This knowledge base describes the supported methods for onboarding Juniper EX Series switches to the Mist Cloud. It covers both Greenfield (new switch) onboarding using a claim code and Brownfield (existing switch) onboarding using the Adopt Switch workflow. It also explains what occurs after onboarding, verification steps, and important considerations for Virtual Chassis and previously claimed devices.

You may need this procedure in the following scenarios:

• A new EX switch needs to be added to the Mist Cloud.
• An existing EX switch needs to be adopted into an existing Mist organization.
• A switch does not appear in the Mist Inventory after installation.
• A previously deployed switch needs to be migrated to a different Mist organization.
• Verification is required to confirm that the Junos Mist Agent (JMA) is running correctly after onboarding.

Option 1: Greenfield Onboarding (Claim Code)

Use this method for a new, factory-default EX switch.

1. Log in to the Mist Portal.
2. Navigate to Organization → Inventory → Switches.
3. Click Claim Switches.
4. Enter the switch Claim Code (located on the chassis label or QR code).

• Alternatively, use an Activation Code to bulk-import switches from a single purchase order.

1. Optionally assign the switch to a site and configure Configuration Management settings.
2. Click Claim.

After the switch receives network connectivity:

• The Junos Mist Agent (JMA) contacts the Mist Redirect Server.
• The redirect server provides:
  • Cloud environment information
  • Mist Cloud URL
  • Certificate Authority (CA) certificate
• The switch automatically registers and authenticates with the Mist Cloud.

Verification

Verify that the Mist Cloud is establishing the connection:

show system connections | match 2200 or 443

Verify the installed JMA version:

show version | match agent

Option 2: Brownfield Onboarding (Adopt Switch)

Use this method for an EX switch that is already deployed in the network.

1. Navigate to Organization → Inventory → Switches.
2. Select Adopt Switch.
3. Copy the generated one-time registration code.
4. SSH to the switch.
5. Apply the CLI configuration generated by the Mist Portal.

Example:

set system services outbound-ssh client mist ...

Note: The complete CLI command is generated by the Mist UI and should be copied exactly as displayed.

1. Commit the configuration.

After the commit:

• The switch establishes an outbound connection to the Mist Cloud.
• Registration is completed automatically.
• The switch appears as Connected in the Mist Inventory.

Post-Onboarding Behavior

Once successfully onboarded:

• The switch establishes cloud connectivity through the Junos Mist Agent (JMA) using outbound SSH.
• The device appears as Connected under Organization → Inventory.
• If Configuration Management is enabled for the assigned site, Mist pushes the site configuration to the switch.
• Operational statistics are uploaded approximately every 60 seconds, including:
  • Interface statistics
  • PoE information
  • Chassis temperature
  • CPU utilization
  • Memory utilization
  • VLAN information 

Verification Checklist

• Switch is visible under Organization → Inventory.
• Device status shows Connected.
• JMA process is running.
• JMA version is displayed correctly.
• Configuration (if enabled) is successfully applied.
• Telemetry and switch statistics begin appearing in the Mist Portal within approximately one minute.