Microsoft - MCSE: Communication (Skype for Business)

Curriculum

MOC 20334: Core Solutions of Microsoft Skype for Business 2015

Module 1: Design and Architecture of Skype for Business Server 2015

This module describes the high-level components and features of Skype for Business 2015. It describes how to work with the Skype for Business administrative tools. It describes the main components of Skype for Business Online and coexistence with on-premises Skype for Business servers.

Lessons

• Overview of Skype for Business Components and Features
• Introduction to the Skype for Business Administrative Tools

Lab : Designing and Publishing a Skype for Business Server Topology

• Designing and Creating the Topology
• Updating the Topology for the New York Site

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Describe the high level components and features of Skype for Business 2015.
• Work with the Skype for Business administrative tools.
• Describe main components of Skype for Business Online and coexistence with Skype for Business Server.
• Design and Publish a Skype for Business Server Topology.

Module 2: Installing and Implementing Skype for Business Server 2015

This module explains the external dependencies for Skype for Business Server. It describes the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) domain requirements to ensure a successful implementation. It also explains how to install Skype for Business Server and describes how Skype for Business Server integrates with Microsoft Exchange Server and Microsoft SharePoint Server.

Lessons

• Server and Service Dependencies
• Planning SIP Domains
• Installing Skype for Business Server
• Integrating Skype for Business Server with Exchange Server and SharePoint Server

Lab : Configuring DNS for Skype for Business Server

• Configuring the Required DNS Records for Skype for Business Server

Lab : Deploying Skype for Business Server

• Installing and Configuring Skype for Business Server
• Installing Skype for Business Server Certificates
• Configuring Exchange Server Integration

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Identify the external dependencies for Skype for Business Server.
• Identify the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) domain requirements to ensure a successful implementation.
• Install Skype for Business Server.
• Describe how Skype for Business Server integrates with Microsoft Exchange Server and Microsoft SharePoint Server.

Module 3: Administering Skype for Business Server 2015

This module explains how to administer and manage Skype for Business Server by using Skype for Business Server Control Panel and the Skype for Business Server Management Shell. It also describes how to create useful Skype for Business scripts to automate processes. Additionally, it explains how to implement role-based access control (RBAC) in Skype for Business and how to use important Test cmdlets and tools to troubleshoot Skype for Business.

Lessons

• Using Skype for Business Server Control Panel
• Using the Skype for Business Server Management Shell
• Implementing Role-Based Access Control
• Using Test Cmdlets
• Tools for Troubleshooting Skype for Business

Lab : Using the Administrative Tools to Manage Skype for Business Server

• Installing the Skype for Business Administrative Tools on a Windows 10 Client
• Using Skype for Business Server Control Panel
• Using the Skype for Business Server Management Shell

Lab : Using the Skype for Business Troubleshooting Tools

• Using Skype for Business Server Management Shell Cmdlets to Create an RBAC Structure
• Using the Centralized Logging Service
• Performing a Network Capture by Using Message Analyzer

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Use Skype for Business Server Control Panel.
• Use the Skype for Business Server Management Shell.
• Explain how to create useful Skype for Business scripts.
• Implement RBAC in Skype for Business.
• Use important Test cmdlets.
• Use the various tools to troubleshoot Skype for Business.

Module 4: Configuring Users and Clients in Skype for Business 2015

This module explains how to configure users by using Skype for Business Server Control Panel and the Skype for Business Server Management Shell. It then describes how to deploy Skype for Business clients and explains the sign-in, registration, and authentication process for Skype for Business clients. It also explains how to configure in-band policies and group policies. Finally, it explains how to manage the Skype for Business Address Book.

