Arista Certified Engineer Specialist – Data Center Engineering
AVAILABLE SESSIONS
COURSE OVERVIEW
The Data Center learning track provides an in-depth understanding and hands-on experience with advanced Arista technologies focusing on both Layer 2 and 3 networking designs with underlay and overlay configurations, and VXLAN in the context of a Data Center deployment. You will gain essential skills to configure, troubleshoot, and manage complex network infrastructures using Arista’s cuttingedge solutions. The Data Center track covers key topics such as BGP in Leaf-Spine architectures, EVPN, and Arista’s CloudVision platform. The Data Center track is divided into two distinct sub-tracks: Operations and Engineering. Operations focus on Day-2 tasks such as telemetry and troubleshooting, while Engineering concentrates on the design and architecture of L2 and L3 leaf-spine Data Center networks. Both tracks include hands-on labs with a focus on the distinct tasks for each of these roles.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Design and implement L2 and L3 Leaf-Spine architectures
Configure and troubleshoot BGP for both underlay and overlay networks
Design VXLAN overlay with BGP EVPN
Integrate Arista's CloudVision to automate and orchestrate network operations
Course Outline
Layer 2 Leaf Spine Design Overview
L2LS architectureÂ
- Drivers for L2LS topologies
- L2LS design overview
- L2LS performance, redundancy and scale
Layer 2 Technologies
VLANsÂ
- VLAN overview
- Configuring access and trunk ports
- Introduction to inter-vlan routing
- Configuring sub-interfaces
- Configuring SVI’s
- Troubleshooting VLANs
STPÂ
- Spanning tree overview
- STP enhancements
- Configuring STP
- Troubleshooting STP
- LAB – STPÂ
- LAB – Troubleshooting STP
LACPÂ
- LACP overview
- Configuring LACP
- Troubleshooting LACP
MLAG
- MLAG overview
- Configuring MLAG
- Troubleshooting MLAG
- LAB – deploying MLAGÂ
- LAB – troubleshooting MLAG
Default gateway redundancy (FHRP)Â
- FHRP overview
- Configuring VRRP
- Configuring VARP
Building L2LS Fabric
Build L2LS DC network using CLIÂ
- Configuring L2LS with CLI
- LAB – Build L2LS with MLAG and VARP
Build L2LS DC network using CVP Configlets
- L2LS design and topology review
- Configuring L2LS with CVP configlets
Layer 3 Leaf-Spine Design Overview
L2LS reviewÂ
- L2LS Design review
- L2LS ExampleL3LS design
L3LS design
- Introduction to L3LS designs
- VXLAN and EVPN importance in L3LS designs
- Why BGP underlay in L3LS designs
Underlay Routing Options
OSPF
- OSPF overview
IS-IS
- IS-IS overview and operations
- IS-IS communications
Introduction to BGP
- BGP Overview
- BGP functions and facts
- BGP operations
- BGP route advertisement
eBGP Underlay Configuration
- L3LS eBGP underlay configuration
- eBGP load balancing configuration
- eBGP configuration enhancements
BGP Underlay Deployment Options
- BGP with MLAG
- Variations of BGP in L3LS
- LAB – Underlay addressing with eBGP
VXLAN Design
VXLAN Overview
- Introduction to VXLAN
- VXLAN load balancing with ECMP
VXLAN Control Plane Options
- ARP refresher
- VXLAN multicast control plane
- VXLAN HER control plane
- Configuring VXLAN HER
- VXLAN VCS control plane
- VXLAN EVPN control plane
- LAB – Configure VXLAN data plane with HER
VXLAN With MLAG
- Introduction to VXLAN with MLAG
- Configuring VXLAN with MLAG
VXLAN Best Practices
- MTU and Jumbo frames
Troubleshooting VXLAN
- Troubleshooting VXLAN
EVPN Overlay
eVPN Fundamentals
- Introduction to EVPN
- EVPN terminology
- VRF operations
- MP-BGP control plane
- Configuring MP-eBGP for EVPN
- EVPN route type 2 (MAC-IP)
- EVPN route type 5 (IP Prefix)
- EVPN route type 3 (IMET)
- LAB – L2EVPN
eVPN Advanced Concepts
- VLAN based service interface
- VLAN aware bundle service interface
- Introduction to IRB
- Symmetric vs. Asymmetric IRB
- Symmetric IRB deep dive
- Configuring Symmetric IRB
- Configuring Asymmetric IRB
- LAB – L3 EVPN Symmetric IRBÂ
- LAB – L3 EVPN Asymmetric IRB
eVPN Multihoming
- Introduction to Active-Active multihoming
- Route type 1 and ESI
- Route type 1 and route type 4
- Active-Active multihoming configuration
- LAB – EVPN multihoming
eVPN Design Best Practices
- iBGP between MLAG pairs and eBGP multihop command
- eBGP for underlay and overlay
Configuring L3LS DC Network with CVP Studios
- Configuring L3LS using Studios
- Configuring EVPN services, host interfaces and external networks using Studios
- LAB – Building L3LS, EVPN and MLAG with Studios
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.