Data Center Virtualization Fundamentals

Data Center Virtualization Fundamentals For many IT organizations, today''s greatest challenge is to drive more value, efficiency, and utilization from data centers. Virtualization is the best way to meet this challenge. Data Center Virtualization Fundamentals brings together the comprehensive knowledge Cisco professionals need to apply virtualization throughout their data center environments. Leading data center expert Gustavo A. A. Santana thoroughly explores all components of an end-to-end data center virtualization solution, including networking, storage, servers, operating systems, application optimization, and security. Rather than focusing on a single product or technology, he explores product capabilities as interoperable design tools that can be combined and integrated with other solutions, including VMware vSphere. With the author''s guidance, you''ll learn how to define and implement highly-efficient architectures for new, expanded, or retrofit data center projects. By doing so, you can deliver agile application provisioning without purchasing unnecessary infrastructure, and establish a strong foundation for new cloud computing and IT-as-a-service initiatives. Throughout, Santana illuminates key theoretical concepts through realistic use cases, real-world designs, illustrative configuration examples, and verification outputs. Appendixes provide valuable reference information, including relevant Cisco data center products and CLI principles for IOS and NX-OS. With this approach, Data Center Virtualization Fundamentals will be an indispensable resource for anyone preparing for the CCNA Data Center, CCNP Data Center, or CCIE Data Center certification exams. Gustavo A. A. Santana, CCIE® No. 8806, is a Cisco Technical Solutions Architect working in enterprise and service provider data center projects that require deep integration across technology areas such as networking, application optimization, storage, and servers. He has more than 15 years of data center experience, and has led and coordinated a team of specialized Cisco engineers in Brazil. He holds two CCIE certifications (Routing & Switching and Storage Networking), and is a VMware Certified Professional (VCP) and SNIA Certified Storage Networking Expert (SCSN-E). A frequent speaker at Cisco and data center industry events, he blogs on data center virtualization at gustavoaasantana.net. Learn how virtualization can transform and improve traditional data center network topologies Understand the key characteristics and value of each data center virtualization technology Walk through key decisions, and transform choices into architecture Smoothly migrate existing data centers toward greater virtualization Burst silos that have traditionally made data centers inefficient Master foundational technologies such as VLANs, VRF, and virtual contexts Use virtual PortChannel and FabricPath to overcome the limits of STP Optimize cabling and network management with fabric extender (FEX) virtualized chassis Extend Layer 2 domains to distant data center sites using MPLS and Overlay Transport Virtualization (OTV) Use VSANs to overcome Fibre Channel fabric challenges Improve SAN data protection, environment isolation, and scalability Consolidate I/O through Data Center Bridging and FCoE Use virtualization to radically simplify server environments Create server profiles that streamline "bare metal" server provisioning "Transcend the rack" through virtualized networking based on Nexus 1000V and VM-FEX Leverage opportunities to deploy virtual network services more efficiently Evolve data center virtualization toward full-fledged private clouds -Reviews - "The variety of material that Gustavo covers in this work would appeal to anyone responsible for Data Centers today. His grasp of virtualization technologies and ability to relate it in both technical and non-technical terms makes for compelling reading. This is not your ordinary tech manual. Through use of relatable visual cues, Gustavo provides information that is easily recalled on the subject of virtualization, reaching across Subject Matter Expertise domains. Whether you consider yourself well-versed or a novice on the topic, working in large or small environments, this work will provide a clear understanding of the diverse subject of virtualization." -- Bill Dufresne, CCIE 4375, Distinguished Systems Engineer, Cisco (Americas) "..this book is an essential reference and will be valuable asset for potential candidates pursuing their Cisco Data Center certifications. I am confident that in reading this book, individuals will inevitably gain extensive knowledge and hands-on experience during their certification preparations. If you''re looking for a truly comprehensive guide to virtualization, this is the one!" -- Yusuf Bhaiji, Senior Manager, Expert Certifications (CCIE, CCDE, CCAr), Learning@Cisco "When one first looks at those classic Cisco Data Center blueprints, it is very common to become distracted with the overwhelming number of pieces and linkages. By creating a solid theoretical foundation and providing rich sets of companion examples to illustrate each concept, Gustavo''s book brings hope back to IT Professionals from different areas of expertise. Apparently complex topics are demystified and the insertion of products, mechanisms, protocols and technologies in the overall Data Center Architecture is clearly explained, thus enabling you to achieve robust designs and successful deployments. A must read... Definitely!" -- Alexandre M. S. P. Moraes, Consulting Systems Engineer -- Author of "Cisco Firewalls"

