Arista Certified Engineer Associate – Networking Foundations
AVAILABLE SESSIONS
COURSE OVERVIEW
The Technology Foundations track equips individuals with the essential knowledge and skills to configure, operate, and troubleshoot basic Arista network deployments. Participants will learn core Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching and routing, foundational network security, and the basics of IPv6. The course also introduces network automation using CloudVision. Arista virtual labs reinforce key concepts through hands-on practice in a simulated environment. The Arista Technology Foundations learning track is your gateway to unlocking the power and flexibility of Arista Networks. Enroll today and build the essential skills you need to succeed in today’s dynamic networking landscape.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Fundamental network technologies & protocols
Entry into Arista EOS and CloudVision
CLI Navigation and Configuration
Layer 2 & 3 switching and routing techniques
Course Outline
Network Engineering Fundamentals
Network Introduction
- Introduction to Networks
- Introduction to Network Models
- OSI in Action
- Wireshark and TCP/IP
Physical Layer
- Copper and PoE
- Fiber & Wireless
Data Link Layer
- Ethernet and MAC addressing
- L2 Devices Learning and Forwarding
Network layer
- Introduction to IPv4
- What is a subnet mask?
- IPv4 classes
- Default gateways
- Subnetting
Network Protocols
- DHCP, ICMP, DNS, ARP, NTP
Transport and Application Layer
- Transport layer responsibilities
- TCP vs UDP
Arista EOS Fundamentals
EOS Overview
- Consistent Networking with EOS
- Introduction to Arista EOS
- What is SysDB
- Introduction to Network Database (NetDB)
- EOS Network DataLake (NetDL)
- Arista cEOS
- The Secret Sauce of Arista EOS Quality
Getting started with EOSÂ
- Connect to network devices
- EOS booting process
- CLI configuration modes
- CLI basic config
- Interfaces and ports
- Configuration checkpoints
- Configuration sessions
- LAB – Introduction to EOS CLIÂ
- LAB – Setting up management connectivity
Layer 2 Switching Fundamentals
Neighbor Discovery
- Introduction to Neighbor Discovery
- Creating a Network Diagram using LLDP
- Lab - Creating a Network Diagram using LLDP
Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs)
- Introduction to VLANs
- Introduction to trunking protocols 802.1q
- Configuring VLANs on a single switch
- Configuring VLANs between switches
- Inter VLAN routing
- Configuring a “router on a stick”
- Configuring inter-VLAN routing with SVIs
- LAB – Configure VLANsÂ
- LAB – Configure Inter VLAN routing
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)Â
- Introduction to spanning tree
- STP operations
- STP port states
- STP modes
- LAB – Configure STP
Link Aggregation ProtocolsÂ
- Introduction to Link Aggregation
- Configuring link aggregation
- Introduction to MLAG
- LAB – Configuring LACP and MLAG
Layer 3 Routing Fundamentals
Introduction to RoutersÂ
- Network Design with routers
- LAB – Configure L3 addresses
Routing
- Why routing
- Static routing
- LAB – Configure static routingÂ
- Dynamic routing
- Classful vs classless routing protocols
- Metric and Admin distance
- Distance vector protocols (RIP)
- RIPv1 vs RIPv2
- Link state routing
- LAB – Configure routing protocols
Internet and WAN
- Wide Area Network
- Network Address Translation (NAT)
Advanced Networking Concepts
Security
- Introduction to access lists
- ACL types
- Authentication, Authorization, Accounting (AAA)
- DHCP Snooping
- IP Source guard and ARP inspection
- LAB – Access lists
- LAB – Troubleshooting ACLs
Quality of ServiceÂ
- Introduction to QOS
- Classification and marking
- Congestion management
- Policing and Shaping
- LAB – Configure QOS
IPv6
- Introduction to IPv6
- IPv6 Address types
- LAB – Configure IPv6 addresses
CloudVisionÂ
- Why automation
- How to automate your network
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q1. Does an Arista training course include individual lab access, and can I still access the labs after the training?
Yes. Each course includes up to 60 hours of hands-on lab access, designed for real-world configuration and troubleshooting using Arista EOS. Lab access remains valid for up to one (1) year after the training to support continued practice and review.
Q2.Do Arista training courses align directly with specific ACE certification tracks?
Yes. Arista training courses are mapped to specific ACE certification tracks (such as Data Center, Campus, Routing, and Automation) and are designed to prepare learners for the corresponding ACE certification exams.
Q3. Is prior hands-on experience with Arista EOS required before attending the course?
No. The course is hands-on and lab-driven, teaching foundational networking concepts using Arista EOS. Participants gain practical experience through labs that cover switching fundamentals and leaf–spine architecture, even without prior EOS experience.
Q4. I am planning to obtain the ACE Data Center Professional certification. Which training course should I take?
To earn ACE Data Center Professional, you must pass two separate Specialist exams: Operations and Engineering. Correspondingly, Arista provides two separate training courses, each aligned to prepare you for the respective Operations and Engineering exams within the Data Center track.
Q5. Is basic networking knowledge required to attend the ACE Foundation training course?
No. The ACE Foundation course covers foundational and basic networking concepts, making it suitable for learners who are new to networking or new to Arista technologies.