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Exam Information
Official specifications published by HP
Exam Format
150 min
70
65%
Architect
Registration
$200 USD
Pearson VUE or online proctoring
14 days wait if previous two attempts were within 14 days
Validity
3 years
Pass the current HPE7-A04 exam before expiration; Pass the next level exam in the same domain (if available); Pass the Aruba Certified Expert exam (if qualified)
HPE7-A04 Exam Topics and Domains
HPE7-A04 is organized into 4 weighted domains. Expect to work with Risk management frameworks, 100G QSFP28 optics, 400G QSFP-DD optics, 802.1X authentication, and more.
1
Discover Requirements
20%
Identify Stakeholders and Sponsors
Stakeholder Analysis
- Identify key stakeholders in data center network projects
- Understand stakeholder requirements and expectations
- Map organizational hierarchy and decision-making authority
Understand the Objectives
Business and Technical ObjectivesSecurity and Compliance Requirements
- Define clear business and technical objectives
- Understand security and compliance requirements
- Align data center design with organizational goals
Identify Initial Environment
Current Infrastructure AssessmentPhysical and Environmental Constraints
- Assess current data center environment
- Identify physical and environmental constraints
- Document existing infrastructure and dependencies
Collect Information
Data Gathering Techniques
- Use appropriate data collection techniques
- Analyze network traffic and application requirements
- Document findings systematically
2
Analyze the Requirements
27%
Determine the Possible High-Level Solutions
Architecture Selection
- Evaluate different data center architecture options
- Select appropriate high-level designs for requirements
- Understand trade-offs between architecture choices
Map the Requirements into Technical Solutions
Technical Design MappingEVPN-VXLAN Design Considerations
- Map business requirements to technical designs
- Design EVPN-VXLAN fabric architectures
- Select appropriate HPE Aruba platforms for each role
Analyzing Requirements and Constraints
Constraint AnalysisTraffic Engineering and Optimization
- Analyze and document constraints
- Optimize traffic flow in data center designs
- Balance requirements with constraints
Document Assumptions
Assumption Management
- Identify and document design assumptions
- Validate assumptions with stakeholders
- Manage assumption-related risks
Determine the Options to Meet the Business Needs
Solution Options Analysis
- Develop multiple solution options
- Perform cost-benefit analysis
- Present alternatives to stakeholders
3
Architect the Solution
32%
Create the Preliminary Solution
Spine-Leaf Topology DesignUnderlay Network DesignOverlay Network Design (EVPN-VXLAN)
- Design complete spine-leaf topologies
- Configure underlay routing (eBGP/OSPF)
- Implement EVPN-VXLAN overlay networks
- Design Layer 2 and Layer 3 overlay services
Select the Correct Products
HPE Aruba CX Platform SelectionOptics and Cabling Selection
- Select appropriate HPE Aruba CX platforms
- Understand product capabilities and limitations
- Choose correct optics and cabling
Determine Network Segments and Protocols for the Design
Network Segmentation DesignRouting Protocol Design
- Design network segmentation strategies
- Configure routing protocols for data center fabrics
- Implement multi-tenancy with VRF
Design Security for the Network
Micro-segmentation and DFPAccess Control and AuthenticationControl Plane and Management Security
- Design security architecture for data centers
- Implement micro-segmentation and distributed firewalls
- Secure control and management planes
Validate that the Design Meets the Original Requirements
Design Validation and TestingHigh Availability Design Validation
- Validate designs against requirements
- Plan and execute proof of concept
- Test high availability and failover
4
Prepare and Present the Solution
21%
Create the Design Documentation
Technical DocumentationDesign Justification Documentation
- Create comprehensive technical documentation
- Document design decisions and rationale
- Develop accurate BOMs and diagrams
Present the Solution
Stakeholder PresentationsTechnical Deep Dives
- Present solutions to diverse audiences
- Articulate business value to executives
- Conduct technical deep dives for engineers
Review the Solution and Modify it as Needed
Feedback IncorporationDesign Optimization
- Incorporate stakeholder feedback
- Optimize designs for various objectives
- Manage design changes effectively
Deliver the Completed Solution
Solution HandoffImplementation Planning
- Deliver complete solutions to stakeholders
- Plan effective implementation strategies
- Ensure smooth operational handoff
How do I earn this certification?
Passing HPE7-A04 earns the HPE Aruba Networking Certified Network Architect - Data Center certification. It sits in the Data Center track.
Next Level Options
TBD - Aruba Certified Expert - Data Center (if released) Expert-level certifications may become available in the future
Alternative Paths
- HPE7-A03 - HPE Aruba Certified Network Architect - Campus AccessComplementary architect-level certification for campus networks
- HPE7-A05 - HPE Aruba Networking Certified Professional - Data CenterProfessional-level data center certification (lower tier)
- HPE7-A01 - HPE Aruba Networking Certified Professional - Campus AccessProfessional-level campus certification for broader skill set
- HPE7-A07 - HPE Aruba Networking Certified Expert - Campus Access MobilityExpert-level campus certification for advanced skills
Practice with Precision
The PlanetCert Simulator mirrors the real exam environment with authentic questions and timed pressure.
How to study for this exam?
The most effective way to prepare for HPE7-A04 is by using the PlanetCert Simulator to practice questions and review detailed explanations.
What's changed on this exam?
Current Status
- ACTIVE
- Last content update: 2023-Q1
Updates
- AOS-CX Operating System 10.12 Current exam based on AOS-CX 10.12 features and capabilities • Release date: 2023
- HPE Aruba Networking Fabric Composer
- EVPN Multi-Site
Who should take this exam?
- Completion of 'Designing HPE Aruba Data Center Solutions' training course
- Minimum 5 years of experience in the networking industry
- Experience with data center networking architectures
- Hands-on experience with HPE Aruba AOS-CX switches
- Understanding of EVPN VXLAN technologies
- Knowledge of BGP and OSPF routing protocols