Cisco Explorer Controller Foundation Training (ECF)

The Cisco Explorer Controller Foundation (ECF) Training Version 1.9 instructor-led course1 is part of the Videoscape Control Suite offerings by Cisco® Learning Services. This hands-on course introduces you to the Cisco Explorer Controller (EC) server, formerly the Cisco Digital Network Control System (DNCS), running 6.x or 7.x software to maintain the Cisco Digital Broadband Delivery System (DBDS). In this course, you learn how to configure Cisco DBDS network elements, set up broadcast and pay-per-view (PPV) services, provision Cisco endpoints (set-top boxes, Cisco Digital Transport Adapters [DTAs], and CableCARDs), and maintain the Cisco DBDS using Cisco Explorer Controller.

Upon completing this course, the learner will be able to meet these overall objectives:

• Describe the function of a Cisco DBDS and the services it can provide
• State the four communications paths to and from the endpoints (i.e. set-tops)
• Log into and navigate the EC WUI
• Log into the EC using a terminal window to perform administrative commands
• Create and modify EC user acounts
• Explain how MPEG transport streams and main MPEG tables are used to deliver content to set-tops
• Verify the Broadcast File System is sending data to endpoints
• Create an additional BFS Bootloader
• Provision additional network components
• Provision clear and secure broadcast services
• Provision set-tops
• Provision pay-per-view (PPV) services
• Describe the process used by the interactive program guide (IPG) to delivery a program guide to endpoints
• Create and send an emergency alert system (EAS) service test message
• Use the Doctor report and other system tools in the Cisco Explorer Controller to monitor and maintain a Cisco DBDS
• Verify the RepDB synchronization feature is working
• Perform database, key file, and file system backups

• Module 1: Introduction to Cisco’s Digital Subscriber Network (DSN)
  • Examining a DBDS
  • Communication and File Delivery
  • System Management with the Explorer Controller (EC)
  • Working with User Accounts and Roles
  • Exploring MPEG Transport Streams in a Cable TV System
• Module 2: Broadcast File System (BFS)
  • Investigating and Verifying the BFS
  • Examining Multiple Bootloaders
• Module 3: System and Service Provisioning
  • Configuring a DBDS
  • Provisioning Clear Broadcast Services
  • Provisioning a Secure Broadcast Service
• Module 4: Cisco Endpoint Provisioning
  • Set-tops with SARA Middleware
  • Vantage/Reference TV Navigator (RTN) Set-tops
  • PowerKEY Digital Transport Adapters (DTAs)
  • Delivering Data to Endpoints
• Module 5: Additional Services
  • Provisioning PPV Services
  • Examining the IPG
  • Examining the EAS for North America
• Module 6: Maintaining the DBDS
  • Introducing Utilities and Tools
  • Monitoring the System
  • Introducing the Replicated Database Package
  • Performing Backups and Restores

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

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

There are no course prerequisites for this course. A general knowledge of hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) network structure, and a basic familiarity with UNIX, the vi editor, and manipulating basic files in a UNIX environment are helpful.