Learn How to Ace the Cisco CCNP Data Center 642-997 DCUFI Exam with CBT Nuggets Videos
H3: Exam objectives H3: Exam format and duration H2: Why should you take Cisco CCNP Data Center 642-997 DCUFI? H3: Benefits of CCNP Data Center certification H3: Career opportunities for CCNP Data Center professionals H3: Prerequisites and recommended training H2: How to prepare for Cisco CCNP Data Center 642-997 DCUFI? H3: Study tips and resources H3: CBT Nuggets: The best online training platform for Cisco exams H3: How to download CBT Nuggets videos for offline learning H2: How to pass Cisco CCNP Data Center 642-997 DCUFI? H3: Exam tips and tricks H3: Practice questions and labs H3: Test day checklist H2: Conclusion Table 2: Article with HTML formatting Cisco CCNP Data Center 642-997 DCUFI CBT Nuggets Download: A Comprehensive Guide
If you are looking for a way to advance your data center skills and knowledge, you might want to consider taking the Cisco CCNP Data Center 642-997 DCUFI exam. This exam is one of the four required exams to earn the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Data Center certification, which validates your ability to design, implement, and maintain data center infrastructure using Cisco technologies.
Cisco Ccnp Data Center 642 997 Dcufi Cbt Nuggets Download
In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about the Cisco CCNP Data Center 642-997 DCUFI exam, including what it is, why you should take it, how to prepare for it, and how to pass it. We will also show you how to download CBT Nuggets videos, which are the best online training materials for Cisco exams, for offline learning.
What is Cisco CCNP Data Center 642-997 DCUFI?
Exam overview
The Cisco CCNP Data Center 642-997 DCUFI exam stands for Implementing Cisco Data Center Unified Fabric. It tests your knowledge and skills in implementing data center technologies such as Nexus switches, MDS switches, FabricPath, OTV, LISP, VXLAN, FCoE, security features, and network virtualization.
The exam is currently in version 6.0 and is available in English and Japanese languages. The exam number is 300-165 DCII and it replaces the previous version 5.0 exam (642-997 DCUFI).
Exam objectives
The exam objectives are divided into six domains, each with a different weightage. The domains are:
Implement Data Center Protocols (24%)
Implement Routing and Switching Protocols (22%)
Data Center Infrastructure Maintenance, Management, and Operations (14%)
Data Center Infrastructure Security (12%)
Infrastructure Storage (14%)
Data Center Compute Connectivity (14%)
You can find the detailed exam topics on the official Cisco website.
Exam format and duration
The exam format is multiple-choice and drag-and-drop questions. The number of questions varies from 55 to 65 and the duration is 90 minutes. You need to score at least 825 out of 1000 points to pass the exam.
You can take the exam at any Pearson VUE testing center or online through proctored delivery. The exam fee is $300 USD.
Why should you take Cisco CCNP Data Center 642-997 DCUFI?
Benefits of CCNP Data Center certification
The CCNP Data Center certification is one of the most sought-after and respected certifications in the IT industry. It demonstrates your expertise and credibility in designing, implementing, and maintaining data center infrastructure using Cisco technologies. It also shows your commitment and dedication to continuous learning and professional development.
Some of the benefits of earning the CCNP Data Center certification are:
You will gain a competitive edge in the job market and increase your chances of getting hired or promoted.
You will enhance your skills and knowledge in data center technologies and best practices.
You will be able to handle complex data center projects and challenges with confidence and efficiency.
You will be recognized and respected by your peers, managers, and customers as a data center expert.
You will be eligible for other advanced-level Cisco certifications such as CCIE Data Center or CCDE.
Career opportunities for CCNP Data Center professionals
As data centers continue to evolve and grow in complexity and scale, the demand for skilled and certified data center professionals is also increasing. According to a report by Global Knowledge, the CCNP Data Center certification is one of the top-paying IT certifications in 2020, with an average salary of $113,442 USD.
Some of the common job roles and titles for CCNP Data Center professionals are:
Data Center Engineer
Data Center Architect
Data Center Administrator
Data Center Manager
Data Center Consultant
Data Center Specialist
Prerequisites and recommended training
To take the Cisco CCNP Data Center 642-997 DCUFI exam, you need to have a valid Cisco CCNA Data Center certification or any Cisco CCIE certification as a prerequisite. You also need to have at least 2-4 years of data center experience.