Get ready to configure and operate modern data centers—and move up to high-value CCNP Data Center (DC) certification Cisco Data Center Fundamentals is the complete guide for network engineers and other professionals who need a solid understanding of modern data center technologies. Especially useful for those preparing for the Cisco DCCOR exam and Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Data Center certification, it fully addresses the essentials of networking, storage, compute, and automation in today's data center environments. Authored by two long-time experts in operating Cisco data centers and developing official Learning@Cisco training for them, this guide explains each concept step by step, balancing depth and breadth, and maximizing clarity throughout. The authors go far beyond introducing relevant products, protocols, and features. They illuminate underlying technologies, identify key interdependencies, walk through configuring working solutions, and truly help prepare you to set up and operate a modern data center. Gain a holistic, unified understanding of the data center and its core components Walk through installation and deployment of key data center technologies Explore potential applications to see what's possible in your environment Learn how Cisco switches and software implement data center networking and virtualization Discover and apply data center network design and security best practices Review Cisco data center storage technologies and concepts, including Fibre Channel, VSANs, storage virtualization, and FCoE Explore the building blocks of the Cisco UCS data center compute solution, and how UCS uses hardware abstraction and server virtualization Use automation and APIs to improve data center productivity and agility Create and customize scripts for rapid troubleshooting Understand cloud computing for the data center: services, deployment models, and the Cisco Intersight hybrid cloud operations platform

4+ Hours of Video Instruction VMware vSphere Virtualization Fundamentals LiveLessons is an excellent place to start your virtualization journey, covering basic fundamentals of a VMware vSphere virtual data center. Bestselling author and VCI (VMware Certified Trainer) Bill Ferguson is ready to get you started with vSphere, VMware vSphere the leading product for creating virtualized data centers. Virtualization is one of the most interesting and beneficial concepts in today's IT world. Nearly everyone in IT has some experience with virtualized data. Many IT and business professionals would like to learn more about the concepts, but have no idea where to begin. This LiveLesson, part of the VMware Press Series, is an excellent starting point. This video will teach you the fundamentals of virtualization topics as they relate to (create, manage, and control) a VMware vSphere virtual data center. This video begins with coverage of core virtualization concepts and then becomes increasingly specific with regard to vSphere, virtual machines, virtual resources, and the features that allow for management and control of a virtual data center. It starts at a beginner level and gradually builds on the specifics of VMware and vSphere related topics. By the end of the video, the viewer should have an understanding of the basics of vSphere. Lessons: Introduction to VMware vSphere Virtualization Fundamentals LiveLessons Lesson 1 - Core VMware Virtualization Concepts 1.1 Comparing Physical Infrastructure with Virtual Infrastructure 1.2 Comparing Physical Architecture with Virtual Architecture 1.3 Real-World Benefits of Using Virtual Machines Lesson 2 - What is vSphere? 2.1 vSphere Concepts 2.2 vSphere Networking 2.3 vSphere Storage 2.4 vSphere Management Lesson 3 - Understanding Virtual Machines 3.1 Virtual Machine Files and Concepts 3.2 Virtual Machine Hardware 3.3 Guest OS Installation Options 3.4 Faster Ways to Deploy Virtual Machines Lesson 4 - Managing Virtual Machines 4.1 Hardware Settings 4.2 Options Settings 4.3 Resource Settings Lesson 5 - Allocating CPU and Memory Resources 5.1 Patented Technologies for Memory Efficiency 5.2 Best Practices for Virtual Machine CPU and Memory 5.3 Using Shares to Establish Priority 5.4 Using Limits and Reservations When Needed 5.5 Using Resource Pools Lesson 6 - Scalability Features in vSphere 6.1 vMotion 6.2 Storage vMotion 6.3 High Availability and Fault Tolerance 6.4 Distributed Resource Scheduler 6.5 Storage Distributed Resource Scheduler Lesson 7 - Performance Monitoring and Tuning 7.1 vCenter Performance Charts 7.2 vCenter Alarms 7.3 Resxtop Lesson 8 - Extending vSphere Capabilities to the Cloud 8.1 Tools for Managing Large or Multiple Virtual Datacenters 8.2 Tools for Managing a Cloud Environment Summary of VMware vSphere Virtualization Fundamentals LiveLessons LiveLessons Video Training series publishes hundreds of hands-on, expert-led video tutorials covering a wide selection of technology topics designed to teach you the skills you need to succeed. This professional and personal technology video series features world-leading author instructors published by your trusted technology brands: Addison-Wesley, Cisco Press, VMware Press, IBM Press, Pearson IT Certification, Prentice Hall, Sams, and Que. Topics include: IT Certification, Programming, Web Development, Mobile Development, Home & Office Technologies, Business & Management, and more. View All LiveLessons http: //www.pearsonitcertification.com/imprint/series_detail.aspx?ser=2185116 VMware Press is the official publisher of VMware books and training materials, which provide guidance on the critical topics facing today's technology professionals and students. Enterprises, as well as small- and medium-sized organizations, adopt virtualization as a more agile way of scaling IT to meet business needs. VMware Press provides proven, technically accurate information that will help them meet their goals for customizing, building, and maintaining their virtual environment. With books, certification and study guides, video training, and learning tools produced by world-class architects and IT experts, VMware Press helps IT professionals master a diverse range of topics on virtualization and cloud computing and is the official source of reference materials for preparing for the VMware Certified Professional Examination. For more information about VMware Press, please visit vmwarepress.com.