Lessons

• Configuring Users
• Deploying the Skype for Business Client
• Registration, Sign-In, and Authentication
• Configuring Skype for Business Client Policies
• Managing the Skype for Business Address Book

Lab : Configuring Users and Clients in Skype for Business 2015

• Enabling Users for Skype for Business by Using the Management Shell
• Troubleshooting a User Sign-In Issue

Lab : Configuring Policies and the Address Book in Skype for Business Server

• Configuring Client Policies
• Configuring the Address Book

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Configure users by using Skype for Business Server Control Panel and the Skype for Business Server Management Shell.
• Deploy Skype for Business clients.
• Explain the registration, sign-in, and authentication process for Skype for Business clients.
• Configure in-band policies and Group Policies.
• Describe how to manage the Skype for Business Address Book.

Module 5: Configuring and Implementing Conferencing in Skype for Business 2015

This modules describes Skype for Business conferencing features and modalities. It explains how to integrate Skype for Business Server 2015 with Office Online Server. It also explains how to plan for conferencing bandwidth utilization. Finally, it explains how to configure conferencing settings and policies.

Lessons

• Introduction to Conferencing in Skype for Business 2015
• Integrating Skype for Business Server and Office Online Server
• Bandwidth Planning
• Configuring Conferencing Settings

Lab : Installing and Configuring Office Online Server

• Installing Office Online Server

Lab : Configuring Conferencing in Skype for Business Server

• Configuring, Assigning, and Validating Conferencing Policies

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Describe Skype for Business conferencing features and modalities.
• Integrate Skype for Business Server 2015 with Office Web Apps Server.
• Plan for conferencing bandwidth utilization.
• Configure conferencing settings and policies.

Module 6: Implementing Additional Conferencing Options in Skype for Business Server 2015

This module describes the conferencing lifecycle and explains how to administer it. It then explains how to use conferencing and meeting policies. It also explains how to deploy dial-in conferencing and configure the infrastructure for Lync Room System. Finally, it explains how to configure large meetings and Skype Meeting Broadcast.

Lessons

• Overview of the Conferencing Lifecycle
• Designing and Configuring Audio/Video and Web Conferencing Policies
• Deploying Dial-In Conferencing
• Configuring an LRS
• Configuring Large Meetings and Skype Meeting Broadcasts

Lab : Implementing and Troubleshooting Conferencing Policies

• Creating and Editing Conferencing Policies
• Troubleshooting Conferencing Policies

Lab : Configuring Additional Conferencing Modalities

• Deploying Dial-In Conferencing
• Preparing for LRS Deployment

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Administer the conferencing lifecycle.
• Configure conferencing and meeting policies.
• Deploy dial-in conferencing.
• Configure the infrastructure for Lync Room System (LRS).
• Configure large meetings and Skype Meeting Broadcast.

Module 7: Designing and Implementing Monitoring and Archiving in Skype for Business 2015

This module describes the Monitoring Service components in Skype for Business Server. It then describes archiving and explains how to design an archiving policy. Finally, it explains how to implement archiving.

Lessons

• Components of the Monitoring Service
• Overview of Archiving
• Designing an Archiving Policy
• Implementing Archiving

Lab : Implementing Monitoring

• Enabling Monitoring Reports

Lab : Implementing Archiving

• Enabling Skype for Business Server Archiving to Microsoft Exchange Server 2013

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Describe Monitoring Service components in Skype for Business Server.
• Implement monitoring.
• Design an archiving policy.
• Implement archiving.

Module 8: Deploying Skype for Business 2015 External Access

This module explains how external access extends the functionality to users outside the corporate network, facilitates federation, and makes meetings with external participants possible. This module teaches you how you can install and configure the required components, configure the policies and users, configure external access network and certificates, and publish the Skype for Business web services to the Internet by using Windows Server 2012 R2 Web Application Proxy.

Lessons

• External Access Overview
• Configuring External Access Policies and Security
• Configuring External Access Network and Certificates
• Configuring Reverse Proxy
• Designing Mobility in Skype for Business Server
• Designing Federation in Skype for Business Server

Lab : Designing and Implementing External User Access

• Defining the Edge Server in the Topology
• Installing and Configuring the Edge Server

Lab : Installing the Components for External Users

• Installing and Configuring Reverse Proxy
• Validate External Messaging

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Identify the components for external access.
• Configure external access policies and security.
• Configure external access network and certificates.
• Configure reverse proxy.
• Configure Skype for Business Server 2015 for mobile clients.
• Design and configure federation in Skype for Business Server.

