Learning path

Cisco DCNM and NDFC

Skill Level
Fundamentals
Duration 13 hours 10 minutes
Updated Jun 22, 2023

About this learning path

Data Center Network Manager (DCNM), now superseded by Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller (NDFC), is Cisco's version of an EVPN fabric controller. DCNM, or NDFC, has three essential primary components. Spines that act like physical aggregation points for all of the leaves. Leaves provide endpoint aggregation and link to the spine. The last essential component is the controller, which in the case of DCNM is a single device or HA pair, and for NDFC, it is a Nexus Dashboard cluster with a loaded NDFC application. In most cases, DCNM or NDFC will utilize OSPF for the underlay and VXLAN EVPN with MP-BGP as the overlay on Nexus 9000 switches. These fabric controllers are easier to use than similar fabric technologies on smaller to medium size networks, as most variables work out of the box without needing to change them. To what is known in the industry as a point and click your way to happiness.

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Prerequisites

  1. CCNA certification or a basic understanding of primary network concepts VLANs, IP address, and Gateways.
  2. It is preferable to have a conceptual knowledge of network fabric and fabric design.

What you'll learn

  1. VXLAN and MP-BGP EVPN fundamentals
  2. VXLAN Multisite Fundamentals
  3. The DCNM lab will enable a student to build a basic Multi-Site fabric using Data Center Network Manager (DCNM) for complete end-to-end connectivity.
  4. Migration of DCNM controller to a NEXUS Dashboard Fabric Controller (NDFC)
  5. The NDFC lab will enable a student to build a basic Multi-Site fabric using NEXUS Dashboard Fabric Controller (NDFC) for complete end-to-end connectivity.

Technologies

Learning path
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Cisco DCNM and NDFC
  1. 1. Data Center Networking Fundamentals
    1. Enroll in this learning path to view locked contentData Center Networking Past Present and Future
      Article
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    2. Enroll in this learning path to view locked contentDay 2 Operations and Visibility in the Modern Data Center
      Article
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    3. Enroll in this learning path to view locked contentMP-BGP EVPN for the Beginner
      Article
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    4. Enroll in this learning path to view locked contentMP-BGP EVPN VXLAN for the beginner
      Article
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  2. 2. Cisco DCNM and NDFC overview
    1. Enroll in this learning path to view locked contentThinking About ACI or DCNM for Your Next Data Center Upgrade?
      Article
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    2. Enroll in this learning path to view locked contentNexus Dashboard Fabric (Formerly DCNM) Demonstration
      Video
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  3. 3. Building a DCNM and NDFC Multisite Fabric
    1. Enroll in this learning path to view locked contentMulti-Site DCNM Lab
      Lab
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    2. Enroll in this learning path to view locked contentCisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller Lab
      Lab
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    3. Enroll in this learning path to view locked contentMigrating Cisco DCNM to NDFC Lab
      Lab
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  4. 4. Conclusion
    1. Enroll in this learning path to view locked contentQuiz
      Quiz
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    2. Enroll in this learning path to view locked contentLearning Path Complete
      Achievement Badge
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