
  

• VXLAN encapsulation, benefits, and deployment
  
  

• EVPN as a control plane solution for VXLAN
  
  

• Designing scalable Layer 2 extensions using overlays
  
  

• Integration with spine-leaf architectures

3. Network Security and Compliance

• Implementing security at the network infrastructure level
  
  

• Enforcing policies using ACLs and CoPP
  
  

• Securing routing and Layer 2 domains
  
  

• Identifying threats and integrating with network security platforms
  
  

• Role-based access and authentication techniques

4. Cisco ACI Fundamentals

• Understanding Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure architecture
  
  

• Describing ACI fabric components and policy models
  
  

• Integration with VMware and other virtualization domains
  
  

• Packet flow visualization in ACI environments
  
  

• Application profiles and endpoint groups (EPGs)
  
  

• Setting up tenants, bridges, and contracts

5. Cloud and Virtualization in Data Centers

• Exploring Cisco’s cloud services and deployment models
  
  

• Understanding hybrid and multi-cloud strategies
  
  

• Integrating cloud-native services with on-prem infrastructure
  
  

• Managing virtual network environments through VMM integration
  
  

• Examining orchestration layers in cloud environments

6. Data Center Monitoring and Operations

• Monitoring data center infrastructure using Cisco tools
  
  

• Using telemetry, SNMP, and NetFlow for visibility
  
  

• Performing software upgrades and configuration backups
  
  

• Managing device health and environmental metrics
  
  

• Diagnosing faults and ensuring high availability

7. Fibre Channel and FCoE Implementation

• Deploying Fibre Channel fabric using Cisco MDS switches
  
  

• Configuring zones, VSANs, and NPIV
  
  

• Integrating FCoE with unified fabric for converged networking
  
  

• Managing storage services and throughput optimization
  
  

• Securing SAN connectivity through zoning and authentication

8. Storage Infrastructure Management

• Managing storage devices and arrays within the network
  
  

• Performing maintenance and upgrades in storage environments
  
  

• Understanding storage protocols and topologies
  
  

• Optimizing storage latency and access paths

9. Unified Computing System (UCS) Implementation

• Exploring Cisco UCS server form factors: B-Series and C-Series
  
  

• Implementing network and SAN connectivity within UCS
  
  

• Using UCS Manager to manage service profiles and resources
  
  

• Abstracting hardware and ensuring scalability
  
  

• Enhancing security within UCS deployments
  
  

10. Cisco HyperFlex and Hyperconverged Infrastructure

• Describing Cisco HyperFlex concepts and benefits
  
  

• Implementing hyperconverged compute and storage
  
  

• Understanding cluster design, redundancy, and expansion
  
  

• Monitoring HyperFlex systems and performance metrics

11. Automation and Scripting in the Data Center

• Implementing automation tools like Puppet, Chef, and Ansible
  
  

• Writing scripts using Python for infrastructure automation
  
  

• Using Cisco DCNM and Intersight for orchestration
  
  

• Integrating with CI/CD pipelines and DevOps workflows
  
  

• Automating UCS and ACI configurations

12. Software Integration and Orchestration

• Describing integration with third-party platforms
  
  

• Using REST APIs and SDKs for programmability
  
  

• Leveraging Cisco’s open platform capabilities
  
  

• Building workflows using Cisco Process Orchestrator

Real-World Applications

This course doesn’t stop at theory. It prepares learners to handle:

• Complex routing scenarios in multi-site data centers
  
  

• Overlay migrations from traditional Layer 2 topologies
  
  

• Secure deployment of storage fabrics across multiple locations
  
  

• Automation of repetitive configuration tasks using scripts
  
  

• Deployment of Cisco UCS service profiles and chassis discovery
  
  

• Infrastructure monitoring using enterprise-grade tools
  
  

• Real-time troubleshooting of link issues, latency, and performance bottlenecks

These practical skills are essential not just for certification, but also for handling enterprise data center projects and operations confidently.

Certification Pathway

The 350-601 DCCOR: Implementing and Operating Cisco Data Center Core Technologies course serves as a vital stepping stone for IT professionals aiming to advance their careers in the field of data center networking and infrastructure management. It is specifically tailored to prepare candidates for key Cisco certifications that are highly respected and sought after in the networking and data center industries: the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Data Center and the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) Data Center certifications.

The 350-601 DCCOR exam, also known as the Data Center Core exam, is a mandatory requirement for earning the CCNP Data Center certification. This course provides comprehensive preparation for the DCCOR exam by covering its core domains, which include data center networking, compute, storage, virtualization, automation, and security. Mastery of these topics is essential because the DCCOR exam tests foundational knowledge that supports more specialized skills.

Once candidates successfully pass the DCCOR exam, they can proceed to take one or more concentration exams to tailor their certification to specific areas of interest within data center technologies. These concentration exams include:

• DCACI (Designing Cisco Data Center Infrastructure): Focuses on designing scalable, resilient, and efficient data center infrastructures.
  
  

• DCFNDU (Designing Cisco Data Center Fabric): Emphasizes data center fabric architecture and design.
  
  

• DCAUTO (Implementing Cisco Data Center Automation and Orchestration Solutions): Covers automation and orchestration tools used to simplify data center operations.

Completing both the core exam and a concentration exam earns candidates the full CCNP Data Center certification, showcasing their comprehensive skills and readiness to manage complex data center environments.

CCIE Data Center Certification

For those aspiring to reach the pinnacle of data center networking expertise, the CCIE Data Center certification represents the highest level of Cisco accreditation. This expert-level certification is reserved for professionals who demonstrate deep technical knowledge and advanced practical skills in deploying, troubleshooting, and optimizing Cisco data center technologies at scale.

While the CCNP Data Center certification focuses on theory and implementation skills, the CCIE Data Center demands both extensive knowledge and hands-on proficiency. The 350-601 DCCOR course prepares candidates for the written qualification exam, which is the first step towards achieving CCIE status. Passing this core exam validates foundational expertise and allows candidates to move on to the rigorous CCIE lab exam—a practical, hands-on test designed to simulate real-world network scenarios.

Achieving CCIE Data Center certification opens doors to elite job roles such as data center architect, network consultant, and senior systems engineer. It signifies mastery of data center infrastructure technologies, including switching, routing, SAN, virtualization, automation, and security at an enterprise scale.

Instructor Profile

Ratnesh brings over a decade of hands-on experience working with enterprise network and data center deployments. With three CCIE certifications and a strong foundation in systems architecture, Ratnesh is known for delivering engaging, technically deep, and practical training sessions that bridge the gap between theory and real-world application.

As a content creator and instructor, Ratnesh has trained over 26,000 students worldwide and is committed to empowering professionals with knowledge that leads to certification, confidence, and career growth.

Cisco’s data center landscape continues to evolve rapidly, demanding engineers to adapt, automate, and deliver consistent performance across hybrid environments. This course is not just a test preparation tool — it is a roadmap to mastering the technologies shaping the future of enterprise data centers.

Whether you're upgrading your skills, seeking certification, or exploring Cisco ACI and HyperFlex for the first time, this course equips you with the tools and insights necessary to succeed.

Enroll now and take the next step toward becoming a recognized Cisco Data Center expert.