Module 9: Implementing Persistent Chat in Skype for Business 2015

This module explains how to design a Skype for Business 2015 topology that includes Persistent Chat. It then explains how to deploy Persistent Chat in Skype for Business. Finally, it explains how to configure and manage Persistent Chat.

Lessons

• Designing a Persistent Chat Server Topology
• Deploying Persistent Chat Server
• Configuring and Managing Persistent Chat

Lab : Designing and Deploying Persistent Chat Server

• Configuring the Topology for Persistent Chat Server
• Installing Persistent Chat Server
• Registering a New Add-In

Lab : Configuring and Using Persistent Chat

• Configuring Chat Rooms and Policies
• Validating a Persistent Chat Deployment
• Troubleshooting Persistent Chat

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Design a Skype for Business topology that includes Persistent Chat.
• Deploy Persistent Chat in Skype for Business.
• Configure and manage Persistent Chat in Skype for Business.

Module 10: Implementing High Availability in Skype for Business 2015

This module describes how to design and implement a high-availability solution for Front End Servers and Back End Servers in a Skype for Business Server environment. It also explains how to design and implement a high-availability solution for file stores, Edge Servers, Mediation Servers, Office Online server farms, and reverse proxy servers in a Skype for Business Server environment.

Lessons

• Planning for Front End Pool High Availability
• Planning for Back End Server High Availability
• High Availability for Other Component Servers

Lab : Implementing High Availability

• Managing Front End Pools
• Configuring Hardware Load Balancing

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Design and implement a high-availability solution for Front End Servers in a Skype for Business Server environment.
• Design and implement a high-availability solution for Back End Servers in a Skype for Business Server environment.
• Design and implement a high-availability solution for file stores, Edge Servers, Mediation Servers, Office Online Server farms, and reverse proxy servers in a Skype for Business Server environment.

Module 11: Implementing Disaster Recovery in Skype for Business 2015

This module describes the disaster recovery options in Skype for Business Server, such as Front End pool pairing and Persistent Chat Server stretched pools. It then explains how to implement disaster recovery in Skype for Business Server. Additionally, it describes the disaster recovery options for Persistent Chat, the Central Management store, the Location Information Service (LIS) database, and user data.

Lessons

• Disaster Recovery Options in Skype for Business Server
• Implementing Disaster Recovery in Skype for Business Server
• Additional Disaster Recovery Options in Skype for Business Server

Lab : Implementing and Performing Disaster Recovery

• Configuring Pool Pairing
• Perform Pool Failover and Failback

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Describe disaster recovery options in Skype for Business Server.
• Implement disaster recovery in Skype for Business Server.
• Describe the disaster recovery options for Persistent Chat, the Central Management store, the Location Information Service (LIS) database, and user data.

Module 12: Integrating with Skype for Business Online

This module describes Skype for Business Online features. It then explains how to prepare an on-premises environment for a hybrid Skype for Business deployment. It also explains how to configure a hybrid Skype for Business deployment.

Lessons

• Overview of Skype for Business Online
• Preparing for a Hybrid Skype for Business Deployment
• Configuring a Hybrid Skype for Business Environment

Lab : Designing a Hybrid Skype for Business Deployment

• Designing the Hybrid Skype for Business Environment

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Describe Skype for Business Online features.
• Prepare an on-premises environment for a hybrid Skype for Business deployment.
• Configure a hybrid Skype for Business deployment.

Module 13: Planning and Implementing an Upgrade to Skype for Business Server 2015

This module describe how to plan a side-by-side migration from Lync Server 2010 and Lync Server 2013 to Skype for Business Server 2015. It also explains how to perform an in-place upgrade from Lync Server 2013 to Skype for Business Server.

