Aruba HPE6-A86 is an entry-level certification that focuses on basic switch operation and maintenance capabilities for small and medium-sized enterprise network scenarios.

1. Introduction to the HPE6-A86 certification

Aruba HPE6-A86 HPE Network Switching Associate is an entry-level enterprise network certification launched by HPE, belonging to the HPE Aruba Networking Certified Associate certification sequence. It focuses on verifying the core capabilities of practitioners in the basic deployment, configuration, operation, and troubleshooting of HPE Aruba switches, aiming to build a solid theoretical and practical foundation for technical personnel who are new to the enterprise network field.

In the basic construction and daily operation scenarios of enterprise park networks and branch office networks, HPE Aruba entry-level switches are the core equipment for building wired networks, responsible for terminal access, data forwarding, basic network isolation, and bandwidth control.

The core positioning of HPE6-A86 certification is to cultivate "Aruba Switching Network Basic Operation and Maintenance Talents", which does not require mastery of complex virtualization network or cloud integration technologies, but focuses on the basic needs of enterprise networks, helping practitioners master the infrastructure and operational logic of Aruba switches, and independently complete small network switch deployment, VLAN partitioning, basic link configuration, simple troubleshooting and other work, meeting the daily needs of small and medium-sized enterprise network operation and maintenance.

In the "Office Network Construction" project for small and medium-sized enterprises, the certifier will build an office network access layer based on Aruba 2530 switches, configure switch port speeds and duplex modes to adapt to employee computers, printers, IP phones, and other terminals; Divide VLANs to achieve network isolation between the office and financial areas, ensuring the security of sensitive data; Monitor port status through web UI or simple CLI commands, and troubleshoot common faults such as terminal inability to access the internet; Complete the basic upgrade and configuration backup of switch firmware to ensure stable network operation.

2. Why Earn Your HPE6-A86 Certification?

When small and medium-sized enterprises recruit network operation and maintenance specialists, they often use it as a priority reference condition to help beginners quickly open the door to the enterprise network industry.

For technical personnel who are new to the industry, holding HPE6-A86 certification can quickly master the basic operation and maintenance skills of enterprise level switches, be competent in the construction and daily maintenance of small and medium-sized enterprise office networks and branch networks, and accumulate frontline network operation and maintenance experience.

At the same time, the knowledge system of this certification is the foundation for learning HPE Aruba advanced network certification, laying a solid foundation for further advancement in complex fields such as data center networks and SDN.

Compared to advanced certifications, the HPE6-A86 exam has lower fees, shorter preparation periods, and offers a large number of free learning resources, making it suitable for entry-level practitioners with limited budgets or time constraints. After passing the certification, the learned knowledge can be quickly applied to practical work, achieving a quick transition from learning, certification, and employment.

Holders of the certificate can join the entry-level technical exchange section of the HPE developer community to obtain basic operation and maintenance documents, common troubleshooting solutions, and technical white papers for Aruba switches; Prioritize participating in HPE's official entry-level technical training and online seminars to expand industry connections and understand the basic development trends of enterprise network technology.

3. Overview of the HPE6-A86 Certification

The HPE6-A86 Aruba Switch Fundamentals certification exam is the ideal entry-level certification for you to enter the field of enterprise network operations. Unlike higher-level architecture or specialized certifications, this exam is strictly positioned for the daily core work of "small and medium-sized enterprise network administrators," aiming to systematically lay a practical foundation for Aruba wired network technology, and is the perfect starting point for embarking on the path of Aruba certification.

The exam content strictly follows the official outline, covering a complete loop from device recognition to basic operation and maintenance. You first need to understand the basic principles of switches, familiarize yourself with their hardware architecture and data forwarding mechanisms.

It requires you to independently complete the initialization setting of switches, manage IP configuration, and proficiently implement VLAN partitioning, enable STP/RSTP spanning tree protocol, and configure LACP link aggregation. These are the essential core skills for building a stable and scalable local area network.

On this basis, the basic security and QoS module guides you to configure port security, basic access control lists (ACLs), and simple quality of service (QoS) policies to ensure network security and optimize critical business experiences such as voice.

Finally, the ability to troubleshoot simple issues will translate theory into practice, examining your ability to solve common problems such as port blockages and inability to communicate between VLANs.

4. What are the requirements to be an Aruba HPE6-A86 HPE Network Switching Associate?

(1) Qualification prerequisites:

HPE6-A86 certification is an entry-level qualification with no mandatory prior experience or certification requirements, suitable for practitioners with zero or only a small foundation in network technology

We recommend that you have a basic knowledge of TCP/IP protocol and understand core concepts such as IP addresses and subnet masks; familiar with the basic terminology of computer networks. You can also quickly supplement theoretical knowledge through HPE's official free online foundation courses. 

(2) Training and examinations:

The HPE6-A86 exam consists of approximately 50-60 questions, mainly multiple-choice questions with a small number of situational analysis questions, focusing on basic configuration judgment. The exam lasts for 60 minutes. A maximum score of 1000 points is required, reaching 650 points or above to pass.

The exam fee is approximately $150 globally, with slight differences in tax fees in different regions. 

(3) Qualification maintenance:

The HPE6-A86 certificate is valid for 3 years, and the renewal requirement is that you can automatically renew the HPE Aruba network certification by passing the recertification exam or obtaining a higher level before the expiration of the validity period.

5. Comparable Certifications to HPE6-A86 Certification

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
• Cisco Certified Technician (CCT) Routing & Switching
• Arista Certified Associate (ACA)
• JNCIA-Junos