Course Overview
The Data Center learning track provides an in-depth understanding and hands-on experience with advanced Arista technologies focusing on both Layer 2 and 3 networking designs with underlay and overlay configurations, and VXLAN in the context of a Data Center deployment. You will gain essential skills to configure, troubleshoot, and manage complex network infrastructures using Arista's cutting-edge solutions. The Data Center track covers key topics such as BGP in Leaf-Spine architectures, EVPN, and Arista's CloudVision platform. The Data Center track is divided into two distinct sub-tracks: Operations and Engineering. Operations focuses on Day-2 tasks such as telemetry and troubleshooting, while Engineering concentrates on the design and architecture of L2 and L3 leaf-spine Data Center networks. Both tracks include hands-on labs with a focus on the distinct tasks for each of these roles.
Who should attend
Senior network engineers & architects, network operations & advanced-level network administrators
Prerequisites
- Solid understanding of Layer 2 and 3 core network technologies and protocols
- Understanding of Spine/Leaf designs is a benefit
Course Objectives
At the end of the course, you should be able to:
- Understand the principles and architectural differences between Layer 2 and Layer 3 Leaf-Spine designs.
- Configure VLANs, STP, LACP, and MLAG to implement robust Layer 2 network topologies.
- Deploy default gateway redundancy mechanisms such as VRRP and VARP within a data center.
- Design and implement Layer 3 Leaf-Spine networks using BGP-based underlay and VXLAN-eVPN overlays.
- Configure VXLAN data plane and control plane options, including HER and eVPN route types.
- Implement symmetric and asymmetric IRB models for advanced routing scenarios.
- Build and manage L2LS and L3LS data center fabrics using Arista CVP Studios.
Course Content
LAYER 2 LEAF SPINE DESIGN OVERVIEW
L2LS architecture
- Drivers for L2LS topologies
- L2LS design overview
- L2LS performance, redundancy and scale
Layer 2 Technologies VLANs
- VLAN overview
- Configuring access and trunk ports
- Introduction to inter-vlan routing
- Configuring sub-interfaces
- Configuring SVI’s
- Troubleshooting VLANs
STP
- Spanning tree overview
- STP enhancements
- Configuring STP
- Troubleshooting STP
- LAB – STP
- LAB – Troubleshooting STP
LACP
- LACP overview
- Configuring LACP
- Troubleshooting LCP
MLAG
- MLAG overview
- Configurating MLAG
- Troubleshooting MLAG
- LAB – deploying MLAG
- LAB – troubleshooting MLAG
Default gateway redundancy (FHRP)
- FHRP overview
- Configuring VRRP
- Configuring VARP
Building L2LS Fabric Build LSLS DC network using CLI
- Configuring L2LS with CLI
- LAB – Build LSLS with MLAG and VARP
Build LSLS DC network using CVP Configlets
- L2LS design and topology review
- Configuring L2LS with CVP configlets
LAYER 3 LEAF SPINE DESIGN OVERVIEW
L2LS review
- L2LS Design review
- L2LS Example
L3LS design
- Introduction to L3LS designs
- VXLAN and eVPN importance in L3LS designs
- Why BGP underlay in L3LS designs
Underlay routing options OSPF
- OSPF overview
IS-IS
- IS-IS overview and operations
- IS-IS communications
Introduction to BGP
- BGP Overview
- BGP functions and facts
- BGP operations
- BGP route advertisement
eBGP underlay configuration
- L3LS eBGP underlay configuration
- eBGP load balancing configuration
- eBGP configuration enhancements
BGP underlay deployment options
- BGP with BLAG
- Variations of BGP in L3LS
- LAB – Underlay addressing with eBGP
VXLAN DESIGN
VXLAN Overview
- Introduction to VXLAN
- VXLAN load balancing with ECMP
VXLAN control plane options
- ARP refresher
- VXLAN multicast control plane
- VXLAN HER control plane
- Configuring VXLAN HER
- VXLAN VCS control plane
- VXLAN eVPN control plane
- LAB – Configure VXLAN data plane with HER
VXLAN with MLAG
- Introduction to VXLAN with MLAG
- Configuring VXLAN with MLAG
VXLAN best practices
- MTU and Jumbo frames
Troubleshooting VXLAN
- Troubleshooting VXLAN
EVPN OVERLAY
eVPN fundamentals
- Introduction to eVPN
- eVPN terminology
- VRF operations
- MP-BGP control plane
- Configuring MP-eBGP for eVPN
- eVPN route type 2 (MAC-IP)
- eVPN route type 5 (IP Prefix)
- eVPN route type 3 (IMET)
- LAB – L2eVPN
eVPN advanced concepts
- VLAN based service interface
- VLAN aware bundle service interface
- Introduction to IRB
- Symmetric vs. Asymmetric IRG
- Symmetric IRB deep dive
- Configuring Symmetric IRB
- Configuring Asymmetric IRB
- LAB – L3 eVPN Symmetric IRB
- LAB – L3 eVPN Asymmetric IRB
eVPN Multihoming
- Introduction to Active-Active multihoming
- Route type 1 and ESI
- Route type 1 and route type 4
- Active-Active multihoming configuration
- LAB – eVPN multihoming
eVPN design best practices
- iBGP between MLAG pairs and eBGP multihop command
- eBGP for underlay and overlay
Configuring L3LS DC network with CVP Studios
- Configuring L3LS using Studios
- Configuring eVPN services, host interfaces and external networks using Studios
- LAB – Building L3LS, eVPN and MLAG with Studios