Lessons

• Overview of Upgrade and Migration Paths
• In-Place Upgrade to Skype for Business

Lab : Performing an In-Place Upgrade of Lync 2013 to Skype for Business

• Install Skype for Business Administrative Tools

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Describe the supported migration and upgrade paths for Skype for Business Server.
• Perform an in-place upgrade of Lync Server 2013 to Skype for Business Server.
• Describe how to manage the user experience during an upgrade.

MOC 40409:Deploying Voice Workloads for Skype for Business Online and Server 2015

Module 1: Introduction to Voice Workloads

Designing a Skype for Business voice solution requires the understanding of many technologies. With Microsoft's latest cloud based voice services, customers now have even more flexibility in deploying a voice solution for their enterprise, but with that flexibility comes further complexities that must be understood. In this module, you will learn about basic VoIP concepts, how they evolved from early telephony technologies, as well as Office 365 services and Microsoft's entry into the voice world. You will also learn about on-premises and cloud based voice offerings now available as part of the Skype for Business product set.

Lessons

• Voice Overview
• Designing Voice Workloads
• Skype for Business Ecosystem
• SIP Basics and Routing

Lab : Customising Your Lab Environment

• Configuring the On-Premises Organisation

Module 2: Assess Network and Voice Deployment Options

In this module, you will learn how to perform a network readiness assessment for an implementation of Skype for Business Server 2015 or Skype for Business Online. This module coincides with the Skype Operations Framework (SOF) Plan phase. Specifically, this module aligns with the Envision, Assess, and Design stages. You will learn about Skype for Business Online and Skype for Business Server 2015 features and functionality. You will also learn the supported architectures for Skype for Business Online and Skype for Business Server 2015.

Lessons

• Network Planning and Assessment
• Skype for Business Features and Functionality
• Plan your Cloud PBX Solution

Lab : Configuring Identity Federation with Office 365

• Adding a Custom Domain and Enabling Directory Synchronisation in Office 365
• Performing Directory Synchronisation
• Installing and Configuring Active Directory Federation Services
• Enabling Single Sign-On with Office 365

Module 3: Split Domain Configuration

In this module, you will learn what is meant by the term split domain and what it describes relative to the Skype for Business product. You will also learn the benefits of split domain, the prerequisites needed to deploy this environment, and how to provision users once it's been configured. Finally, you will learn to troubleshoot common issues.

Lessons

• Split Domain Overview
• Split Domain Requirements
• Split Domain Deployments
• User Provisions and Migration
• Troubleshooting Split Domain Related Issues

Lab : Setting up Split Domain with Skype for Business Online

• Setting up Split Domain with Skype for Business Online
• Moving Users to Skype for Business Online
• Verifying the Split Domain Skype for Business User Experience
• Managing Users in Skype for Business Online

Module 4: Cloud PBX with PSTN Calling and Conferencing

Cloud PBX is a Microsoft-based PBX solution offered in Office 365. Cloud PBX enables organisations to eliminate their existing PBX infrastructure and migrate PBX functionality, as well as existing telephone numbers, to Office 365. Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN) Calling provides a PSTN connection for users via Microsoft Calling Plans. PSTN Conferencing has been integrated into Skype for Business Online Meetings capability in Office 365 which allow users to create, manage, and host their own online meetings with PSTN integration for easy dial-in access.

Lessons

• Cloud PBX with PSTN Calling Features
• PSTN Conferencing and Meeting Features
• Skype for Business Server 2015 Dial-in Conferencing

Lab : Configuring Cloud PBX with PSTN Calling

• Enabling Users for PSTN Calling in Skype for Business Online
• Using Online PSTN Calling Features
• Enabling Users for Cloud PSTN Conferencing
• Using PSTN Conferencing in Skype for Business Online

Module 5: Enterprise Voice (On-Premises)

In this module, you will learn about Skype for Business Server 2015 Enterprise Voice. Enterprise Voice is a unified communications solution delivered by Skype for Business Server 2015. Enterprise Voice enables organisations to send and receive calls via the Publicly Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). You will learn how to configure voice components like Dial Plans, Voice Policies, and Routes that are an integral part of the Enterprise Voice solution.