Master the basics of data centers to build server farms that enhance your Web site performance Learn design guidelines that show how to deploy server farms in highly available and scalable environments Plan site performance capacity with discussions of server farm architectures and their real-life applications to determine your system needs Today's market demands that businesses have an Internet presence through which they can perform e-commerce and customer support, and establish a presence that can attract and increase their customer base. Underestimated hit ratios, compromised credit card records, perceived slow Web site access, or the infamous "Object Not Found" alerts make the difference between a successful online presence and one that is bound to fail. These challenges can be solved in part with the use of data center technology. Data centers switch traffic based on information at the Network, Transport, or Application layers. Content switches perform the "best server" selection process to direct users' requests for a specific service to a server in a server farm. The best server selection process takes into account both server load and availability, and the existence and consistency of the requested content. Data Center Fundamentals helps you understand the basic concepts behind the design and scaling of server farms using data center and content switching technologies. It addresses the principles and concepts needed to take on the most common challenges encountered during planning, implementing, and managing Internet and intranet IP-based server farms. An in-depth analysis of the data center technology with real-life scenarios make Data Center Fundamentals an ideal reference for understanding, planning, and designing Web hosting and e-commerce environments.

The definitive guide to UCS and the Cisco® Data Center Server: planning, architecture, components, deployment, and benefits With its new Unified Computing System (UCS) family of products, Cisco has introduced a fundamentally new vision for data center computing: one that reduces ownership cost, improves agility, and radically simplifies management. In this book, three Cisco insiders thoroughly explain UCS, and offer practical insights for IT professionals and decision-makers who are evaluating or implementing it. The authors establish the context for UCS by discussing the implications of virtualization, unified I/O, large memories and other key technologies, and showing how trends like cloud computing and green IT will drive the next-generation data center. Next, they take a closer look at the evolution of server CPU, memory, and I/O subsystems, covering advances such as the Intel® XEON® 5500, 5600, 7500, DDR3 memory, and unified I/O over 10 Gbps Ethernet. Building on these fundamentals, the authors then discuss UCS in detail, showing how it systematically overcomes key limitations of current data center environments. They review UCS features, components, and architecture, and demonstrate how it can improve data center performance, reliability, simplicity, flexibility, and energy efficiency. Along the way, they offer realistic planning, installation, and migration guidance: everything decision-makers and technical implementers need to gain maximum value from UCS–now, and for years to come. Silvano Gai has spent 11 years as Cisco Fellow, architecting Catalyst®, MDS, and Nexus switches. He has written several books on networking, written multiple Internet Drafts and RFCs, and is responsible for 80 patents and applications. He teaches a course on this book’s topics at Stanford University. Tommi Salli, Cisco Technical Marketing Engineer, has nearly 20 years of experience with servers and applications at Cisco, Sun, VERITAS, and Nuova Systems. Roger Andersson, Cisco Manager, Technical Marketing, spent more than 12 years in the CLARiiON® Engineering Division at EMC, and 5 years as Technical Product Manager at VERITAS/Symantec. He is now focused on Cisco UCS system management. Streamline data centers with UCS to systematically reduce cost of ownership Eliminate unnecessary server components–and their setup, management, power, cooling, and cabling Use UCS to scale service delivery, simplify service movement, and improve agility Review the latest advances in processor, memory, I/O, and virtualization architectures for data center servers Understand the specific technical advantages of UCS Integrate UCS 6100 Fabric Interconnect, Cisco UCS 2100 Series Fabric Extenders, UCS 5100 Series Blade Server Enclosures, UCS B-Series Blade Servers, UCS C-Series Rack Servers, and UCS Adapters Use Cisco UCS Manager to manage all Cisco UCS components as a single, seamless entity Integrate third-party management tools from companies like BMC ®, CA ®, EMC ®, IBM ®, Microsoft ®, and VMware ® Practice all this with a copy of Cisco Unified Computing SystemTM Platform Emulator Lite (UCSPE Lite) on the DVD in the back of the book This book is part of the Networking Technology Series from Cisco Press®, which offers networking professionals valuable information for constructing efficient networks, understanding new technologies, and building successful careers.

