EMC D-VXB-DY-A-24 - Dell VxBlock Deploy Achievement

Understand SDN Architecture: In a Software Defined Network (SDN), separating the control plane from the data plane allows for centralized management of the network1.

Recognize the Control Plane’s Role: The control plane is responsible for making decisions about where traffic is sent, while the data plane moves packets from place to place1.

Identify the Advantage: The main advantage of this separation is the ability to programmatically control both physical and virtual network devices, which enables more flexible and dynamic network management1.

Apply SDN Benefits: This programmatic control facilitates rapid changes to network configurations, policies, and security, which can be applied consistently across the entire network1.

Reference Official Documentation: The Official Dell VxBlock Deploy Achievement document outlines the benefits of SDN, including the programmatic control that comes with separating the control and data planes1.

Identify the Document: The Solution Abstract is the document that provides a high-level overview of what is being delivered in a VxBlock system1.

Understand the Purpose: It summarizes the key components, features, and benefits of the solution, giving stakeholders a clear understanding of the project scope1.

Reference Official Documentation: The Official Dell VxBlock Deploy Achievement document would include the Solution Abstract as part of the standard documentation provided to customers1.

When planning a compute expansion in an existing VxBlock 1000 system with servers repurposed from another VxBlock system, the required licensing includes VMware vSphere ESXi and Cisco 1000v licenses. These licenses ensure that the new compute resources are properly integrated and managed within the existing VxBlock environment.

References:

VMware licensing documentation.

Cisco licensing guides for UCS and network components.

Access vCenter Web Client: The Customer Engineer should log into the vCenter Web Client, which is the primary interface for managing vSphere environments1.

Navigate to Networking: Within the vCenter Web Client, navigate to the Networking section where NSX configurations are managed1.

Verify NSX Preparation: In the Networking section, the Customer Engineer can confirm that the correct vSphere clusters are prepared for NSX by checking the status of the NSX installation and configuration1.

Check Cluster Configuration: The preparation of vSphere clusters for NSX involves installing NSX VIBs on ESXi hosts and configuring VXLAN, which can be verified within the vCenter Web Client1.

To convert existing VxBlock Nexus 9396PX switches to ACI mode, a major physical connectivity change involves connecting the switch directly to the APIC (Application Policy Infrastructure Controller) to download the ACI software. Afterward, the existing Nexus 9396PX switches should be connected to a spine Nexus 93180YC switch as part of the ACI fabric setup.

References:

Cisco ACI deployment guides.

Dell EMC VxBlock system integration documentation.

Locate the validation procedures and support documentation: The Implementation Specialist must locate the necessary validation procedures and support documentation that are essential for the deployment of the VxBlock Systems1.

Connect the VxBlock System to the customer network: After locating the documentation, the specialist is responsible for connecting the VxBlock System to the customer’s network1.

Validate a VxBlock 1000 installation using the LCS and Test Plan: The specialist must validate the VxBlock 1000 installation using the Lifecycle System (LCS) and the Test Plan to ensure that the system is correctly implemented and functioning as intended1.

Describe how to perform knowledge transfers: Part of the specialist’s role is to describe the process of knowledge transfer, ensuring that the customer’s staff is adequately trained and informed about the system1.

Based on the Dell VxBlock Deploy Achievement document, the roles and their responsibilities are matched as follows:

Implementation Specialist: Connect system to power and network1.

Architect: Create the logical configuration survey1.

Customer Engineer: Deliver the remote knowledge transfer1.

Project Manager: Plan and coordinate engagement related activities1.

Implementation Specialist: This role is typically responsible for the physical aspects of the deployment, such as connecting the system to power sources and the network1.

Architect: The Architect’s responsibility includes designing and creating surveys that capture the logical configuration of the system1.

Customer Engineer: This role often involves interfacing with the customer and providing knowledge transfer to ensure they understand the system1.

Project Manager: The Project Manager oversees the project, planning, and coordinating all activities related to the engagement1.

During the Executing and Controlling phase of the RCM (Release Certification Matrix) Upgrade process, the customer is required to maintain configuration lock. This ensures that no changes are made to the system configuration during the critical upgrade process, maintaining system stability and integrity.

References:

Dell EMC RCM upgrade process documentation.

Project management best practices.

Review the RCM Upgrade Process: The RCM (Release Certification Matrix) upgrade process involves a series of steps to ensure that the VxBlock system is updated according to Dell EMC’s standards1.

Identify the Role of the RCM Lead: The RCM Lead is typically responsible for overseeing the RCM upgrade process, which includes raising the Internal Assessment (IA) to ensure that all components are compliant with the latest RCM standards1.

Understand the Importance of IA: The Internal Assessment is a critical part of the RCM upgrade process.It helps identify any potential issues that might affect the upgrade and ensures that the system is ready for the new RCM1.

Acknowledge the Responsibilities: While the Project Manager, Implementation Specialist, and District Manager may have roles in the RCM upgrade process, it is the RCM Lead who is specifically responsible for raising the IA as part of their duties1.

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