Lessons

• Designing Enterprise Voice
• Configuring Enterprise Voice
• Voice Routing
• Assigning Phone Numbers
• Client Configuration
• Unified Messaging

Lab : Configuring Enterprise Voice

• Build a Regular Expression
• Configuring Dial Plans
• Configuring a Voice Policy, PSTN Usage, and Route
• Assigning User Dial Plans and Policies
• Test Voice Routing
• Configure the London Dial Plan

Module 6: PSTN Connectivity

A key component to a successful organisation is the ability to communicate between internal employees and customers and partners. In order for this to happen organisations need to bridge communications between their internal communications systems such as Skype for Business Server 2015 and the public switched telephone network by using an existing Public Branch Exchange (PBX), gateway, or Internet service provider (ISP). Connection to the PSTN enables enterprise users to make and receive calls from external numbers by using the same Skype for Business client used for internal calls. In addition, employees can leverage the broad range of Skype for Business features to improve their communications interactions with external users connected through the PSTN.

Lessons

• Connecting to the PSTN
• Connecting to the Existing PBX
• M:N Interworking Routing
• Call Routing Reliability
• Call via Work
• Shared Line Appearance
• IP Phones
• Room Systems
• Mobile

Lab : Configuring Integration with an IP-PBX

• Configuring Enterprise Voice Settings for London
• Configuring Inter-Trunk Routing
• Research Skype for Business Server 2015 Integration Settings
• Configuring IP-PBX Integration Settings

Module 7: Cloud PBX with On-Premises PSTN Connectivity using an Existing Deployment

This module discusses the implementation and configuration of Cloud PBX with an on-premises PSTN with an existing deployment. With many options for implementation, students should be familiar with the different methods and connectivity options. Implementing Cloud PBX requires a tenant with Office 365 and a network infrastructure that can be utilised for users at an office or on a public internet connection. It is important to remember that dial-in conferencing needs to be implemented via PSTN Conferencing or Audio Conferencing Provider (ACP). On-Premises PSTN Connectivity with Cloud Connector Edition will be covered in the next module.

Lessons

• Call Flows and Manageability

Lab : Call Flows and Manageability

• Exercise 1: Testing the Current PBX Calling Solution
• Exercise 2: Enabling Cloud PBX with On-Premises PSTN Connectivity
• Exercise 3: Testing Cloud PBX with On-Premises PSTN Connectivity

Module 8: Cloud PBX with On-Premises PSTN Connectivity using Cloud Connector Edition

Enterprises that have a voice solution on-premises that does not include Skype for Business Server 2015 or Lync Server 2013 can still integrate their current solution with Skype for Business Online by leveraging Cloud Connector Edition (CCE). It is important to choose the correct topology for CCE in order to support an organisation's voice requirements. This module will review the different supported topologies and provide guidance on the deployment process.

Lessons

• Introduction to Cloud Connector Edition
• Planning PSTN Connectivity via Cloud Connector Edition
• Deploying Cloud Connector Edition

Lab : Deploying Cloud Connector Edition

• Configuring the Lab Organisation
• Prepare First Cloud Connector Edition High Availability Appliance
• Prepare Second Cloud Connector Edition High Availability Appliance
• Create Base VHDX for Cloud Connector Edition Virtual Machines
• Deploy First Cloud Connector Edition High Availability Appliance
• Configure Office 365 Tenant
• Test Cloud PBX with On-Premises PSTN Connectivity
• Deploy Second Cloud Connector Edition High Availability Appliance
• Complete and Testing Cloud Connector Edition High Availability
• Test Cloud Connector Edition Management Service Auto Recovery

Module 9: Enhanced Calling Features and Device Requirements

Enterprise Voice provides a number of specific on-premises features such as call parking, unassigned numbers, PSTN conferencing, and Response Groups. It also builds on the basic Enterprise Voice deployment scenario introduced earlier in the course. To use Enterprise Voice, you need to know about the various Enterprise Voice applications and how to implement and configure them. You will explore the Skype for Business Server Response Group Service (RGS) in some depth, including components such as RGS agent groups, RGS queues, hunt groups or basic workflows, and Interactive Voice response workflows. In addition, you should be able to describe the Attendant routing method.

