Cisco Troubleshooting - Cisco Data Center

Introduction

Cisco Data Center Unified Computing System C-Series Troubleshooting (DCUCSCTS) is designed to prepare Cisco Channel Partners, systems engineers, and implementers with the knowledge and hands-on experience to properly install, configure, and troubleshoot UCS C-Series servers operating in standalone mode.

The goal of Cisco Data Center Unified Computing System C-Series Troubleshooting (DCUCSCTS) v1.0 is to enable the UCS Partner to troubleshoot Level 1 and 2 standalone UCS C-Series integration issues.

Individuals will gain hands-on experience with proper configuration procedures and will become familiar with common troubleshooting scenarios and recommended solutions.

Pre-Requisites

Prior to attending this course, it is strongly recommended that students attend:

• Implementing Cisco Data Center Unified Computing

Who should attend?

• Cisco Channel Partner SEs and FEs that are seeking to assume active roles in addressing and correcting Level 1 and 2 UCS C-Series Standalone Server issues.

Course Objectives

Delegates will be able to meet these overall objectives on completion of this course:

• Review the UCS C-Series product platform with an emphasis on feature support
• Describe the initial setup, configuration, and connectivity to ensure proper Cisco Integrated Management Controller (CIMC) operation
• Review the UCS C-Series troubleshooting methodology as well as present common configuration challenges
• Describe CIMC utilities that enable performance validation and facilitate data gathering activities for troubleshooting purposes
• Describe the process to download firmware updates by using Host Upgrade Utility (HUU)
• Perform server BIOS updates with various methods
• Describe the correct process to update the server BIOS by using the EFI shell
• Describe the correct process for recovering a UCS C-Series server by using a USB Recovery Module
• Describe the features and benefits of the UCS C-Series P81E Virtual Interface Card (VIC)
• Perform the proper network (LAN) configuration steps for the P81E VIC
• Describe common troubleshooting issues and recommended solutions for the UCS C-Series P81E VIC
• Review the Cisco VIC P81E SAN configuration and vHBA properties
• Describe the Fibre Channel over Ethernet Initialization Protocol (FIP) and validate its proper configuration
• Describe the process for determining P81E configuration-related problems
• Review and introduce the RAID controller options for the UCS C-Series servers
• Introduce the SAS Extender and Expander options for the C-Series servers
• Configure the LSI 1068E, LSI 9261-8i, and the software ICH10R RAID controllers
• Identify the symptoms and recommended solutions of RAID adapter and disk failure modes
• Describe the steps for installing an operating system onto a local disk
• Describe the steps for installing an operating system by using a SAN boot
• Describe the process to download and install additional device drivers after successful OS installation
• Describe common device driver and operating system troubleshooting issues and their recommended solutions
• Execute the password recovery process for UCS C-Series server CIMC and BIOS passwords
• Configure management access to the UCS C-Series server through the LAN on Motherboard and NIC ports
• Configure the UCS C-Series Intelligent Peripheral Management Interface for management access
• Configure the UCS C-Series Serial over LAN service
• Describe the rationale and various components that are required to complete UCS C-Series integration with UCS Manager
• Configure the Fabric Interconnect and Fabric Extender for a UCS C-Series server
• Configure the UCS C-Series server to operate as part of a UCS Manager instance

Course Outline

Troubleshooting Methodology

• 1: UCS C-Series Product Review
• 2: C-Series Initial Setup and Configuration
• 3: UCS C-Series Troubleshooting Methodology
• 4: C-Series Data Gathering Activities

Configuring Firmware Updates

• 1: Download Firmware Updates by Using the Host Upgrade Utility
• 2: Perform a Remote Update to the Server BIOS
• 3: Perform a BIOS Update by Using the EFI Shell
• 4: Configure USB Recovery Modules for Server BIOS Recovery

Troubleshooting LAN Connectivity

• 1: UCS C-Series P81E Virtual Interface Card Overview
• 2: UCS C-Series P81E Virtual Interface Card Configuration
• 3: Troubleshoot the UCS C-Series VIC (P81E) Installation and Configuration

Troubleshooting SAN Connectivity

• 1: Cisco VIC P81E SAN Configuration
• 2: Fibre Channel over Ethernet Initialization Protocol
• 3: Cisco VIC P81E SAN Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Local Disk and RAID

• 1: UCS C-Series RAID Controller Overview
• 2: UCS C-Series LSI Controller SAS Expanders and Extenders
• 3: UCS C-Series RAID Controller Configuration
• 4: Troubleshoot RAID Adapter and Disk Failures

Troubleshooting Operating System Driver Issues

• 1: Installing a Windows Operating System onto a Local Drive
• 2: Installing the Operating System Using a SAN Boot
• 3: OS Device Drivers After Installation
• 4: Troubleshoot OS Device Driver Problems

Troubleshooting Management Access

• 1: Execute CIMC and BIOS Password Recovery
• 2: Troubleshoot the LOM and Cisco Card Mode
• 3: Troubleshoot IPMI Access
• 4: Troubleshoot SoL Access

Configuring UCS C-Series Integration with UCS Manager

• 1: UCS C-Series and UCS Manager Integration Overview
• 2: UCS C-Series and UCS Manager Installation
• 3: UCS C-Series and UCS Manager Troubleshooting