This study guide provides a comprehensive and focused preparation resource for candidates pursuing the Cisco Certified Specialist – Data Center Design certification by passing the 300-610 DCID exam. Covering all exam objectives, the guide delves into the design principles, best practices, and technologies essential for modern data center infrastructures. Key topics include network design using Cisco Nexus switches, Layer 2 and Layer 3 connectivity, routing protocols, data center interconnect (DCI) solutions, and high availability strategies. The book also explores compute resource design with Cisco UCS, including fabric interconnects, service profiles, and policy-based management, ensuring readers understand how to align compute solutions with business and application requirements. Storage network design is addressed through Fibre Channel, FCoE, and iSCSI technologies, with guidance on zoning, VSANs, and storage topologies. Virtualization is a critical focus, covering network and compute virtualization with technologies like VXLAN, OTV, and Cisco ACI (Application Centric Infrastructure). Security design, automation, and orchestration principles are also included, reflecting current trends in software-defined data centers. Each chapter includes practice questions, configuration examples, and design scenarios to reinforce learning. The guide emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical application, helping candidates translate concepts into real-world design solutions. By the end of the book, readers will have a solid foundation to confidently approach the DCID exam and to design resilient, scalable, and secure Cisco data center infrastructures.
