Updated in May 2025.

This course now features Coursera Coach! A smarter way to learn with interactive, real-time conversations that help you test your knowledge, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding as you progress through the course. This course is designed to equip you with the in-depth knowledge required to succeed in the Cisco CCNP Data Center DCCOR (350-601) certification exam. You will gain a strong understanding of the various components and technologies that are vital for managing a modern data center network. By the end of this course, you will be proficient in both the theoretical and practical aspects of Cisco’s data center solutions. The course begins with an introduction to core networking concepts, including NX-OS, OSPFv2, and MP-BGP, before diving deeper into more complex topics such as Virtual Port Channels (vPC), VXLAN, and EVPN. You will also explore Cisco ACI (Application Centric Infrastructure), including configuration of ACI access policies, tenant policies, and contract-based micro-segmentation. Real-world use cases will help solidify your understanding of these advanced technologies. Next, you will expand into computing and storage networking, learning about Cisco UCS rack servers, hyper-converged infrastructure, Fibre Channel, and VSANs. Emphasis will be placed on automation, including tools like Ansible, Puppet, and Python, which allow you to automate data center processes effectively. By mastering these automation tools, you'll be able to streamline configuration and management tasks, reducing human error and increasing operational efficiency. This course is ideal for network engineers and IT professionals aiming to further their careers in data center management. With no prerequisites other than basic networking knowledge, it is accessible to individuals who already have a foundational understanding of networking and are looking to specialize in data center technologies.