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2.1 Enterprise Agent Configuration

Configure enterprise agent on application servers and network infrastructure devices, including dedicated devices

This task assesses your ability to configure and install enterprise agents on specific devices and network infrastructure. Key points to understand:

  1. There are no specific "application agents" in ThousandEyes.
  2. Enterprise agents can be installed on application servers for monitoring if the operating system is supported.
  3. Enterprise agents can be configured on various network infrastructure devices.

Preparing for the Exam

The main deployment methods to focus on are:

  • Cisco App Hosting with Docker via CLI (for switches and routers)
  • DNA Center Switch Agent Configuration
  • Meraki MX Enterprise Agent Configuration
  • vManage Router Enterprise Agent Configuration
  • Nexus switches (app-hosting or guest shell)

Each method has its own specific steps and considerations. Hands-on experience with these different deployment methods will be valuable for the exam.

ThousandEyes Integration with Cisco Networking Platforms

Key Concepts

Cisco App Hosting

Cisco App Hosting is a method for installing applications, including ThousandEyes enterprise agents, on supported Cisco devices. This approach leverages containerization technology to run applications securely on network infrastructure.

Concept and Architecture

Cisco App Hosting uses a separate namespace from the main operating system for security reasons. The ThousandEyes enterprise agent runs within a Docker container, isolated from the device's core functions.

Supported Devices

You can find a list of supported devices for Cisco App Hosting in the Cisco App Hosting on the Catalyst 9000 Series Switches White paper.

Cisco App Hosting Command Lifecycle

When working with Cisco App Hosting, it's crucial to understand the lifecycle of app management commands. These commands follow a logical sequence for installing, activating, running, stopping, deactivating, and uninstalling applications.

  • Deploying an App

    1. Install: app-hosting install appid myapp package usbflash1:myapp.tar
    2. Activate: app-hosting activate appid myapp
    3. Start: app-hosting start appid myapp

    install > activate > start
    install > activate > start

  • Removing an App

    1. Stop: app-hosting stop appid myapp
    2. Deactivate: app-hosting deactivate appid myapp
    3. Uninstall: app-hosting uninstall appid myapp

    stop > deactivate > uninstall
    stop > deactivate > uninstall

For detailed steps and more information on installing enterprise agents on Cisco routers with Docker, refer to the following resources:

Hands-on experience with Cisco App Hosting and configuring ThousandEyes enterprise agents using this method is highly recommended for exam preparation.

Deployment Methods

ThousandEyes Enterprise Agents can be installed on various Cisco devices using different methods. Here's an overview of the main deployment options:

Catalyst Switches

  • App Hosting: Use Docker containers to run ThousandEyes agents.
  • DNA Center: Deploy and manage agents through Cisco DNA Center.

For detailed instructions, see:

Nexus Switches

  • App Hosting: Similar to Catalyst switches, use Docker containers.
  • Guest Shell: Run the agent in a secure Linux container environment.

Routers

  • App Hosting: Deploy agents using Docker containers.
  • vManage: For SD-WAN environments, deploy agents through vManage.

For router deployments, refer to:

Configuring ThousandEyes on SD-WAN Devices

Meraki Devices

  • Meraki MX: Security appliances that support ThousandEyes agent installation.

For Meraki deployments, see Meraki MX ThousandEyes Configuration Guide.

Meraki Integration with ThousandEyes

Optimizing Performance with ThousandEyes on Meraki MX

Each deployment method has its own specific steps and considerations. Hands-on experience with these different deployment options will be valuable for the exam.

Resources

Sample Questions

2.1 Question 1

What are the different ways to deploy a ThousandEyes Agent in a Switch? (Choose all that apply)

  • A) Application Hosting
  • B) Catalyst Center (formerly DNA Center)
  • C) Catalyst SD-WAN Manager (formerly vManage)
  • D) From the ThousandEyes Portal in the "Enterprise & Cloud Agent" section
  • E) All of the above

2.1 Question 2

What Meraki platform supports ThousandEyes?

  • A) Meraki MX (Security Appliances)
  • B) Meraki MR Series (Wireless Access Points)
  • C) Meraki MS Series (Switches)
  • D) Meraki MV (Smart Cameras)
  • E) Meraki MG (Cellular Gateways)
  • F) All of the above

2.1 Question 3

A network engineer deploys a ThousandEyes Docker agent on a switch using app-hosting. The agent needs to communicate through a proxy server, but this configuration was missed during the initial deployment. The engineer adds the proxy settings to the app-hosting configuration. What is the next step to ensure the agent uses the proxy and appears online in the ThousandEyes portal?

  • A) Restart the container using app-hosting stop appid agentname followed by app-hosting start appid agentname
  • B) Reinstall the agent using the app-hosting install command with the correct proxy settings
  • C) Execute the full agent lifecycle: app-hosting stop appid agentname, app-hosting deactivate appid agentname, app-hosting activate appid agentname, app-hosting start appid agentname
  • D) No action required; the agent will pick up the configuration automatically