United States
Q
What are Aruba Switches and what makes them unique?
A
Aruba Switches are enterprise-grade network switches delivering high performance, advanced security and simplified management. Their unique advantages include ArubaOS-CX, zero-trust segmentation and cloud-native automation.
Q
What is the difference between Aruba CX and Aruba 2930F Switches?
A
Aruba CX Switches run a modular, Linux-based OS with modern APIs and analytics, while 2930F Switches offer cost-effective edge performance with basic Layer 3 features and PoE+ support.
Q
How do I stack Aruba Switches for high availability?
A
Use Aruba’s Virtual Switching Framework (VSF) to stack up to twelve CX series switches via dedicated stacking ports or SFP+ uplinks, creating a single control plane and redundant data paths.
Q
Do Aruba Switches support Power over Ethernet (PoE/PoE+)?
A
Yes. Aruba Switches support IEEE 802.3af/at PoE+ delivering up to 30 W per port; select models offer UPOE for up to 60 W, ideal for wireless APs and video endpoints.
Q
How can I manage Aruba Switches with Aruba Central?
A
Aruba Central provides cloud-based provisioning, monitoring and firmware updates. Simply connect switches via secure tunnel, enable auto-discovery and apply templates for zero-touch deployment.
Q
What security features are built into Aruba Switches?
A
Aruba Switches include 802.1X access control, Dynamic Segmentation, ACLs, MAC locking and roaming enforcement to ensure zero-trust segmentation and protection against unauthorized access.
Q
How do I update the firmware on Aruba Switches?
A
Use the CLI command 'image install', the web UI or Aruba Central’s firmware manager. The process includes downloading the new image, staging it and rebooting into the updated OS.
Q
Can Aruba Switches integrate with Aruba ClearPass?
A
Yes. Aruba Switches integrate with ClearPass via RADIUS for policy-based access control, dynamic VLAN assignment and guest onboarding, enforcing consistent security across wired and wireless networks.
Q
What is Smart Rate on Aruba Switches and why is it beneficial?
A
Smart Rate provides multi-gigabit Ethernet (2.5/5/10 Gbps) on standard copper ports, enabling higher bandwidth for Wi-Fi 6 APs and devices without fiber upgrades or new cabling.
Q
How do I configure VLANs on Aruba Switches?
A
In CLI, enter 'vlan <ID>', name it and apply tagged/untagged ports under 'interface <port>'. Alternatively, use the web UI’s VLAN wizard for guided configuration.
Q
What warranty and support options are available for Aruba Switches?
A
Standard Aruba Switches include a limited lifetime warranty with next-business-day hardware replacement and 24/7 TAC support. Care Packs extend coverage and add premium services.
Q
How do Aruba Switches optimize network performance?
A
Aruba Switches leverage high-performance ASICs, programmable QoS queues, deep buffers and priority queuing to minimize latency, prevent congestion and ensure deterministic application delivery.
Q
Can I monitor Aruba Switches with Aruba AirWave?
A
Yes. Aruba AirWave uses SNMP and NetConf to collect real-time metrics, generate alerts and visualize switch health, inventory and performance across multi-vendor networks.
Q
What energy-saving features do Aruba Switches offer?
A
Aruba Switches support IEEE 802.3az energy-efficient Ethernet, intelligent PoE scheduling, port shutdown and adaptive fan speed control, reducing power consumption up to 40%.
Q
How is Quality of Service (QoS) configured on Aruba Switches?
A
Use class-of-service policies with DSCP/CoS mapping, priority queues and rate limiters in CLI or web UI. Apply shaping and policing to enforce bandwidth and latency requirements.
Q
How do I reset an Aruba Switch to factory defaults?
A
Press and hold the Reset button for 10 seconds or use CLI: 'erase startup-config' then reboot. The switch will return to factory settings and default credentials.
