Data Center Skills – Network Administration

Networking is critical for smooth functioning of data centers. Responsibilities of a Network Administrator include maintain network hardware & software components, network routing, network security, Administer (LAN, WAN, intranet, or extranet) networks, Analyze network failures and fix associated defects, network balance, scalability, performance, disaster recovery, administration policies, etc. Network administrators have to get themselves trained in the latest technologies like automation and virtualization. The traditional network administration is changing as new models and architectures are being developed in the data center market.

Some of the prominent certification programs:

Cisco Data Center Networking Infrastructure Design Specialist- The Cisco Data Center Networking Infrastructure Design Specialist certification validates an individual's knowledge of selecting and integrating Cisco Data Center products to design a highly scalable, efficient, and high performing Data Center networking solution based on Cisco Data Center Architecture. The following products are covered in learning materials:  Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series Switches Service Modules and Nexus 2000, 4000, 5000, and 7000.

Cisco Data Center Networking Infrastructure Support Specialist - The Cisco Data Center Networking Infrastructure Support Specialist validates an individual's knowledge of installing, configuring, and troubleshooting Cisco Data Center products to maintain a highly scalable, efficient, and high performing Data Center Networking environment. Cisco Data Center Networking Infrastructure Support Specialist professionals understand how to deploy and optimize the following features and benefits: Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series Switches Service Modules and Nexus 2000, 5000, and 7000.

Cisco Data Center Networking Sales Specialist – The Cisco Data Center Networking Sales Specialists demonstrate an overall understanding of Data Center networking architecture, and the features and benefits of the Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series Switches, Cisco 4948 Switches, and Cisco Catalyst Blade Switch families. Cisco Data Center Networking Sales Specialist professionals understand how the Cisco Catalyst and Blade Switch families of products are used in a Data Center Network environment and can identify the most effective Cisco Catalyst or Blade Switch family product(s) to address specific customer requirements.

Cisco Data Center Storage Networking Design Specialist - The Cisco Data Center Storage Networking Design Specialist certification validates an individual's ability to select and integrate Cisco storage products in order to design a highly scalable, efficient, high-performing storage networking solution based on converged architecture. Cisco Data Center Storage Networking Design Specialist professionals understand how to utilize and employ the features and benefits of the Cisco MDS 9000 Series Multilayer Director and Multilayer Fabric Switches to create a highly available storage network design. In addition, this certification covers the use of Cisco NX-OS and provides a technology overview of Cisco Unified Fabric, Cisco Nexus, and Cisco Unified Computing System products.

Cisco Data Center Storage Networking Support Specialist - The Cisco Data Center Storage Networking Support Specialist certification validates an individual's understanding of how to deploy and optimize the features and benefits of the Cisco MDS 9000 Series Multilayer Director and Multilayer Fabric Switches in order to maintain, implement, and troubleshoot a highly available storage network. In addition, this certification covers the use of Cisco NX-OS and provides a technology overview of Cisco Unified Fabric and Cisco Nexus products.

The Sun Certified Network Administrator for Solaris follows the Sun Certified System Administrator Certification and focuses on networking skills in the Solaris OS. This exam will test candidates on their knowledge of Network Interface Layers, Transport, Network Applications and configuring the Solaris IP Filter. It is recommended that candidates have three or more years experience in networking prior to this certification. The Solaris System Administration certification is a prerequisite for this certification. This certification requires a passing score on exam number 310-302. The certification is targeted at Network Administrators working in technical positions in the Solaris OS.