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Exam Information
Official specifications published by Cisco
Exam Format
60 min
45-55
Not disclosed by Cisco
Specialist
Registration
$300 USD
Pearson VUE or online proctoring
English, Japanese
Validity
3 years
Pass any current Cisco Specialist exam; Pass any current NetApp Specialist exam; Complete 40 Continuing Education credits
500-173 Exam Topics and Domains
500-173 is organized into 6 weighted domains. Expect to work with FlexPod CVDs, Intersight, MetroCluster, SnapCenter, and more.
1
FlexPod Design
25%
Describe FlexPod components based upon customer workloads
ScaleFlexPod rulesConnectivity requirementsPerformance requirementsBest practicesBusiness outcomes desiredBusiness Continuity
- Select appropriate FlexPod components for specific workloads
- Apply FlexPod design rules and constraints
- Calculate connectivity and performance requirements
Describe how to size a solution based on customer requirements
Sizing in accordance with FlexPod best practices
- Size FlexPod solutions accurately
- Use sizing tools effectively
- Validate sizing decisions
Describe the support options for FlexPod
Cooperative supportPartner supportSolution support
- Understand FlexPod support models
- Select appropriate support options
- Navigate support processes
2
Compute
20%
Describe the Cisco UCS components used within FlexPod designs
B-SeriesC-SeriesFabric InterconnectsIOMsVICs
- Identify UCS components for FlexPod
- Select appropriate hardware
- Understand component interactions
Demonstrate knowledge of configuring logical components in UCS
VSANsTemplatesProfilesHyperVisorDatabases
- Configure UCS logical components
- Create and manage service profiles
- Optimize for specific workloads
3
Storage
18%
Describe NetApp storage components used within FlexPod designs
FASAFFClusteringE-Series
- Select NetApp storage systems
- Understand storage architectures
- Match storage to workloads
Describe storage protocol considerations in FlexPod designs
SAN and NAS protocolsFC hardwareVSANs
- Select storage protocols
- Design storage connectivity
- Implement protocol best practices
Demonstrate knowledge of features for data protection/backup
Data protectionData backupRestoreData security
- Design data protection strategies
- Implement backup solutions
- Ensure data security
4
Networking
18%
Describe Cisco networking components used within FlexPod designs
ACINexusMDS
- Select networking components
- Understand network architectures
- Design network connectivity
Demonstrate knowledge of FlexPod networking configurations
VLANsVPCs
- Configure FlexPod networking
- Implement redundancy
- Optimize network performance
5
Security
9%
Describe access control methods for FlexPod solutions
LDAPRADIUSAD
- Implement access control
- Configure authentication
- Manage authorization
Describe considerations for secure multitenancy design
IP SpacesVLANsVSANsSVMs
- Design secure multi-tenant environments
- Implement isolation mechanisms
- Ensure compliance
6
Tools
10%
Describe resources for determining supported FlexPod components
TRsIMTHCL
- Use compatibility tools
- Verify component support
- Find documentation
Demonstrate knowledge of tools for managing FlexPod
UCS/M and UCS/DCSA
- Use management tools
- Implement automation
- Create workflows
Demonstrate knowledge of troubleshooting methodologies
ComputeNetworkingStorage
- Troubleshoot FlexPod issues
- Use diagnostic tools
- Resolve problems systematically
Who should take this exam?
This exam is typically taken by System Engineers and Solutions Architects.
- Six to twelve months of field experience with FlexPod solutions
- Knowledge of Cisco UCS, NetApp ONTAP, and Cisco networking technologies
- Understanding of data center architectures and converged infrastructure
- Familiarity with virtualization platforms (VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper-V)
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