This 8-week study plan will help you thoroughly prepare for the HPE7-A01 Aruba Certified Professional - Campus Access exam. The focus is to:

1. Master all exam topics (Network Stack, Switching, WLAN, etc.).
2. Use active recall and spaced repetition (aligned with the Forgetting Curve) to retain knowledge.
3. Apply Pomodoro sessions for focused study to avoid burnout.

Study Goals

• Primary Goal: Complete all exam topics in 8 weeks.
• Secondary Goal: Take two full-length practice tests in the last two weeks.
• Daily Objective: Focus on one or two topics per day using Pomodoro sessions (25 minutes study + 5-minute break).
• Spaced Review: Revisit previously learned material every few days according to a spaced repetition schedule to combat forgetting.

Study Structure & Tasks

Each week is divided into 5 study days, with 2 days off for rest and reflection. Below is the detailed schedule, including daily tasks.

Week 1: Foundation - Network Basics & Connectivity

• Day 1:

  • Study: Network Stack 4%
    • OSI model (layers & protocols)
    • Wi-Fi standards (802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax)
    • Task: Draw the OSI model from memory and identify which Aruba devices operate at each layer.
    • Review: Quick quiz on OSI layers using flashcards.

• Day 2:

  • Study: Connectivity 8%
    • IP addressing & subnetting.
    • Device deployment: Switches, routers, and APs.
    • Task: Practice subnetting exercises and configure a basic network using IP addresses.

• Day 3:

  • Spaced Review:
    • Review Network Stack concepts with notes and flashcards (first repetition).
  • New Study: Network Topologies (star, ring, mesh).

• Day 4:

  • Task: Take a short quiz on Connectivity and topologies.
  • Reflection: Note down which areas feel unclear and revisit them.

• Day 5:

  • Study: Review all content covered this week.
  • Use Pomodoro technique to stay focused (6 cycles: 3 hours).

Week 2: Network Resiliency & Switching

• Day 1:

  • Study: Network Resiliency & Device Virtualization 8%
    • Redundancy design (dual switches, failover links).
    • VSX/VSF virtual switching concepts.
    • Task: Create a diagram illustrating redundancy using dual switches and VSX.

• Day 2:

  • Study: Switching 14%
    • VLANs and Layer 2/3 switching.
    • Spanning Tree Protocol (STP/RSTP).
    • Task: Configure VLANs and practice writing STP commands.

• Day 3:

  • Spaced Review:
    • Review Network Resiliency & Switching. Focus on VSX/VSF and VLAN concepts.
  • Task: Take a short quiz on STP and VLAN commands.

• Day 4:

  • Study: Layer 2 vs. Layer 3 Switching.
  • Task: Configure inter-VLAN routing on a switch using Layer 3 functionality.

Week 3: WLAN (Wireless LAN)

• Day 1:

  • Study: WLAN 17%
    • Wi-Fi standards and AP management.
    • Task: Set up a Wi-Fi environment with WPA2/WPA3 encryption.

• Day 2:

  • Study: Wireless Controllers and Aruba Central.
    • Task: Explore Aruba Central’s dashboard and note key features for centralized management.

• Day 3-5:

  • Spaced Review:
    • Revisit Wi-Fi standards, encryption methods, and wireless controller functions.
    • Use practice scenarios to answer questions related to Wi-Fi interference management and AP deployment.

Week 4-5: Routing & Security

• Routing Focus (Week 4):

  • Study: Routing 13%
    • Static routing vs. dynamic routing (OSPF).
    • VRF (Virtual Routing and Forwarding).
    • Task: Configure a router with OSPF and verify routes using CLI commands.

• Security Focus (Week 5):

  • Study: Security 9%
    • SSID authentication (EAP-TLS).
    • Dynamic segmentation with Aruba ClearPass.
    • Firewall policy management.
    • Task: Set up ClearPass policies and configure firewall rules.

Week 6: Authentication, Authorization & Monitoring

• Day 1:

  • Study: Authentication & Authorization 8%
    • AAA model (Authentication, Authorization, Accounting).
    • 802.1X authentication and integration with Aruba ClearPass.

• Day 2:

  • Task: Configure 802.1X authentication on a switch using a RADIUS server.

• Day 3:

  • Study: Managing & Monitoring 6%
    • Tools: Aruba AirWave & Central.
    • Use of APIs for automation and port mirroring for troubleshooting.

Week 7: Troubleshooting & Performance Optimization

• Day 1:

  • Study: Troubleshooting 6%
    • Ping, traceroute, and log analysis.
    • Introduction to NAE (Network Analytics Engine).

• Day 2:

  • Study: Performance Optimization 7%
    • QoS (Quality of Service) and channel optimization.
    • Task: Create QoS policies to prioritize voice and video traffic.

• Day 3-5:

  • Spaced Review:
    • Revisit all key topics and take quizzes for reinforcement.

Week 8: Practice Tests & Final Review

• Day 1:

  • Take Practice Test 1 under timed conditions.
  • Analyze Results: Identify weak areas and schedule targeted review sessions.

• Day 2-4:

  • Review trouble areas from the practice test using flashcards and short quizzes.
  • Task: Configure network setups involving routing, VLANs, and wireless security.

• Day 5:

  • Take Practice Test 2.
  • Focus on time management and reviewing incorrect answers.

Final Thoughts

1. Daily Pomodoro Sessions: Aim for 4-6 Pomodoro cycles per day to stay productive and avoid burnout.
2. Spaced Repetition: Review previously learned topics every 2-3 days to combat the forgetting curve.
3. Take Breaks & Reflect: Use your days off to recharge and reflect on your progress. Adjust the plan as needed to focus on weaker areas.

By following this detailed plan, you'll not only be well-prepared for the HPE7-A01 exam but also develop skills essential for managing enterprise Aruba networks effectively.