Trust the Official Cert Guide series from VMware Press to help you learn, prepare, and practice for exam success. They are the only VMware-authorized self-study books and are built with the objective of providing assessment, review, and practice to help ensure you are fully prepared for your certification exam. Master VMware certification exam topics Assess your knowledge with chapter-opening quizzes Review key concepts with exam preparation tasks Reinforce your learning with web-based practice exams An excellent "fundamentals" book on vSphere ¿ The Official VCA-DCV Certification Guide focuses specifically on the objectives for the VCA-DCV, the VMware Certified Associate on Data Center Virtualization exam (VCAD510). Experts Matt Vandenbeld and Jonathan MacDonald share preparation hints and test-taking tips, helping you identify areas of weakness and improve both your conceptual knowledge and hands-on skills. Material is presented in a concise manner, focusing on increasing your understanding and retention of exam topics. ¿ Well regarded for its level of detail, assessment features, comprehensive design scenarios, and challenging review questions and exercises, this official study guide helps you master the concepts and techniques that will enable you to succeed on the exam the first time. The official study guide helps you master all the topics on the VCA-DCV exam, including the following: ¿ Datacenter virtualization: What is it and what are the components? Business challenges solved by virtualization Core components of vSphere: the virtual machine, ESXI, high availability vSphere storage, including physical versus virtual, storage types, thin provisioning, and more vSphere networking fundamentals, physical versus virtual switches, components, policies, I/O Mapping business challenges to vSphere solutions ¿ The Official VCA-DCV Certification Guide is part of a recommended learning path from VMware that includes simulation and hands-on training from authorized VMware instructors and self-study products from VMware Press. To find out more about instructor-led training, e-learning, and hands-on instruction offered worldwide, please visit www.vmware.com/training. ¿

Prepare for the VCP-DCV Exam Prepare yourself for VMware's challenging VMware Certified Professional-Data Center Virtualization exam, as well as the typical tasks and responsibilities you can expect as a VMware vSphere 5.5-certified professional. This comprehensive book guides you through all topics and objectives you'll need to know for the exam. These include planning, installing, upgrading, and securing vCenter Server and ESXi; configuring networking and storage; performing basic troubleshooting; and more. You'll also gain access to premium online practice and review tools. Prepares certification candidates for the VMware Certified Professional-Data Center Virtualization exam (VCP-DCV) Covers all exam objectives Features real-world scenarios, hands-on exercises, and challenging review questions Explores key topics such as securing vCenter and ESXi, planning and configuring vSphere networking and storage, creating and deploying virtual machines and vApps, establishing services levels, and more Includes access to online practice exams, flashcards, and other study tools If you want the best preparation for the VCP-DCV certification exam, you'll want VCP-DCV VMware Certified Professional Data Center Virtualization on vSphere Study Guide.

