Cisco Storage Networking Support Specialist Exam

The Cisco Storage Networking Support Specialist exam is a post-sales/support focused exam which will certify that the successful candidate has important knowledge and skills necessary to install, implement, support, upgrade, and monitor and troubleshoot existing storage implementations.

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.

Install Cisco Storage equipment per design document/implementation plan

• Demonstrate capabilities of various components
• Perform initial setup tasks
• Perform software upgrades and downgrades
• Identify environmental concerns

Configure Cisco equipment in multi-vendor environment to meet designed solution

• Use correct system and interface configuration parameters
• Choose or enter appropriate command sets to affect the desired performance and minimize disruptions to existing Fabric
• Configure appropriate VSANs and Inter VSAN Routing (IVR)
• Verify proper configuration using appropriate tools
• Configure correct options to provide secure operation
• Configure correct licensing to insure proper licensing compliance

Analyze and tune customer configurations to optimize application performance and Fiber Channel network flows

• Use Fabric Analyzer to chart performance
• Use RMON or SNMP to monitor network status
• Use Port Analyzer Adapter and ethereal to monitor control plane and data plane flows
• Use Device Manager or Fabric Manager for performance statistics

Troubleshoot and repair SAN infrastructure to meet customer specifications

• Operate Fabric Analyzer and identify faults
• Use RMON and SNMP to diagnose performance issues
• Use Device Manager or Fabric Manager to troubleshoot performance problems and or failures
• Use command line diagnostic tools to troubleshoot problems or failures
• Interpret POST data to determine device state
• Select appropriate repair strategy to resolve problems
• Implement repair strategy

Maintain peak performance and reliability of SAN infrastructure

• Demonstrate an understanding of the Cisco MDS support policies
• Configure Call Home facility
• Perform trend analysis using appropriate tools

The following courses are recommended training for this exam.

• MDS 9000 Configuration and Troubleshooting (MDSCT)
• Cisco Multiprotocol Storage Essentials (CMSE)
• Cisco Advanced Storage Implementation and Troubleshooting (CASI)

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 nearest you.

A variety of Cisco Press Self-Study titles may be available for this exam and may be purchased through the Cisco Bookstore in the Cisco Marketplace, directly through Cisco Press or wherever you purchase technical books.

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