Description

The Cisco Explorer Controller (EC) Operations version 1.0 instructor-led course offered by Learning Services High-Touch Delivery is a lab-intensive course that introduces you to the Explorer Controller (EC) server (formerly a Digital Network Control System [DNCS])running 6.x software to maintain Cisco Digital Broadband Delivery System (DBDS). Making sure your digital broadband system delivers the services demanded by subscribers is a critical function. In this course, you will learn how to configure network elements, set up digital services, and maintain the DBDS using the EC. Moreover, the Cisco Explorer Controller Operations Training combines lecture materials and hands-on labs throughout to practice successfully operating an Explorer Controller.

Objectives

After completing this course, the student should be able to:

• Describe the function of a DBDS and the services it can provide
• Use the EC to add and configure additional components and broadcast and PPV services to an existing DBDs
• Describe the IPG, VoD, and EAS services the DBDS offers
• Use the Doctor report and tools on the EC that are useful in monitoring and maintaining a DBDS

Prerequisites

A general knowledge of HFC network structure and a basic familiarity with UNIX, VI editor, and basic file manipulation in a UNIX environment are helpful.

Who Should Attend

This course is designed for technical professionals who need to know how to use an Explorer Controller (EC) server for daily operations. The primary audience for this course includes:

• System engineers
• Technical support personnel
• Channel partners, resellers

Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Ciscos DSN

• Examining a DBDS
  • What Is a DBDS?
  • Sections and Main Components of a DBDS with an EC
• Communication and File Delivery
  • DBDS Communication Paths to the Set-Tops
  • Broadcast File System (BFS)
  • Management Communication
• System Management with the Explorer Controller (EC)
  • Explorer Controller (EC)
  • Logging onto the Platforms and the EC

Module 2: System Provisioning

• Configuring a DBDS
  • DBDS Configuring Process
• Provisioning Clear Broadcast Services
  • Defining Services
  • Clear Service Provisioning Steps
  • Create a Source Name and ID
  • Define a Source Definition with QAM Session
  • Create a SAM Service Entry
  • Add to IPG
  • Add to the Channel Map
• Provisioning a Secure Broadcast Service
  • Secure Services Fundamentals
• Provisioning Set-Tops and CableCARDs
  • Set-Top Software and Provisioning Step Overview
  • EC Set-Top Provisioning Process
  • Receiving Content at the Home
  • Authorizing Set-Tops
  • CableCARD Staging and Binding

Module 3: Additional Services

• Examining the IPG
  • Interactive Program Guide (IPG) Fundamentals and Flow
• Provisioning PPV Services
  • Pay-per-View (PPV) Fundamentals
  • Provisioning PPV
• Introducing VoD Provisioning
  • What Is VoD?
  • VoD Provisioning on the EC
• Examining the EAS for North America
  • EAS Basics and Operations
  • PSIP/EAS for DTAs

Module 4: Maintaining the DBDS

• Introducing Utility and Dashboard Tools
  • Utility Overview
  • System Tools
  • System Log File
  • Reports
  • cmd2000 Utility
• Monitoring the System
  • System Processes
  • Performing Overall System Checks
• Configuring and Operating the Replicated Database Package
  • Overview of the Replicated Database Package and HDR
  • Overview of the Recovery Process
  • Failover Scenarios
  • Pause and Resume RepDB
  • Verify RepDB
  • Monitor RepDB
• Performing Backups and Restores
  • Backup Overview
  • Back Up the System to an NFS-Mounted Directory
  • Restoring the System

Lab Outline

• Lab 1: Communication Paths
• Lab 2: BFS
• Lab 3: Logging into the EC
• Lab 4: GUI Navigation
• Lab 5: Logical Elements
• Lab 6: Communication Paths
• Lab 7: Provisioning Clear Broadcast Services
• Lab 8: Provisioning Secure Broadcast Services
• Lab 9: Provisioning Set-Tops (CVT Method)
• Lab 10: Verify the IPG
• Lab 11: Managing IPG Data
• Lab 12: Provision an IPPV Service
• Lab 13: EAS