HPE6-A73 Study Plan Overview

• Goal: Complete all HPE6-A73 objectives in 8 weeks, fully mastering each topic and passing a final simulation test to assess readiness.
• Study Method: Dedicate 4 Pomodoro study sessions daily (each session is 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break).
• Review Strategy: Conduct a review every Friday to reinforce weekly learning, using a spaced-repetition review method based on the forgetting curve.

Detailed Study Plan

Weeks 1-2: Plan the Wired Network Solution

1. Objective: Understand how to analyze network requirements, design architecture, select devices, plan budgets, and document configurations.

2. Study Tasks:

   • Week 1: Needs Analysis and Network Architecture Design

     • Day 1: User Requirements Analysis
       • Task: Learn how to assess user needs by identifying different types of users (guest, employee, and high-priority users) and their bandwidth requirements and priorities.
     • Day 2: Business Requirements Analysis
       • Task: Understand how to evaluate business needs for critical applications (ERP, VoIP, video conferencing) and determine necessary bandwidth and latency.
     • Day 3: Technical Requirements Analysis
       • Task: Study how to establish bandwidth, redundancy, and security requirements based on organizational needs.
     • Day 4: Layered Network Architecture Design
       • Task: Learn the three-tier network structure (core, aggregation, access), understanding the purpose and function of each layer.
     • Day 5: VLAN Planning
       • Task: Understand VLAN basics, configuration, and how to use VLANs to isolate traffic securely.
     • Day 6: Review Week 1 Content
       • Task: Conduct a comprehensive review of the week’s topics to reinforce understanding of user/business needs, technical requirements, and initial network architecture.

   • Week 2: IP Address Planning, Device Selection, and Documentation

     • Day 1: IP Address Planning
       • Task: Learn IP allocation principles, avoiding subnet overlap, and ensuring scalability.
     • Day 2: DHCP Dynamic Allocation and Management
       • Task: Study DHCP configuration for efficient IP address management and dynamic assignment.
     • Day 3: Device Selection
       • Task: Understand different Aruba device models and their applications (e.g., Aruba CX for core, 2930 series for access).
     • Day 4: Port Density and Types
       • Task: Estimate current and future port needs, focusing on port density, PoE requirements, and port speeds.
     • Day 5: Budget Planning and Documentation
       • Task: Plan budgets that balance costs with performance requirements and study how to document network topology and configurations.
     • Day 6: Review Week 2 and Week 1 Content
       • Task: Conduct a spaced-repetition review, consolidating knowledge on IP planning, device selection, and network documentation.

Weeks 3-4: Install and Configure the Wired Network Solution

1. Objective: Master physical installation, basic configurations, security setup, and advanced settings.

2. Study Tasks:

   • Week 3: Physical Installation and Basic Configuration

     • Day 1: Physical Installation Process
       • Task: Study proper rack installation methods, ensuring device stability and adequate airflow.
     • Day 2: Cable Management
       • Task: Learn techniques for organizing cables to reduce interference and simplify troubleshooting.
     • Day 3: Grounding and Power Protection
       • Task: Understand grounding requirements and power protection to prevent electrical damage.
     • Day 4: Device Initialization
       • Task: Set up management IP addresses, time, and time zone for all devices to enable remote management and accurate logs.
     • Day 5: VLAN Configuration
       • Task: Configure VLANs, assign ports to VLANs, and set up trunk ports to allow communication across VLANs.
     • Day 6: Review Week 3 Content
       • Task: Consolidate knowledge on physical installation and initial configuration, focusing on VLAN setup.

   • Week 4: Link Aggregation, STP, and Security Configuration

     • Day 1: Link Aggregation (LACP)
       • Task: Understand the principles of link aggregation and configure LACP to increase bandwidth and redundancy.
     • Day 2: Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)
       • Task: Study how STP avoids loops, exploring different STP modes like RSTP and MSTP for faster convergence.
     • Day 3: Access Control Lists (ACLs)
       • Task: Configure ACLs to control inbound and outbound traffic, protecting network resources.
     • Day 4: Port Security Configuration
       • Task: Set up port security by configuring MAC address limitations to prevent unauthorized device connections.
     • Day 5: AAA Configuration
       • Task: Configure AAA authentication protocols (RADIUS, TACACS+) to ensure only authorized users access network devices.
     • Day 6: Review Weeks 3 and 4
       • Task: Conduct a review of physical installation, VLANs, link aggregation, STP, and security settings to reinforce all configurations.

