Xsan 2 Administration (Xsan 301)

Xsan

Course Description

Learn how to implement and administer Xsan 2, Apple's enterprise file system designed for storage area networks (SAN). Take advantage of Xsan 2's built-in flexibility and create shared volumes on your SAN compatible with third-party products, maximizing the return on your storage investment. Use the skills, tools, and knowledge from this course to set up, manage, and monitor the SAN that's right for your organization.

The three-day Xsan 2 Administration course focuses on deploying storage area networks. Students configure, performance tune, and troubleshoot a storage area network using Apple's Xsan 2 tools. The course also covers storage resource management and data protection. A combination of lecture and hands-on exercises provides practical real-world experience.

Who Should Attend

This class is for system administrators, network engineers, analysts, and IT professionals who are responsible for analyzing business and technical requirements and architecting, implementing, or maintaining storage networking solutions using Xsan 2.

Prerequisites

Students should have the following prerequisite knowledge prior to attending the course:

Course Knowledge
  • Basic storage knowledge
  • Practical working knowledge of computers
Network and topical knowledge
  • Basic networking fundamentals
  • Networks and layers
    1. Network communication
    2. Network devices
  • Server basics
    1. Basic file-serving knowledge
  • Directory services fundamentals

These prerequisites can be met by studying the same training courses or technical books that will prepare you to take the CompTIA Network+ and i-Net+ exams. By studying these materials, you will be well-positioned to earn Network+ and i-Net+ certification in addition to qualifying for entrance to the Apple Certified System Administrator (ACSA) certification courses.

Course Outline

Topic Description
Concepts What is a SAN, What's new in Xsan 2
Deployment Xsan 2 Components, Xsan 2 Connections, MDC & Client Configuration, RAID Configuration, Configuring the SAN and Xsan 2 Volumes.
Client Management Access Controls, Quotas, Home Folders & Xsan 2
Volume Management Volume Configuration, Advanced Settings, Performance Tuning, Growing the SAN, Affinities
Maintenance & Troubleshooting Xsan Command LIne Tools, Failover, Startup & Shutdown Process
Planning Defining the Requirements, Designing the Deployment

To Register

Check the course schedule for a list of courses available for registration at Apple Authorized Training Centers worldwide.

Build Credibility. Get Certified.

This course covers the knowledge necessary to become an Xsan 2 Administrator. The Xsan 2 Administrator exam covers the knowledge necessary to configure and maintain all Apple software and hardware components necessary for an Xsan cluster file system. For specific exam objectives, see the Skills Assessment Guide on the Xsan 2 Administrator page. Apple Authorized Training Centers offer this exam either following the course or separately.

This certification also counts towards Apple Certified Media Administrator certification, which verifies in-depth knowledge of Xsan architecture, including an ability to install and configure systems, architect and maintain networks, customize and troubleshoot services, and integrate Mac OS X, Final Cut Server, and other Apple technologies within an Xsan installation.