Lessons

• Call Park Service
• Managing Calls to Unassigned Numbers
• Delegation and Private Lines
• Response Group Services
• Location Information Services and E9-1-1

Lab : Configuring Response Groups

• Configuring Agent Groups and Queues
• Configuring Workflows
• Verifying the Response Group Service Behavior

Lab : Configuring Location Information Services and Managing Devices

• Creating Emergency Routes and PSTN Usages
• Configuring Number Manipulation on Trunks for Emergency Numbers
• Defining LIS Locations
• Experiencing LIS Features

Module 10: Network Requirements

In this module, you will learn how to optimise voice communications on a network by planning for network consumption and implementing bandwidth optimising technologies such as call admission control (CAC), quality of service (QoS), and software defined networks (SDN). You will also learn the media stacks available for Skype for Business Server 2015 and Skype for Business Online.

Lessons

• Media Stacks
• Traffic Modeling
• Quality of Service
• Software-Defined Networking
• Overview of Call Admission Control
• Implementing Call Admission Control
• Software-Defined Networking

Lab : Managing Voice Quality

• Entering information into the Skype for Business Bandwidth Calculator
• Reviewing Calculated Results
• Configuring Quality of Service
• Verifying the Quality of Service Application
• Configuring Call Admission Control to Manage Bandwidth
• Analysing DSCP Values and Port Ranges for Prioritising Network Traffic (Bonus Exercise

Module 11: Monitoring and Maintaining Voice Quality

Asserting, achieving, and maintaining call quality are imperative for a successful Skype for Business deployment, especially for voice and conferencing workloads. This module will detail Microsoft's Call Quality Methodology as both a process and toolset that can be used to achieve these goals. Call Quality Scorecard, along with its accompanying script and the Call Quality Dashboard, will be described as additional tools to measure and maintain call quality goals set by an organisation. The module will also show how to leverage native Skype for Business tools and datasets to help troubleshoot and further refine deployment quality.

Lessons

• Call Quality Methodology
• Call Quality Dashboard
• Monitoring Tools
• Usage Reports and Monitoring

Lab : Deploying Call Quality Dashboard, Analysing Reports, and Capturing KHI

• Installing the Skype Call Quality Dashboard
• Using the Skype Call Quality Dashboard
• Analyse Peer-to-Peer Session Detail Reports
• Troubleshoot Media Quality Reports
• Monitoring Synthetic Transactions
• Monitoring Server Health

Module 12: Voice Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting is a basic skill that is required to support Skype for Business Server deployments. Skype for Business infrastructure can be deployed in a variety of topologies, as has been described throughout this course. Skype for Business administrators should be familiar with both the core tools and the troubleshooting methods that apply specifically to Skype for Business Online and Skype for Business Server 2015. This module will introduce tools and methodologies for troubleshooting Skype for Business client, Skype for Business Server 2015, and Skype for Business Online. Various scenarios will be explored to provide familiarity with some of the common issues administrators face.

Lessons

• Troubleshooting Call Quality
• Troubleshooting Scenarios
• Troubleshooting Skype for Business Online Voice
• Troubleshooting IP Phones

Lab : Troubleshoot Dial Plans, Routing, and Trunks

• Reviewing the Centralised Logging Service Components
• Using the CLS Logger Tool
• Tracing Fundamentals
• Identifying Dial Plan Misconfiguration
• Troubleshooting Voice Routing Issues