Which Aruba CX feature ensures secure, zero-touch onboarding of new devices?

Zero Touch Provisioning (ZTP) is an Aruba CX feature designed to automate the initial deployment of switches without manual intervention. When a new switch with a factory-default configuration is powered on and connected to the network, ZTP enables it to automatically locate a provisioning server (like Aruba Central or an on-premises server). The switch then securely downloads its designated configuration file and firmware image. This process ensures a secure, consistent, and rapid onboarding of new network devices, significantly reducing deployment time and potential for human error.

A. Aruba NetEdit: This is a network configuration and automation tool used for managing, editing, and validating configurations across multiple already-deployed switches, not for initial zero-touch onboarding.

C. VSX: Virtual Switching Extension (VSX) is a high-availability technology that allows two Aruba CX switches to operate as a single logical device, providing redundancy and non-stop operations.

D. Multi-Chassis Link Aggregation (MC-LAG): This is a generic high-availability concept. Aruba's implementation is VSX. Its purpose is link redundancy and has no role in the initial, zero-touch onboarding of a device.

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1. ArubaOS-CX 10.11 Fundamentals Guide

(December 2022)

Page 101

Chapter 7 "Zero Touch Provisioning". The guide states

"Zero Touch Provisioning (ZTP) automates the deployment of Aruba CX switches in a network. ZTP helps to provision switches automatically without manual intervention

when a switch is powered on in its factory default state."

2. ArubaOS-CX 10.11 Fundamentals Guide

(December 2022)

Page 102

Chapter 7 "Zero Touch Provisioning". On security

it notes

"The switch authenticates the server using the Aruba Activate certificate and establishes a secure connection to download the configuration."

3. ArubaOS-CX 10.11 Fundamentals Guide

(December 2022)

Page 11

Chapter 1 "Introduction to ArubaOS-CX". The guide describes Aruba NetEdit as a tool that "provides intelligent

error-free network configuration and automation for every stage of the network lifecycle." This positions it as a management tool

not an initial onboarding feature.

4. ArubaOS-CX 10.11 Virtual Switching Extension (VSX) Guide

(December 2022)

Page 7

Chapter 1 "Introduction". The guide defines VSX: "Aruba Virtual Switching Extension (VSX) is a virtualization technology that allows two Aruba CX 6400

83xx

8400

9300

or 10000 series switches to present as a single logical switch..." This confirms its role in high availability

not onboarding.