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:

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

Compute

Cisco UCS (Unified Computing System)

Compute configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting

Server virtualization

Storage Network

Fibre Channel and FCoE (Fibre Channel over Ethernet)

Storage protocols and concepts

SAN management and troubleshooting

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

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

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.