Course Details
Overview
The Cisco Explorer® Controller Intermediate Training (ECI) Version 1.0 course1 is part of the Cisco Videoscape™ Control Suite offerings by Cisco® Learning Services. This hands-on course introduces you to intermediate skills for operating the Cisco Explorer Controller (EC) server for the Cisco Digital Broadband Delivery System (DBDS). This course explores how to use Cisco DBDS methodology and tools for verifying that the following Cisco DBDS features are working correctly: EC communication interfaces, clear and secure broadcast services, pay-per-view (PPV) services, and RepDB synchronization. In addition, recovery scenarios and restoring a Cisco Explorer Controller are also covered.
Objectives
Upon completing this course, the learner will be able to meet these overall objectives:
- Access the Cisco Integrated Management Controller (CIMC) interface on a Cisco Unified Computing System™ (Cisco UCS®) server to observe hardware settings
- Determine physical card and port interface assignments from VM configuration and EC host interface data
- Investigate suggested verification process for EC communication
- Practice using the Cisco DBDS verification method for verifying DBDS services
- Verify a Broadcast service using system tools and the Cisco DBDS methodology
- Verify a PPV service using system tools and the Cisco DBDS methodology
- Verify RepDB is working and determine the primary and secondary servers
- Restore a Cisco Explorer Controller from backup files
Outline
- Module 1: Cisco Explorer Controller Interfaces and Networking Verification
- Explorer Controller Components and Interfaces
- Explorer Controller Interfaces and Ports
- Verifying Explorer Controller Networking
- Suggested Verification Process for Explorer Controller Communication
- Module 2: Cisco Methodology for DBDS Verification
- Basic Troubleshooting Principles
- Six Steps of Troubleshooting
- Discussion Questions
- Using the Cisco DBDS Verification Methodology
- Doctor Report First!
- Cisco DBDS Methodology for Verification
- Module 3: Verifying Broadcast Services
- Broadcast Services Process and Required Conditions
- Broadcast Services Process – Acquisition to Delivery
- Four Required Conditions for Broadcast Services
- Verification Process for Broadcast Services
- Suggested Verification Process for Broadcast Services
- Module 4: Verifying Pay-per-view Services
- Pay-per-view Types and Required Conditions
- Pay-per-view Definitions and Device Categories
- Five Required Conditions for Pay-per-view Services
- Investigating Pay-per-view Sub-Processes
- Pay-per-view Services Process – Advertising to Delivery
- Sub-Process 1: Billing System Sends Event Data to EC
- Sub-Process 2: EC Sends Event Display Information to Set-tops
- Sub-Process 3: Event is Requested, Authorized, and Viewed
- Verification Process for Pay-per-view Services
- Suggested Verification Process for Pay-per-view Services
- Verifying Sub-Processes 4 and 5, If Needed [OPTIONAL]
- Verifying Remaining Interactive Pay-per-view Sub-Processes
- Sub-Process 4: Interactive Pay-per-view: EC Requests Purchase Data from Set-top
- Sub-Process 5: Interactive Pay-per-view: Billing System Retrieves Purchase Report from EC
- Module 5: Data Synchronization and Recovery
- Managing RepDB
- RepDB Review
- RepDB Managing Options
- Restoring Backups
- Backup Review
- Restoring the System
- Best Practices for Recovery Case Scenarios
- Best Practices Before Recovery
- Three Recovery Case Scenarios
Target Audience
This course is designed for technical professionals who need to know how to use a Cisco Explorer Controller server for verifying services of the Cisco DBDS. The primary audience for this course includes:
- System engineers
- Technical support personnel
- Channel partners and resellers
Pre-Requisites
- Cisco Explorer Controller Foundation (ECF) training course, or equivalent experience
- A general knowledge of hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) network structure and a basic familiarity with UNIX, the vi editor, and basic file manipulation in a UNIX environment are helpful