The Cisco 350-601 DCCOR (Implementing and Operating Cisco Data Center Core Technologies) exam is a core exam for Cisco’s CCNP Data Center and CCIE Data Center certifications. The exam tests your knowledge of the foundational technologies needed to implement and operate data center infrastructure, including network, compute, storage network, automation, and security.

Key Topics Covered in 350-601 DCCOR:

1. Network

   • Layer 2 and Layer 3 connectivity

   • Overlay technologies (VXLAN, EVPN)

   • Cisco Nexus switching platforms

   • Cisco ACI (Application Centric Infrastructure)

   • Multicast, OTV (Overlay Transport Virtualization)

   • FabricPath

2. Compute

   • Cisco UCS (Unified Computing System)

   • Compute configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting

   • Server virtualization

3. Storage Network

   • Fibre Channel and FCoE (Fibre Channel over Ethernet)

   • Storage protocols and concepts

   • SAN management and troubleshooting

4. Automation

   • Data center automation and orchestration (Ansible, Python, PowerShell)

   • Network programmability using Cisco APIs

   • Model-driven programmability (YANG, NETCONF, RESTCONF)

   • Cisco DCNM (Data Center Network Manager) and automation tools

5. Security

   • Identity management, access control (Cisco ISE)

   • Secure boot, hardware security

   • AAA (Authentication, Authorization, Accounting) for network security

   • Security policies and features in Cisco Nexus, ACI, and UCS

6. Management and Operations

   • Cisco Intersight (cloud-based infrastructure management)

   • Monitoring, telemetry, and logging for data centers

   • High availability and disaster recovery techniques

Recommended Study Resources:

• Cisco’s Official Certification Guide

  • Available on Cisco’s website or through authorized vendors, the official guide provides in-depth coverage of exam topics.

• Cisco Learning Network

  • Provides access to study groups, training videos, practice exams, and whitepapers for deeper learning.

• Cisco DevNet

  • If you're interested in the automation and programmability part of the exam, DevNet offers labs, sandboxes, and learning paths on Cisco APIs and scripting.

• Official Cisco training

  • The training course for this exam is DCCOR - Implementing and Operating Cisco Data Center Core Technologies.

Passing the 350-601 exam certifies that you have a broad understanding of Cisco's data center technologies, which is essential for advanced Cisco certifications.