To prepare for the exam, Cisco recommends that you take the following training course:
Implementing Cisco Data Center Infrastructure (DCII) v6.0: This course covers the key components and procedures needed to install, configure, manage, and troubleshoot a Cisco Nexus 7000 Series Switches in the network and SAN environment.
You can also use other online training platforms such as CBT Nuggets, which offer high-quality video courses, practice exams, labs, and more for Cisco exams.
How to prepare for Cisco CCNP Data Center 642-997 DCUFI?
Study tips and resources
Preparing for the Cisco CCNP Data Center 642-997 DCUFI exam requires a lot of hard work and dedication. You need to have a solid understanding of the exam objectives, topics, and concepts. You also need to practice your skills and knowledge using real-world scenarios and labs.
Here are some study tips and resources that can help you prepare for the exam:
Review the exam blueprint and objectives on the official Cisco website. Make sure you know what to expect on the exam and what areas you need to focus on.
Create a study plan and schedule that suits your learning style and goals. Allocate enough time for each domain and topic. Stick to your plan and track your progress.
Use multiple sources of information such as books, blogs, podcasts, forums, etc. to supplement your learning. Some of the recommended books for this exam are:
Cisco Data Center Fundamentals by Mauricio Arregoces et al.
Data Center Virtualization Fundamentals by Gustavo A.A. Santana
Troubleshooting Cisco Nexus Switches and NX-OS by Vinit Jain et al.
Watch video courses from reputable online training platforms such as CBT Nuggets. These courses are designed by experts who have years of experience in teaching and working with Cisco technologies. They cover all the exam topics in depth and provide practical examples and demonstrations. Some of the courses you can watch for this exam are:
Cisco CCNP Data Center 642-999 DCUCI by Anthony Sequeira
Cisco CCNP Data Center 642-997 DCUFI by Anthony Sequeira
Cisco CCNP Data Center 300-165 DCII by Jeff Kish
Practice your skills and knowledge using labs and simulations. Labs are essential for mastering the data center technologies and concepts. They allow you to apply what you have learned in a realistic environment. You can use physical or virtual labs depending on your budget and availability. Some of the lab options you can use are:
CBT Nuggets: The best online training platform for Cisco exams
If you are looking for the best online training platform for Cisco exams, you should definitely check out CBT Nuggets. CBT Nuggets is a leading provider of IT training videos that cover a wide range of topics and certifications, including Cisco, Microsoft, AWS, CompTIA, and more.
CBT Nuggets offers many benefits and features that make it stand out from other online training platforms. Some of them are:
High-quality video courses that are engaging, informative, and up-to-date. The courses are taught by experienced and certified instructors who have real-world knowledge and expertise in their fields.
Unlimited access to all courses and content with a monthly or annual subscription. You can watch the videos anytime, anywhere, and on any device.
Practice exams and quizzes that help you assess your readiness and identify your strengths and weaknesses. You can also get feedback and explanations for each question.
Virtual labs that allow you to practice your skills and knowledge in a realistic environment. You can access the labs from your browser without installing any software or hardware.
Study tools and resources such as flashcards, notes, transcripts, bookmarks, etc. that help you reinforce your learning and retention.
Learning paths and playlists that guide you through the courses and topics that are relevant for your certification goals.
Personalized coaching and support from a team of experts who can answer your questions, provide guidance, and motivate you along the way.
With CBT Nuggets, you can learn at your own pace and convenience, and get the best value for your money. You can also try it for free for 7 days with no obligation or commitment.
How to download CBT Nuggets videos for offline learning
One of the great features of CBT Nuggets is that you can download the videos for offline learning. This means you can watch the videos without an internet connection, which is useful if you are traveling, commuting, or in a remote area.
To download CBT Nuggets videos for offline learning, you need to use the CBT Nuggets app, which is available for iOS, Android, Windows 10, and macOS devices. You can download the app from the App Store, Google Play Store, Microsoft Store, or CBT Nuggets website.
Once you have installed the app on your device, you need to sign in with your CBT Nuggets account credentials. Then, you can browse or search for the courses and videos that you want to download. You can also access your playlists and learning paths from the app.
