HPE Aruba switches are gaining popularity across Europe, and it's easy to see why. They are reliable, widely available, and trusted by enterprises for their performance. With so many options, choosing the right switch can be overwhelming.
HPE Aruba Switches: Save up to 80%
To make things easier, we’ve put together this short summary of all available models and specifications. Whether you're looking for a new or refurbished switch, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
HPE Aruba Switches: Categories, Comparison, Specs & Features
HPE divides Aruba switches into the following main categories:
Campus Access Switches (Edge Layer)
These switches are designed for end-user connectivity, such as computers, IP phones, printers, and Wi-Fi access points in enterprise offices, universities, and hospitals.
✅ Key Features:
Supports PoE (Power over Ethernet) for Wi-Fi and VoIP devices.
VLAN, QoS, and basic Layer 3 features.
Stackable or modular options.
Series in this category:
Aruba 2530 Series – Entry-level Layer 2 switch.
Aruba 2540 Series – Layer 2+ switch with static routing.
Aruba 2930F / 2930M Series – Layer 3, stackable, with better performance.
Aruba 3810M Series – Higher-end Layer 3 switch for larger deployments.
Aruba CX 6000 / 6100 / 6200 Series – Modernized AOS-CX-based campus access switches.
Aggregation & Core Switches (Distribution & Backbone Layer)
These switches connect multiple access switches and serve as a backbone for large networks.
✅ Key Features:
High bandwidth (10G, 25G, 100G ports).
Advanced Layer 3 routing, QoS, and security.
Redundancy and high availability.
Modular or high-performance fixed models.
Series in this category:
Aruba 5400R Series – Modular, Layer 3 core switch for large campuses.
Aruba CX 6300 Series – Stackable Layer 3 switch for aggregation and edge.
Aruba CX 6400 Series – Modular switch with high-density 10G/40G/100G ports.
Aruba CX 8325 Series – Fixed high-performance data center and core switch.
Aruba CX 8360 Series – AI-driven core and cloud networking switch.
Data Center & Cloud Switches
High-performance data center switches designed for AI, cloud, and HPC workloads.
✅ Key Features:
Supports high-speed 25G, 40G, 100G, and 400G connections.
Low-latency architecture for cloud environments.
Software-defined networking (SDN) and automation.
Scalable spine-leaf network topology.
Series in this category:
Aruba CX 8325 Series – Compact data center & core switch (100G uplinks).
Aruba CX 8360 Series – Enterprise core & data center switch with AI-driven management.
Aruba CX 9300 Series – High-performance 400G data center switch.
Aruba CX 10000 Series – Data center switch with built-in security & analytics.
Small Business / Branch Office Switches
These are affordable switches for small businesses, retail stores, or branch offices.
✅ Key Features:
Simple Layer 2 and Layer 3 routing.
Cloud-managed with Aruba Central (some models).
PoE support for IP cameras, Wi-Fi, and VoIP.
Series in this category:
Aruba Instant On 1830 Series – Basic smart-managed switch.
Aruba Instant On 1930 Series – Cloud-managed, Layer 2+ features.
Aruba 2530 Series – Enterprise-grade entry-level switch.
Industrial & Ruggedized Switches
Designed for harsh environments, such as factories, outdoor deployments, and smart cities.
✅ Key Features:
Withstands high temperatures, humidity, and vibrations.
Supports PoE and fiber uplinks.
Built for industrial automation and IoT.
Series in this category:
Aruba CX 4100i Series – Ruggedized switch for industrial and harsh environments.
HPE Aruba Switching Portfolio Overview
Category | Series | Best For |
Campus Access | 2530, 2540, 2930F, 2930M, 3810M, CX 6000, CX 6100, CX 6200 | Offices, universities, hospitals |
Aggregation & Core | 5400R, CX 6300, CX 6400, CX 8325, CX 8360 | Large networks, backbone, enterprises |
Data Center & Cloud | CX 8325, CX 8360, CX 9300, CX 10000 | AI, cloud, HPC, high-speed networking |
Small Business & Branch | Instant On 1830, Instant On 1930, 2530 | SMBs, retail, branch offices |
Industrial & Rugged | CX 4100i | Factories, outdoor networking |
HPE Aruba switches use ArubaOS-Switch (legacy, basic CLI, no automation) for older models like 2530 and 5400R, while Aruba AOS-CX (modern, AI-driven, automated) powers CX-series switches for advanced networking.
New or Refurbished HPE Aruba Switches?
Aspect | New Switches | Refurbished Switches |
Cost | High | 30-70% cheaper |
Warranty | Overpriced manufacturer warranty | 5+ years (third-party) |
Firmware & Licensing | Latest updates included | May need updates |
Best For | Latest models | Cost savings |
✅ New vs. Refurbished: The very latest HPE Aruba switch models are only available as new—there’s no alternative. However, if you’re open to switches that are 2-4 years old, refurbished models offer significantly better value while maintaining the same performance.
🛡 Security & Firmware Updates:One of the biggest concerns with refurbished network equipment is access to firmware updates and security patches. Thanks to the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) in the EU, this is no longer an issue.
🔹 HPE Aruba switch updates are free after a standard HPE registration, ensuring your refurbished hardware stays secure and up to date.
🔹 New EU regulations require OEMs (like HPE) to provide security updates for free, making refurbished Aruba switches just as safe as new ones.
🔹 Some suppliers or HPE representatives may claim otherwise, but EU law mandates that all updates be made available.
📌 Key Takeaway: Within the EU, refurbished HPE Aruba switches are completely safe to use, fully compliant, and a cost-effective choice.
HPE Aruba Switches: Save up to 80%
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