Aruba Central and Network Management
What this domain covers
Aruba Central is a cloud-based management platform for Aruba access points, switches, and gateways. Understand the management models: cloud-managed (Central), on-premises controller (ArubaOS), and ArubaOS-CX switching. Know Central's core functions: onboarding devices, grouping and sites, configuration templates, firmware management, and monitoring dashboards. Understand device onboarding methods (e.g., using the device's serial/MAC and cloud activation), and the role of groups versus sites (groups define configuration; sites define physical location and RF context). Learn about roles and permissions for administrators, and the idea of a single pane of glass for wired and wireless.
Traps to watch
A common trap: confusing a group (configuration container) with a site (location/RF context). Another: assuming Central requires on-premises hardware - it is cloud-hosted. Questions may test that devices must be onboarded and assigned to a group before templates apply. Also watch for mixing ArubaOS (controller-based APs) with Instant AP (IAP) concepts.
Worked example / rule of thumb
Rule of thumb: groups configure, sites locate. Example: create a group "Campus-APs" to hold SSID and radio configuration templates; assign devices to site "Building A" to give them correct RF/regulatory context. Onboard the AP first, assign it to the group, then push configuration.