To download a video, you need to tap on the download icon next to the video title. You can also download an entire course by tapping on the download icon next to the course title. You can choose the video quality (low, medium, high) and the storage location (internal or external) for your downloads.
You can view your downloaded videos from the Downloads section of the app. You can also manage your downloads by deleting or updating them as needed. You can watch your downloaded videos without an internet connection for up to 7 days. After that, you need to connect to the internet to renew your downloads.
How to pass Cisco CCNP Data Center 642-997 DCUFI?
Exam tips and tricks
To pass the Cisco CCNP Data Center 642-997 DCUFI exam, you need to have a good strategy and approach. You need to be well-prepared, confident, and calm on the exam day. Here are some exam tips and tricks that can help you ace the exam:
Review the exam objectives and topics on the official Cisco website. Make sure you understand what is expected of you on the exam and what areas you need to focus on.
Practice as much as possible using labs and simulations. Labs are crucial for mastering the data center technologies and concepts. They allow you to apply what you have learned in a realistic environment.
Take practice exams and quizzes from reputable sources such as CBT Nuggets. Practice exams and quizzes help you assess your readiness and identify your strengths and weaknesses. They also help you familiarize yourself with the exam format and question types.
Study smartly and efficiently. Don't try to cram everything in one night or one week. Instead, study regularly and consistently over a period of time. Use study tools and resources such as flashcards, notes, transcripts, bookmarks, etc. to reinforce your learning and retention.
Get enough rest and sleep before the exam day. Don't stay up late or skip meals. A well-rested and nourished mind and body will perform better on the exam.
Arrive early at the testing center or set up your online proctored delivery. Make sure you have all the required documents and equipment for the exam. Follow the instructions and rules of the exam proctor.
Read each question carefully and thoroughly. Don't rush or skip any question. Eliminate the obvious wrong answers and choose the best answer from the remaining options.
Manage your time wisely. Don't spend too much time on one question or one domain. If you are unsure of an answer, mark it for review and move on to the next question. You can come back to it later if you have time.
Trust your instincts and knowledge. Don't second-guess yourself or change your answers unless you are absolutely sure. You have prepared well for the exam, so be confident and calm.
Practice questions and labs
To help you prepare for the Cisco CCNP Data Center 642-997 DCUFI exam, we have provided some practice questions and labs that cover some of the exam topics. You can use these questions and labs to test your knowledge and skills, as well as to get a feel of the exam format and difficulty level.
Note: These questions and labs are not actual exam questions or labs. They are only for practice purposes and do not guarantee your success on the exam.
Practice question 1
Which command can you use to verify the status of a FabricPath switch ID?
A) show fabricpath switch-id
B) show fabricpath status
C) show fabricpath isis
D) show fabricpath topology
Answer: A) show fabricpath switch-id
Explanation: The show fabricpath switch-id command displays information about the FabricPath switch ID, such as the state, mode, priority, system ID, and interfaces.
Practice question 2
Which two statements are true about OTV? (Choose two.)
A) OTV is a Layer 2 VPN technology that extends Layer 2 connectivity across a Layer 3 network.
B) OTV requires multicast support in the transport network for optimal operation.
C) OTV uses MAC-in-IP encapsulation to carry Layer 2 frames over a Layer 3 network.
D) OTV supports only unicast traffic between different data center sites.
E) OTV uses IS-IS as the control protocol to exchange MAC reachability information.
Answer: A) OTV is a Layer 2 VPN technology that extends Layer 2 connectivity across a Layer 3 network. C) OTV uses MAC-in-IP encapsulation to carry Layer 2 frames over a Layer 3 network.
Explanation: OTV (Overlay Transport Virtualization) is a Cisco proprietary technology that allows Layer 2 connectivity between geographically dispersed data center sites over a Layer 3 network. OTV encapsulates Ethernet frames with an IP header that contains the source and destination IP addresses of the edge devices that connect the data center sites. OTV also uses IS-IS as the control protocol to exchange MAC reachability information between edge devices. OTV supports both unicast and multicast traffic between different data center sites, but it requires multicast support in the transport network for optimal operation.
Practice lab 1
In this lab, you will configure FCoE on a Nexus switch using NPV mode.
