Course Overview

This comprehensive study guide and training course is designed to prepare students and network professionals for the CCNA Data Center DCICT (Exam 640-916). You will learn foundational data center concepts including data center architecture, server and network virtualization, storage networking, converged I/O, UCS fundamentals, Nexus switching features, and common data center network services such as load balancing and ACLs. The course blends conceptual learning with practical configuration examples and hands-on labs so you can apply theory to real equipment and simulators. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Who Should Enroll

• Network engineers and administrators moving into data center roles.
• IT professionals preparing for the CCNA Data Center DCICT 640-916 exam.
• Students looking to gain practical knowledge of Cisco UCS, Nexus switching, storage networking and data center virtualization.
• Anyone who wants a vendor-focused, hands-on grounding in modern data center fundamentals.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand core data center architecture and common deployment models. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
• Describe and configure basic Nexus switch features and management workflows. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
• Explain server virtualization, UCS components and how compute is integrated in a Cisco data center environment. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• Identify storage networking fundamentals (SAN, NAS) and converged I/O concepts.
• Prepare an effective study plan and pass the 640-916 exam using official and supplemental resources. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Course Modules (Detailed)

1. Introduction to Data Center Concepts — Architecture, roles, and key terminology.
2. Data Center Design Basics — Top-of-rack vs end-of-row, redundancy, cabling, and physical considerations.
3. Nexus Switching — Nexus portfolio overview, VLANs, VPC basics, and management (NX-OS essentials). :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
4. Unified Computing System (UCS) — UCS components, service profiles, and management concepts. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
5. Storage Networking — FC, FCoE, iSCSI, basic SAN concepts and storage access patterns.
6. Data Center Virtualization — Network and server virtualization concepts, hypervisor basics and design trade-offs.
7. Network Services — Load balancing, ACLs, QoS basics, and security considerations.
8. Exam Preparation — Practice questions, study plan, troubleshooting exercises, and final review.

Hands-on Labs & Practical Work

The course includes lab exercises suitable for physical hardware (Nexus, UCS) and virtualized labs (emulators/simulators). Labs cover Nexus basic configuration, UCS service profile creation, simple SAN connectivity scenarios, and a guided troubleshooting lab that mirrors real-world tasks you may encounter on the job and on exam-style questions.

Exam Prep & Resources

To help you pass the 640-916 exam we’ll point you to authoritative resources, official cert guides and quality video courses. Use the resources below in conjunction with the course materials and labs for best results.

Explore These Valuable Resources.

• Cisco Learning Network — CCNA Data Center / 640-916 (DCICT) Overview. Official exam description and topic guidelines. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
• Cisco Press — CCNA Data Center DCICT 640-916 Official Cert Guide. Comprehensive study guide and practice test options. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
• O’Reilly / Video: CCNA Data Center DCICT 640-916 LiveLessons. Concise video walkthrough of core topics and hands-on demos. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

Prerequisites, Duration & Format

Prerequisites: Basic networking knowledge (CCNA-level) and familiarity with switching and IP fundamentals is recommended. No prior Cisco Data Center experience required.

Duration & Format: Self-paced (modules + labs) or instructor-led classroom; expected study time is 20–40 hours depending on prior experience and lab time.

Explore Related Courses

For broader learning and follow-up study, check these related course tags on our site:

• Explore Related Courses — CCNA Data Center tag
• Explore Related Courses — Data Center tag
• Explore Related Courses — Cisco UCS tag
• Explore Related Courses — Nexus Switching tag
• Explore Related Courses — Virtualization tag

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this course enough to pass the 640-916 exam?

When combined with the official Cisco Press guide, practice tests, and hands-on lab practice, this course provides structured preparation targeted at the 640-916 objectives. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

Are the materials vendor-specific?

Yes — the course is Cisco-focused and aligns with exam topics for the DCICT exam, using Cisco products (Nexus, UCS) as primary examples. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Will I get lab exercises?

Yes — the course contains step-by-step lab guides suitable for emulators and real equipment, plus troubleshooting scenarios to sharpen practical skills.