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Step 1: Begin

In this guide, we provide a simple, three-step path, to quickly get you up and running with Juniper Apstra. We'll show you how to install and configure Apstra software release 4.1.1 onto a VMware ESXi hypervisor. From the Apstra GUI, we'll walk through the elements used to build a network in the Apstra environment. Then we'll show you how to build (stage) a network and deploy it. Depending on the complexity of your design, other tasks may be required in addition to the ones included in this workflow.

Meet Juniper Apstra

Juniper Apstra automates and validates the design, deployment, and operations of your data center network. Once you specify the outcomes you want Apstra will set up the network, assure that it’s secure and runs as intended, alert you to anomalies, and manage changes and maintenance. Juniper Apstra intent-based software automates and validates your data center network design, deployment, and operations across a wide range of vendors. With support for nearly any network topology and domain, Apstra delivers built-in design templates for creating repeatable, continuously validated blueprints. It leverages advanced intent-based analytics to continually validate the network, thereby eliminating complexity, vulnerabilities, and outages resulting in a secure and resilient network.

Get Ready

Apstra software comes pre-installed on a single virtual machine (VM). You'll need a server that meets the following specifications:

Resource Recommendation
Memory 64 GB RAM + 300 MB per installed device off-box agent
CPU 8 vCPU
Disk Space 80 GB
Network 1 network adapter, initially configured with DHCP
VMware ESXi installed Version 7.0, 6.7, 6.5, 6.0 or 5.5

Install Apstra Server

  1. As a registered support user, download the latest OVA Apstra VM image from Juniper Support Downloads.
  2. Log in to vCenter, right-click your target deployment environment, then click Deploy OVF Template.
  3. Specify the URL or local file location for the downloaded OVA file, then click Next.
  4. Specify a unique name and target location for the VM, then click Next.
  5. Select your destination compute resource, then click Next.
  6. Review template details, then click Next.
  7. Select storage for the files, then click Next. We recommend thick provisioning for the Apstra server.
  8. Map the Apstra Management network to enable it to reach the virtual networks that the Apstra server will manage, then click Next.
  9. Review your specifications, then click Finish.

Configure Apstra Server

  1. From the Apstra server CLI, run the command sudo service aos status to confirm that the service is up and running (Active: active).
  2. If the Apstra server VM is not running (Active: inactive), start it with the command sudo service aos start.
  3. The default credentials for the Apstra console are user=admin and password=admin. SSH into the Apstra server (ssh admin@<apstra-server-ip> where <apstra-server-ip> is the IP address of the Apstra server.) The first time you boot the Apstra server VM, a configuration tool opens to assist you with basic settings. (You can open this tool at any time with the command aos_config.)
  4. You're asked to change the default administrator password. Select <yes> and follow the prompts to enter a secure password.
  5. When you're prompted to start Apstra service, select <yes>.
  6. Enter the admin password. You'll see a message that says the service is up and running.
  7. Select <OK>. The configuration tool menu appears.
    Note:

    You updated the default local credentials in the previous steps. To change the password again, select Local Credentials and follow the prompts. You can do this at any time.
  8. Select WebUI credentials, then change the Apstra GUI user password for admin to a secure one. (To change this password, services must be up and running.)
  9. Select Network to change the machine's network settings. By default DHCP is used. If you change the default to static you'll have the option to provide a CIDR IP address, gateway, primary / secondary DNS and domain values.
  10. After you've completed the configuration, choose <yes> to restart the network service, Docker and Apstra service.
Now that you've installed and configured Apstra software, you're ready to build your network in the Apstra GUI.