8-Week Cisco 010-151 Study Plan

Study Approach

1. Daily Sessions:
   • Use the Pomodoro Technique: Study for 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break (1 Pomodoro). After 4 Pomodoros, take a longer break (15–30 minutes).
   • Schedule 3–4 Pomodoros per day for this plan.
2. Review Schedule:
   • Short-term reviews: After 1 hour, 1 day, and 1 week.
   • Long-term reviews: At 2 weeks and just before the exam.
3. Practice Tests:
   • Begin practice tests from Week 3 and progressively increase complexity.

Weekly Goals and Tasks

Week 1: Data Center Basics

Goal:

• Understand the basic functions and components of a data center.
• Learn the OSI and TCP/IP models.
• Familiarize yourself with VLANs and Trunking.

Tasks:

• Day 1-2: Learn Data Center Functions and Components

  • Task 1: Read about key data center functions (data storage, networking, application hosting, backup/recovery).
  • Task 2: Create a diagram or flowchart of the main components: Compute, Storage, Networking.
  • Task 3: Write examples of how each function works in real-life scenarios (e.g., data backup for disaster recovery).

• Day 3-4: Explore OSI and TCP/IP Models

  • Task 1: Study the purpose and structure of OSI layers (Physical to Application).
  • Task 2: Compare OSI and TCP/IP models, noting their differences.
  • Task 3: Create flashcards for each layer’s role, including examples of protocols used (e.g., HTTP for Application Layer).

• Day 5-6: Understand VLANs and Trunking

  • Task 1: Learn how VLANs separate network traffic and improve security.

  • Task 2: Study the concept of Trunking and 802.1Q tagging.

  • Task 3: Practice basic VLAN configuration using this example:

    vlan 10
    name HR
    interface Eth1/1
    switchport mode trunk
    switchport trunk allowed vlan 10
    

    • Use a network simulator like Packet Tracer to test configurations.

• Day 7: Review and Practice

  • Task 1: Summarize the week’s concepts in a mind map.
  • Task 2: Use flashcards for self-testing on OSI/TCP/IP and VLANs.
  • Task 3: Attempt 10 multiple-choice questions based on this week’s topics.

Week 2: Cisco Equipment and Related Hardware

Goal:

• Understand Cisco Nexus switches and UCS architecture.
• Identify hardware components and learn basic installation and configuration.

Tasks:

• Day 1-2: Study Nexus Switches

  • Task 1: Learn the key features of Nexus series (VXLAN, SDN).
  • Task 2: Compare Nexus 7000/9000 (core networks) vs. Nexus 5000/3000 (distributed deployments).
  • Task 3: Create a table showing the differences between models.

• Day 3-4: Explore Cisco UCS Architecture

  • Task 1: Understand the roles of B-Series (blade servers) and C-Series (rack servers).
  • Task 2: Learn about Fabric Interconnect and how it connects UCS components.
  • Task 3: Draw a simplified diagram of UCS architecture, showing connections between servers, FIs, and storage.

• Day 5-6: Hardware Component Identification

  • Task 1: Study hardware components like SFP/QSFP modules, RJ45 cables, and LED indicators.
  • Task 2: Review how to interpret device status using LED colors (green for normal, amber for fault).
  • Task 3: Practice identifying components in photos or on a real device, if available.

• Day 7: Review and Practice

  • Task 1: Create flashcards for Nexus and UCS features.

  • Task 2: Practice a simple switch configuration using this command:

    enable
    configure terminal
    hostname Nexus-Switch
    

  • Task 3: Take a short quiz (15 multiple-choice questions).

Week 3: Cisco UCS and NX-OS Software Operation

Goal:

• Learn UCS Manager operations and Service Profiles.
• Practice NX-OS commands and VLAN configurations.

Tasks:

• Day 1-2: Understand UCS Manager and Service Profiles

  • Task 1: Study UCS Manager’s role in managing servers, storage, and networks.
  • Task 2: Learn the components of Service Profiles (BIOS, storage, network settings).
  • Task 3: Create a hypothetical Service Profile for a new server.

• Day 3-4: Learn NX-OS Features

  • Task 1: Study NX-OS modular design and virtualization (VXLAN, FabricPath).

  • Task 2: Learn VLAN configuration:

    vlan 30
    name IT
    interface Eth1/2
    switchport mode access
    switchport access vlan 30
    

  • Task 3: Practice in a simulator by creating and assigning VLANs.

• Day 5-6: Master Key NX-OS Commands

  • Task 1: Learn troubleshooting commands:

    show logging
    show environment
    

  • Task 2: Practice using commands to diagnose common issues (e.g., verifying interface status).

• Day 7: Review and Practice

  • Task 1: Summarize UCS and NX-OS key points in notes.
  • Task 2: Take a 20-question quiz (10 theory + 10 practical questions).

Week 4: Service-Related Information

Goal:

• Learn troubleshooting techniques and Cisco TAC procedures.

Tasks:

• Day 1-2: Understand Cisco Documentation

  • Task 1: Learn how to use datasheets for hardware specifications.
  • Task 2: Review installation guides to understand setup procedures.
  • Task 3: Summarize key points from a sample installation guide.

• Day 3-4: Troubleshooting Hardware

  • Task 1: Learn to use LED indicators for diagnostics.

  • Task 2: Practice hardware commands:

    show environment
    

  • Task 3: Identify common hardware issues (power, cables).

• Day 5-6: Troubleshooting Software

  • Task 1: Learn how to analyze logs using:

    show logging
    

  • Task 2: Practice reloading or updating NX-OS to resolve issues.

• Day 7: Review and Practice

  • Task 1: Create a troubleshooting checklist.
  • Task 2: Practice diagnosing and resolving a simulated fault.

Weeks 5–7: Consolidation and Practice

• Weekly Plan:
  • Spend 2 days reviewing core concepts.
  • Dedicate 2 days to practice exams (with increasing difficulty).
  • Spend remaining time reinforcing weak areas through simulations.

Week 8: Exam Preparation

• Day 1-3:
  • Summarize all topics into concise notes and diagrams.
  • Review incorrect answers from practice tests.
• Day 4-5:
  • Take a full-length practice test to simulate the exam experience.
  • Review and analyze any mistakes.
• Day 6-7:
  • Relax and review flashcards lightly to avoid stress.

Study Tips

1. Pomodoro Technique:
   • Stay focused during 25-minute sessions. Use breaks to recharge.
2. Spaced Repetition:
   • Regularly revisit topics to strengthen long-term memory.
3. Practice First:
   • Simulate configurations and troubleshooting for hands-on understanding.

By following this plan, you will systematically prepare and master the Cisco 010-151 exam. Best of luck with your studies!