The 642-356 CSSSS Cisco Storage Networking Solutions Support Specialist exam is the exam associated with the Data Center Storage Networking specialization. Candidates can prepare for this exam by taking the ICSN Implementing Cisco Storage Network and ICASN Implementing Cisco Advanced Storage Network course/s. This exam tests a candidate's knowledge of The Cisco Storage Networking Solutions Support Specialist validates an individual's knowledge of installing, configuring, and troubleshooting Cisco storage products to maintain a highly scalable, efficient, high performing storage networking environment. Cisco Storage Networking Support Specialist professionals understand how to deploy and optimize the features and benefits of the Cisco MDS 9000 Series Multilayer Directors and Switches, Cisco MDS 9509 Director Switch, Cisco 9216 Fabric Switch, and Cisco MDS 9120 products to provide fast and accurate resolution to network installation and customer service issues.. Topics covered include implementing appropriate IP configurations, Installing a Cisco Storage Solution, Implementing Cisco Storage equipment in multi-vendor multiprotocol environments, Implement the fabric design from the design document, Configuring security in a multiprotocol storage environment, Analyzing and tuning customer configurations to optimize application performance in multiprotocol storage networks and Troubleshooting SAN infrastructure.
Exam Topics
The following information provides general guidelines for the content likely to be included on the exam. However, other related topics may also appear on any specific delivery of the exam. In order to better reflect the contents of the exam and for clarity purposes the guidelines below may change at any time without notice.
Implement appropriate IP configurations
Implement IP addressing (IPv4 & IPv6).
Implement MTU.
Describe encapsulation for a storage solution.
Implement static routes.
Implement VLANs.
Implement ACLs.
Install a Cisco Storage Solution
Demonstrate a high level understanding of SAN technology.
Demonstrate knowledge of SAN Applications and Topologies (Layer 6 & up).
Identify environmental considerations.
Determine installation process steps & expected outcomes.
Identify & mitigate design and installation implications.
Perform initial setup tasks.
Perform routine administrative tasks.
Validate operational function of Cisco Storage Solution.
Implement Cisco Storage equipment in multi-vendor multiprotocol environments
Demonstrate knowledge of interoperability standards and industry implementations.
Determine configuration requirements based on information provided on a design document.
Configure the appropriate interoperability settings.
Implement the fabric design from the design document
Configure the correct system & interface configuration parameters.
Minimize disruption to the existing fabric during device installation and configuration.
Configure appropriate VSANs and Inter VSAN Routing (IVR).
Configure zoning.
Configure management infrastructure.
Configure correct licensing to insure proper licensing compliance.
Verify proper configuration using appropriate tools.
Configure static domain IDs & persistent FC IDs.
Configure security in a multiprotocol storage environment
Configure fibre channel port & fabric security.
Configure security for iSCSI.
Configure security for SAN Extension.
Configure security for data management path, including ACLs.
Configure VSAN-based roles.
Configure AAA services.
Analyze and tune customer configurations to optimize application performance in multiprotocol storage networks
Monitor network status with RMON / SNMP to identify potential problems.
Monitor control plane and data plane flows with Port Analyzer Adapter and Ethereal.
Verify performance statistics with Device Manager / Fabric Manager.
Chart performance with Performance Manager to identify trends and potential problems.
Capture SCSI level protocol flows using Traffic Analyzer.
Validate tuning performance using SAN Extension Tuner.
Configure traffic engineering to manage congestion and provide prioritization.
Configure TCP/IP parameters for optimizing performance of storage flows.
Configure write & tape acceleration to optimize bandwidth usage.
Configure proper compression deployment.
Troubleshoot SAN infrastructure
Capture and analyze fibre channel control flows using Fabric Analyzer.
Configure RMON, SNMP, and Call Home for detecting problems.
Troubleshoot problems and or failures using Device Manager / Fabric Manager.
Troubleshoot problems and failures using Command Line Diagnostic tools, show and debug commands.
Configure SPAN & RSPAN to capture data & control flows.
Configure and interpret the various system logs.
From the switch, verify host connectivity.
From the switch, verify connectivity from the host to the storage.
Diagnosing problems with switch upgrades.
Select appropriate repair strategy to resolve problems while minimizing disruption.
Recommended Training
The following courses are recommended training for this exam
Courses listed are offered by Cisco Learning Partners, the only authorized source for Cisco IT training delivered exclusively by Certified Cisco Instructors. Check the List of Learning Partners for a Cisco Learning Partner near you.
Additional Resources
A variety of Cisco Press titles may be available for this exam. These titles can be purchased through the Cisco Marketplace Bookstore, directly from Cisco Press.
for a Cisco Learning Partner near you.