When it comes to building a solid network, Aruba switches are a go-to option for many organizations. Designed by Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) under the Aruba brand, these switches are built to work hand-in-hand with Aruba access points and management tools, creating a smooth, unified networking experience. Whether you’re running a small office or managing a sprawling enterprise, Aruba switches offer scalable solutions that fit a range of business sizes and needs.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the different Aruba switch ranges, their ideal use cases, and how they fit into the wider Aruba ecosystem.
What exactly are Aruba switches?
At their core, Aruba switches are the backbone of wired networks. They connect devices like computers, servers, and wireless access points within a local area network (LAN). What sets Aruba switches apart is their reputation for reliability, strong security features, and seamless integration with Aruba’s wireless access points and network management platforms. This integration means you get a consistent, easy-to-manage network experience.
This Wisconsin manufacturer needed to modernize its IT infrastructure to support rapid business growth.
Exploring the switch range
Aruba offers several switch families tailored to different environments and business sizes:
- Aruba Instant On switches
Perfect for small businesses or branch offices, these switches focus on simplicity. They’re plug-and-play, with features like Power over Ethernet (PoE) to power devices such as wireless access points and IP phones – no complicated setup required. - HPE Aruba Campus switches
These are a step up, designed for medium to large enterprises. They come with advanced capabilities like Layer 3 routing, high port density, and enhanced security features. They’re built to handle complex network architectures and heavy traffic. - Aruba Data Center switches
For high-performance needs, these switches deliver low latency and high throughput—ideal for data centers where speed and scalability are critical.
Comparing Aruba switches
| Model | Intended use | Port count | Key features |
|---|---|---|---|
| HPE Aruba Instant On 1930 | Small business | 8, 24, or 48 | Simple setup, cloud management |
| HPE Aruba CX 6100 Series | SMB, branch office, or campus | 12, 24 or 48 | Layer 2 access switches supporting 1G up to 10G uplinks |
| HPE Aruba CX 6200 Series | SMB, branch office, or campus | 12, 24 or 48 | Layer 3 stackable access switches supporting 1G up to 10G uplinks |
| HPE Aruba CX 6300 Series | Branch office, campus, or data center | 24, 32 or 48 | Layer 3 stackable access and aggregation switches with Multi-Gigabit Ethernet, High Power PoE, and up to 100G |
| HPE Aruba CX 6400 Series | Campus or data center | Modular | High-availability modular chassis and line card switches for versatile edge aggregation, core, and data center deployments |
| HPE Aruba 8400 Series | Data center | Modular | High performance, analytics |
Each range is tailored to specific business sizes and technical requirements, so you can pick the right fit for your network’s complexity and scale.
How Aruba switches fit into the bigger picture
Aruba switches don’t work alone – they’re part of a broader network ecosystem that includes Aruba wireless access points and management tools. While switches manage the wired connections, Aruba access points provide wireless coverage. Together, they create a seamless, reliable network.
HPE Networking Instant On access points for small businesses
If you’re running a small business, HPE’s Instant On access points offer an easy way to get reliable, secure Wi-Fi without fuss. These access points keep your users and devices connected smoothly.
Why choose Instant On access points?
- Effortless setup: Plug in, power on, and manage through a straightforward mobile app or web portal.
- Secure connectivity: Features like WPA3 encryption and guest network segregation keep your data safe.
- Scalability: Whether you need Wi-Fi for one office or multiple locations, Instant On scales with you.
- Price point: Aruba Instant On access points offer powerful networking capabilities at a competitive price.
Here’s a quick look at the key models:
| Model | Location | Devices | Ideal deployment |
|---|---|---|---|
| AP21 | Indoors | Up to 50 | SOHOs, meeting rooms, studio retail, low-density deployments |
| AP22 | Indoors | Up to 75 | Boutique hotels, private schools, restaurants, professional offices |
| AP25 | Indoors | 100+ | Gaming, tech start-ups, boutique hotels, professional offices |
| AP32 | Indoors | Up to 75 | High device density, offices, restaurants, multi-purpose facility |
| AP27 | Outdoors | Up to 75 | Curbside deliveries, patio dining, outdoor workspaces, education play spaces |
All Instant On access points include cloud management, automatic firmware updates, and simple guest access – ideal for businesses that value performance and ease of use.
