24- CCNP SCOR 350-701 | ISE installation

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide for installing Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) as part of the CCNP SCOR 350-701 certification preparation. Cisco ISE is crucial for network security, enabling centralized management of policies, users, and devices. This guide breaks down the installation process into manageable steps to ensure a smooth setup.

Step 1: Prepare the Environment

To begin the installation of Cisco ISE, it's essential to prepare your environment.

• Check System Requirements: Ensure your hardware meets Cisco ISE specifications, including CPU, RAM, and disk space.
• Download the ISE Software: Obtain the correct version of the Cisco ISE image from the Cisco website.
• Virtualization Setup: If using a virtual machine, prepare your hypervisor (e.g., VMware or Hyper-V) and create a new VM with adequate resources.

Step 2: Configure the Virtual Machine

Set up your virtual machine to host the Cisco ISE software.

• Create a new VM:
  • Allocate at least 8 GB of RAM and 4 CPU cores.
  • Assign at least 300 GB of disk space for the installation.
• Network Settings:
  • Ensure the VM is connected to a network (NAT or Bridged).
  • Configure the network adapter to support external access.

Step 3: Install the ISE Software

Once your environment is ready, proceed with the installation.

• Boot the VM with the ISE ISO:
  • Start the VM and mount the downloaded ISO file.
• Follow Installation Prompts:
  • Select "Install" from the boot menu.
  • Accept the license agreement.
  • Choose the installation type (e.g., evaluation or full version).
• Partitioning Disk:
  • Follow prompts to partition the disk as per Cisco's recommendations.

Step 4: Initial Configuration

After installation, perform the initial setup of Cisco ISE.

• Access the ISE GUI:
  • Open a web browser and navigate to the ISE IP address.
• Complete the Setup Wizard:
  • Set the admin username and password.
  • Configure basic settings including timezone and network configuration.
• License Activation:
  • Enter your license key to activate Cisco ISE features.

Step 5: Verify Installation

Confirm that Cisco ISE is functioning correctly.

• Check Services:
  • Navigate to the ISE dashboard and verify all services are running.
• Test Connectivity:
  • Ensure devices can communicate with the ISE server.

Conclusion

This tutorial outlined the essential steps for installing Cisco Identity Services Engine. By preparing your environment, configuring the VM, installing the software, and verifying the installation, you can successfully implement Cisco ISE in your network infrastructure. For next steps, consider exploring advanced configurations and integrations with your existing network devices to enhance security policies.