The amount of data being generated, processed, and stored has reached unprecedented levels. Even during the recent economic crisis, there has been no slow down or information recession. Instead, the need to process, move, and store data has only increased. Consequently, IT organizations are looking to do more with what they have while supporting growth along with new services without compromising on cost and service delivery. Cloud and Virtual Data Storage Networking, by savvy IT industry veteran Greg Schulz, looks at converging IT resources and management technologies for facilitating efficient and effective delivery of information services, including enabling of Information Factories. Regardless of your experience level, Schulz guides you through the various technologies and techniques available for achieving efficient information services delivery. Coverage includes: Information services delivery model options and best practices Metrics for efficient E2E IT management Server, storage, I/O networking, and data center virtualization Converged and cloud storage services (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) Data protection for virtual, cloud, and physical environments Data footprint reduction and data protection modernization High availability, business continuance, and disaster recovery This much-needed reference brings together technology themes and topics that are converging in IT and data center environments for enabling effective information services, in a practical and hype-free manner. When it comes to IT clouds and virtualization, you must look before you leap. This book will help you address the questions of when, where, with what, and how to leverage cloud, virtual, and data storage networking as part of your IT infrastructure. A video of Greg Schulz discussing his new book is featured on the CRC Press YouTube channel. Visit Slideshare to view a slide presentation based on the book.

Virtualization is one of the most interesting and beneficial concepts in today's IT world. Nearly everyone in IT has heard of virtualization and most have some experience with virtual datacenters. Most people want to learn more about the concepts, but have no idea where to begin. This LiveLesson is an excellent starting point. VMware vSphere is the lead product for creating virtualized datacenters. This video will teach you the fundamentals fo virtualization topics as they relate to (create, manage, and control) a VMware vSphere virtual datacenter. This video begins with core virtualization concepts and then becomes increasingly specific with regard to vSphere, virtual machines, virtual resources, and the features that allow for management and control of a virtual datacenter. It begins at a comfortable level for any viewer and gradually builds on their technical knowledge of VMware and vSphere related topics. By the end of the video, the viewer will understand how virtualization concepts fit in today's IT world, how they fit into the Cloud, and how they fit into their own organization. About the Author: Bill Ferguson, MCT, MCSE, MCP+I, CCNA, A+, Network+, Server+ is an IT veteran having been in the computer industry for more than 15 years. Originally in technical sales and sales management with Sprint, Bill transitioned to Certified Technical Trainer in 1997 with ExecuTrain. Currently Bill runs his own company as an independent contractor in Birmingham, Alabama, teaching classes for many nationally recognized training companies, as well as some regional training companies and corporations. In addition, Bill writes and produces technical training videos for Virtual Training Company, Inc. and Specialized Solutions, Inc., including A+, Network+, Windows 2000 Management, Windows XP Management, Windows 2000 Security, Server+, and Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices. Bill keeps his skills sharp by being a technical reviewer for books and sample tests and states, "My job is to understand the material so well that I can make it easier for my students to learn than it was for me to learn."...

Master vSphere 6 virtualization with hands-on practice and bonus preview exams VCP6-DCV: VMware Certified Professional-Data Center Virtualization on vSphere 6 Study Guide is your ultimate guide to preparing for exam 2VO-621. This Study Guide provides 100% coverage of all exam objectives and offers a unique set of study tools including assessment tests, objective map, real-world scenarios, hands-on exercises, and much more so you can be confident come exam day. You will also receive access to the superior Sybex interactive online learning environment that provides additional study tools including electronic flashcards and bonus practice exams. More than just a study guide, this book bridges the gap between exam prep and real-world on the job skills by focusing on the key information VMware professionals need to do the job. You'll master the vCenter Server and ESXi from planning and installation through upgrade and security, and develop an in-depth understanding of vSphere networking and storage, vApp deployment, service level establishment, troubleshooting, monitoring implementation, and so much more. Study 100% of exam 2V0-621 objectives Practice your skills with hands-on exercises Gain professional insight from real-world scenarios Test your understanding with review questions, practice tests, and more Virtualization is the number-one IT priority for organizations across public and private sectors, and VMware is the dominant force in the virtualization space. The VCP6-DCV certification gives you a highly marketable credential in terms of employment, but first you must pass this challenging exam. VCP6-DCV gives you the power of Sybex exam prep and the skills you need to excel at the job.