HPE Networking enterprise-grade access points for branch offices and campuses
For businesses with more demanding needs, HPE’s Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ access points offer enterprise-level capabilities and security, meeting strict standards set by the Wi-Fi Alliance.
Why consider these access points?
- Assured compatibility: Certified to work smoothly with a wide range of devices and networks.
- Advanced security: WPA3, secure boot, and threat protection help safeguard your network.
- Optimized performance: Built for high-density environments and critical applications, ensuring reliable connectivity even under heavy load.
Here’s an overview of the portfolio:
| Model | Description |
|---|---|
| HPE Aruba 610 Series | Compact, cost-effective Wi-Fi 6E AP with 6 GHz support, 3.6 Gbps maximum combined data rate, IoT radio, and 2.5 Gbps port. |
| HPE Aruba 630 Series | Mid-range Wi-Fi 6E AP with 6 GHz support, 3.9 Gbps maximum combined data rate, IoT radio, and dual 2.5 Gbps ports. |
| HPE Aruba 650 Series | Flagship Wi-Fi 6E AP with 6 GHz support, 7.8 Gbps maximum combined data rate, IoT radio, and dual 5 Gbps ports. |
| HPE Aruba 720 Series | Cost-effective Wi‑Fi 7 AP with 6 GHz support, up to 4.7 Gbps combined data rate, IoT radio, and 2.5 Gbps port. |
| HPE Aruba 730 Series | High-capacity Wi-Fi 7 AP with 6 GHz support, up to 14.4 Gbps combined data rate, and dual IoT radios and USB ports. |
| HPE Aruba 740 Series | Right-sized Wi‑Fi 7 AP with 6 GHz support, up to 9 Gbps combined data rate, IoT radio, and 5 Gbps port. |
| HPE Aruba 750 Series | Flagship Wi-Fi 7 AP with 6 GHz support, up to 28.8 Gbps combined peak data rate, dual 10 Gbps ports, dual IoT radios and USB ports. |
These access points support features like OFDMA for efficient spectrum use, MU-MIMO for multiple simultaneous connections, and integrate with Aruba Central for unified network management.
HPE Aruba Networking Central
HPE’s network management platform, lets you control Aruba’s enterprise-grade switches and access points from one place. This centralized control simplifies monitoring, configuration, and troubleshooting, helping reduce downtime and operational headaches. I’ve written an article about Aruba Central here.
Use Case
Scaling up a dental practice with Aruba Networking
Let’s say you run a busy dental practice in SE Wisconsin that’s expanding fast, with new branches popping up in New Berlin, Hartford, and Mequon. As your team grows and more patients walk through the door, you realize your network can’t just be “good enough” – it needs to be rock-solid, secure, and easy to manage across all locations.
Step one: Assessing your Wi-Fi coverage with heatmaps
Before making any upgrades, it’s smart to get a clear picture of your current Wi-Fi coverage at each branch. This is where Wi-Fi heatmaps come in handy. Using specialized software or even a mobile app, you (or your IT partner) can walk around each clinic, mapping out signal strength and spotting dead zones – those annoying spots where the Wi-Fi drops out just as you’re uploading X-rays or checking insurance details.
Step two: Upgrading with Aruba switches and access points
Once you know where your coverage is lacking, you can strategically deploy Aruba Instant On access points throughout each practice. These are perfect for clinics—easy to set up, secure, and reliable, with enough muscle to handle everything from digital imaging to patient check-ins.
Pair those with Aruba switches to connect all your wired devices—think front desk computers, printers, and security cameras. Everything is managed through Aruba Central, which means you can monitor and tweak your network at all three locations from a single dashboard. No more driving between branches just to reset a router!
Step three: Managing everything with Aruba Central
With Aruba Central, you get a bird’s-eye view of your entire network. You can see which devices are connected, set up guest Wi-Fi for patients, and get alerts if anything looks off. Updates and security patches roll out automatically, so you’re always protected without having to lift a finger.
How Source One Technology can simplify your Aruba network deployment
Building a network can get complex. That’s where Source One Technology, an HPE network solutions partner, comes in. We offer expert advice to help you identify where your networking issues are, design a network that’s fit-for-purpose and can scale as you grow, and help you choose the right switches and access points for your business needs. Plus, ongoing support means your network stays resilient, letting you focus on what matters most – your core business.
