Data Center, Associate (JNCIA-DC)

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The Data Center track enables you to demonstrate competence with data center technologies and related configuration and troubleshooting skills. JNCIA-DC, the associate-level certification in this track, is designed for data center networking professionals with introductory-level knowledge of the Juniper Networks Junos software and data center devices. The written exam verifies your understanding of data center technologies, related platform configuration, and troubleshooting skills.

This track includes four certifications:

  • JNCIA-DC: Data Center, Associate. For details, see the sections below.
  • JNCIS-DC: Data Center, Specialist. For details, see JNCIS-DC.
  • JNCIP-DC: Data Center, Professional. For details, see JNCIP-DC.
  • JNCIE-DC: Data Center, Expert. For details, see JNCIE-DC.

Exam Preparation

We recommend the following resources to help you prepare for your exam. However, these resources aren't required, and using them doesn't guarantee you'll pass the exam.

Exam Resources

Additional Preparation

Exam Objectives

Here’s a high-level view of the skillset required to successfully complete the JNCIA-DC certification exam.

Exam Objective

Description

Data Center Architectures

Identify concepts and general features of Data Center architectures

  • Traditional Architectures (multi-tier)
  • IP-Fabric Architectures (Spine/Leaf)
  • Layer 2 and Layer 3 strategies
  • Overlay Network versus Underlay Network (Very Basic)
  • EVPN/VXLAN basics/purpose

Layer 2 Switching, VLANs and Security

Identify the concepts, operation, or functionality of Layer 2 switching for the Junos OS

  • Ethernet switching/bridging concepts and operations
 

Identify the concepts, benefits, or functionality of VLANs

  • Port modes
  • VLAN Tagging
  • IRB
 

Identify the concepts, benefits, or functionality of Layer 2 Security

  • MACsec
  • MAC address control/filtering
  • Storm Control
 

Describe how to configure, monitor, or troubleshoot Layer 2 switching, VLANs, or security

  • Ethernet switching/bridging
  • VLANs
  • Layer 2 security features

Protocol-Independent Routing

Identify the concepts, operation, or functionality of various protocol-independent routing components

  • Static, aggregate, and generated routes
  • Martian addresses
  • Routing instances, including RIB groups
  • Load balancing
  • Filter-based forwarding

 

Describe how to configure, monitor, or troubleshoot various protocol-independent routing components

  • Static, aggregate, and generated routes
  • Load balancing

Data Center Routing Protocols BGP/OSPF

Identify the concepts, operation, or functionality of OSPF

  • Link-state database
  • OSPF packet types
  • Router ID
  • Adjacencies and neighbors
  • Designated router (DR) and backup designated router (BDR)
  • OSPF area and router types
  • LSA packet types

 

Describe how to configure, monitor, or troubleshoot OSPF

  • Areas, interfaces, and neighbors
  • Additional basic options
  • Routing policy application
  • Troubleshooting tools

 

Identify the concepts, operation, or functionality of BGP

  • BGP basic operation
  • BGP message types
  • Attributes
  • Route/path selection process
  • IBGP and EBGP functionality and interaction

 

Describe how to configure, monitor, or troubleshoot BGP

  • Groups and peers
  • Additional basic options
  • Routing policy application

High Availability (HA)

Identify the concepts, benefits, applications, or requirements of high availability

  • Link aggregation groups (LAG)
  • Graceful restart (GR)
  • Bidirectional Forwarding Detection (BFD)
  • Virtual Chassis

 

Describe how to configure, monitor, or troubleshoot high availability components

  • Link aggregation groups (LAG)
  • Graceful restart (GR)
  • Bidirectional Forwarding Detection (BFD)

Exam Details

Exam questions are derived from the recommended training and the exam resources listed above. The exam is only provided in English.

Exam Code

JN0-280

Prerequisite Certification

None

Delivered by

Exam Length

90 minutes

Exam Type

65 multiple-choice questions

Software Versions

Junos 20.4

Recertification

Juniper certifications are valid for three years. For more information, see Recertification.