Weeks 5-6: Troubleshoot the Wired Network Solution

1. Objective: Develop proficiency in using diagnostic tools, resolving common issues, and troubleshooting network performance.

2. Study Tasks:

   • Week 5: Diagnostic Tools and Log Analysis

     • Day 1: Ping and Traceroute
       • Task: Learn how to use Ping to test connectivity and Traceroute to identify connection paths and potential issues.
     • Day 2: Show Commands
       • Task: Study and practice using show interface, show vlan, and show ip route commands to check configuration status.
     • Day 3: Syslog Analysis
       • Task: Study Syslog to identify hardware, security, or network anomalies through system logs.
     • Day 4: Event Log Analysis
       • Task: Understand how to analyze event logs to track issues and identify their root causes.
     • Day 5: Practical Diagnostic Exercises
       • Task: Apply diagnostic tools and log analysis techniques to hypothetical network issues for hands-on practice.
     • Day 6: Review Week 5 Content
       • Task: Review all diagnostic tools and log analysis methods for understanding and retention.

   • Week 6: Common Issue Resolution and Performance Troubleshooting

     • Day 1: VLAN Connectivity Issues
       • Task: Troubleshoot VLAN setup issues by checking VLAN settings, interface configuration, and trunk port settings.
     • Day 2: Link Aggregation Problems
       • Task: Diagnose link aggregation problems, ensuring consistent configuration and active port status on both ends.
     • Day 3: STP Loop Issues
       • Task: Identify and resolve STP issues by checking STP configuration and ensuring primary/backup path accuracy.
     • Day 4: Bandwidth Constraints
       • Task: Monitor and analyze port bandwidth usage to identify capacity issues and explore QoS or expansion as solutions.
     • Day 5: Latency, Jitter, and Packet Loss
       • Task: Troubleshoot latency, jitter, and packet loss issues by checking interface configuration and adjusting QoS settings.
     • Day 6: Review Weeks 5 and 6
       • Task: Comprehensive review of troubleshooting tools, common issue resolutions, and performance troubleshooting techniques.

Weeks 7-8: Manage, Maintain, Optimize, and Monitor the Wired Network Solution

1. Objective: Gain expertise in network monitoring, regular maintenance, performance optimization, and security management.

2. Study Tasks:

   • Week 7: Network Monitoring and Device Maintenance

     • Day 1: Real-Time Monitoring
       • Task: Learn how to use Aruba AirWave or Aruba Central for real-time monitoring of traffic, device health, and interface performance.
     • Day 2: Alert System Configuration
       • Task: Configure alerts to notify administrators of critical events like port failures or high-traffic warnings.
     • Day 3: Firmware Updates
       • Task: Study the firmware update process, including when and how to apply updates to ensure device stability and security.
     • Day 4: Configuration Backups
       • Task: Set up automatic configuration backups to ensure quick recovery in case of device failure.
     • Day 5: Hardware Maintenance
       • Task: Regularly inspect devices for fan, power module, and hardware conditions to ensure optimal working conditions.
     • Day 6: Review Week 7 Content
       • Task: Conduct a review of network monitoring, alert systems, firmware updates, and maintenance procedures.

   • Week 8: Performance Optimization and Security Management

     • Day 1: Dynamic QoS Adjustments
       • Task: Study how to adjust QoS policies based on network load to prioritize high-priority traffic adequately.
     • Day 2: Load Balancing
       • Task: Learn to balance traffic across multiple links to avoid congestion on any one link.
     • Day 3: VLAN Optimization
       • Task: Optimize VLAN assignment and configuration to enhance inter-subnet traffic flow and reduce broadcast traffic.
     • Day 4: Security Policy Maintenance
       • Task: Review and update ACLs and AAA permissions to ensure only authorized users and devices have access.
     • Day 5: Vulnerability Scanning and Log Review
       • Task: Conduct routine security scans and review logs to identify potential security threats.
     • Day 6: Review Weeks 7 and 8 + Final Simulation Test
       • Task: Conduct a comprehensive review of all study topics, followed by a simulation test to assess readiness for the HPE6-A73 exam.

Weekly Summary and Review

• Objective: Reinforce knowledge by summarizing and revisiting each week’s content.
• Task: Use spaced-repetition methods on Fridays to review all previous weeks’ content, solidifying understanding and retention.

This detailed study plan provides a structured, effective approach to mastering the HPE6-A73 certification, combining focused learning sessions with systematic review to ensure long-term retention and readiness for the exam.