The topology for this lab is as follows:
+-----------------+ +-----------------+ Nexus Switch Storage Array Eth1/1 --- Eth1 ------ Eth1 --- Eth1/1 (FCoE VLAN 10) (FCoE VLAN 10) +-----------------+ +-----------------+
The configuration steps are as follows:
Enable the FCoE feature on the Nexus switch.
Create a VLAN for FCoE traffic and assign it an ID of 10.
Create a virtual Fibre Channel (vfc) interface for Eth1/1 and bind it to the FCoE VLAN 10.
Configure Eth1/1 as an FCoE port and enable it.
Enable NPV mode on the Nexus switch.
Configure the Nexus switch as an NPV device and specify the storage array as the NPIV core switch.
Verify the FCoE configuration and status.
The configuration commands are as follows:
Nexus# configure terminal Nexus(config)# feature fcoe Nexus(config)# vlan 10 Nexus(config-vlan)# name FCoE Nexus(config-vlan)# exit Nexus(config)# interface vfc1 Nexus(config-if)# bind interface Ethernet1/1 Nexus(config-if)# no shutdown Nexus(config-if)# exit Nexus(config)# interface Ethernet1/1 Nexus(config-if)# switchport mode fcoe Nexus(config-if)# no shutdown Nexus(config-if)# exit Nexus(config)# npv enable Nexus(config)# npv device-alias distribute Nexus(config)# npv core-switch 1 fc-id 0x010000 mac-address 0000.0000.0000 interface Ethernet1/1 Nexus(config)# end Nexus# show fcoe database Nexus# show npv status
Practice lab 2
In this lab, you will configure VXLAN on a Nexus switch using BGP EVPN control plane.
The topology for this lab is as follows:
+-----------------+ +-----------------+ Nexus Switch 1 Nexus Switch 2 Eth1/1 --- Eth1 ------ Eth1 --- Eth1/1 (VXLAN VLAN 10) (VXLAN VLAN 10) +-----------------+ +-----------------+
The configuration steps are as follows:
Enable the features for VXLAN and BGP EVPN on both Nexus switches.
Create a loopback interface on both Nexus switches and assign them IP addresses of 10.10.10.1/32 and 10.10.10.2/32 respectively.
Create a VLAN for VXLAN traffic and assign it an ID of 10 on both Nexus switches.
Create a VXLAN network identifier (VNI) for VLAN 10 and assign it an ID of 10010 on both Nexus switches.
Create a virtual tunnel endpoint (VTEP) interface for Eth1/1 on both Nexus switches and assign them IP addresses of 192.168.10.1/24 and 192.168.10.2/24 respectively.
Configure BGP EVPN as the control plane protocol for VXLAN on both Nexus switches.
Configure BGP peering between the loopback interfaces of both Nexus switches using the ASN of 65000.
Advertise the VTEP IP addresses and VNI information using BGP EVPN on both Nexus switches.
Verify the VXLAN configuration and status.
The configuration commands are as follows:
Nexus-1# configure terminal Nexus-1(config)# feature nv overlay Nexus-1(config)# feature bgp Nexus-1(config)# interface loopback0 Nexus-1(config-if)# ip address 10.10.10.1/32 Nexus-1(config-if)# exit Nexus-1(config)# vlan 10 Nexus-1(config-vlan)# vn-segment 10010 Nexus-1(config-vlan)# exit Nexus-1(config)# interface nve1 Nexus-1(config-if-nve)# no shutdown Nexus-1(config-if-nve)# source-interface loopback0 Nexus-1(config-if-nve)# member vni 10010 associate-vrf Nexus-1(config-if-nve-vni)# exit Nexus-1(config-if-nve)# member vni 10010 mcast-group 239.0.0.10 Nexus-1(config-if-nve-vni)# exit Nexus-1(config-if-nve)# exit Nexus-1(config)# interface Ethernet1/1 Nexus-1(config-if)# switchport mode trunk Nexus-1(config-if)# switchport trunk allowed vlan 10 Nexus-1(config-if)# no shutdown Nexus-1(config-if)# exit Nexus-1(config)# router bgp 65000 Nexus-1(config-router)# router-id 10.10.10.1 Nexus-1(config-router)# address-family ip