Integrating Juniper Networks Cloud and Automation Academy into Education

In today's digital world, the need for network engineers who can manage complex networks has never been greater. This paper presents the design and implementation of a new university course on Juniper Networks technologies for students who have completed subjects built on top of Cisco Networking Academy (NetAcad) courses. The course builds on the Netacad curriculum but shifts the focus to Juniper's technologies, aligning with Juniper Networks Certified Associate (JNCIA) certification. The practical and hands-on course uses virtual devices so students can do lab exercises from anywhere. This way, students can configure, troubleshoot, and manage used devices without being limited to physical labs. A core part of the course is the real-world application through structured lab exercises ranging from basic routing and switching topics to advanced topics. Besides technical skills, the course prepares students for industry certifications and makes them more employable in the IT job market. This paper explains the methodology behind the course design, integration of virtual and physical devices, and alignment with industry standards. The course presents a scalable model that can be used by other institutions making it a valuable addition to technical education programs that address the current market demand for certified network professionals.