Data Center, Specialist (JNCIS-DC)

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The Data Center track enables you to demonstrate competence with data center technologies and related configuration and troubleshooting skills. JNCIS-DC, the Specialist-level certification in this track, is designed for data center networking professionals with intermediate knowledge of the Juniper Networks Apstra 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 JNCIA-DC.
  • JNCIS-DC: Data Center, Specialist. For details, see the sections below.
  • 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 JNCIS-DC certification exam.

Exam Objective

Description

Data Center Architectures (IP Fabrics, EVPN-VXLAN)

Describe the concepts, operation, or functionality of an IP fabric

  • Spine-Leaf topology design
  • ECMP load balancing
  • Underlay and Overlay routing strategies
  • Juniper Networks best practices

 

Identify the concepts, operation, or functionality of EVPN

  • EVI
  • Bridge domain
  • Ethernet segments
  • Route distinguisher
  • Route target versus vrf-import and vrf-export policies
  • EVPN route types
  • ERB using Type 2 or Type 5

 

Identify the concepts, operation, or functionality of VXLAN

  • Control plane options
  • VNI-to-VLAN mapping
  • VTEP functions

Juniper Apstra Architecture 

Identify concepts and general features of Juniper Apstra

  • Apstra Server
  • Apstra device agents
  • Apstra UI
  • RBAC (role-based access-control)
  • Event log
  • Syslog

Apstra Design Phase

Identify the concepts, operation, or functionality of components in the Apstra design phase

  • DC Reference Design
  • Interface maps
  • Device profiles (e.g., interface naming and speeds)
  • Resources
  • Tags
  • Logical devices
  • Rack types
  • Planning total spine capacity
  • Templates

 

Describe how to configure, monitor, or troubleshoot the various components in the Apstra design phase

Apstra Build and Deploy Phases

Identify the concepts, operation, or functionality of components in the Apstra build and deploy phases

  • Fabric device management (e.g., install agents, system IDs)
  • Blueprint UI
  • Cable map
  • Device states
  • Deploy modes

 

Describe how to configure, monitor, or troubleshoot the various components in the Apstra build and deploy phases

Blueprint Operations

Identify the concepts, benefits, applications, or requirements of managing and operating a deployed Apstra blueprint

  • Service versus probe anomalies
  • Usage of top-level tabs (dashboard, analytics, staged, uncommitted, active, time voyager)
  • Querying the blueprint
  • Find by tags
  • Making changes to a blueprint
  • Reverting
  • Time voyager usage
  • Property sets and configlets
  • Root cause identification
  • Virtual networks and connectivity templates
  • Adding a rack
  • Configuration types (e.g., rendered, incremental, and pristine configs)
  • Adding a generic system

 

Describe how to configure, monitor, or troubleshoot a deployed Apstra blueprint

Data Center Multitenancy

Identify the concepts, operation, or functionality of multitenancy using Apstra

  • Connectivity templates
  • Routing zones and VRFs
  • Routing policy
  • Virtual networks
  • Security policies
  • VMware integration as it relates to Apstra
  • Data Center Interconnect

 

Describe how to configure, monitor, or troubleshoot multitenancy using Apstra

Intent-based Analytics

Identify the concepts, benefits, applications, or requirements of using Apstra intent-based

  • Graph explorer
  • Graph queries
  • IBA probes

 

Describe how to configure, monitor, or troubleshoot Apstra intent-based analytics

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

JN0-480

Prerequisite Certification

Delivered by

Exam Length

90 minutes

Exam Type

65 multiple-choice questions

Software Versions

  • Apstra 4.0.2
  • Junos 21.2

Recertification

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