If you’re looking for a powerful and reliable switch to connect your network devices, the HPE Aruba 6000 24G 4SFP Switch is worth considering.
With 24 ports of 10/100/1000BASE-T and 4 SFP ports, this switch is designed to provide high-speed connectivity and robust security features for your access points, client devices, and IoT devices.
In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the R8N88A model of the HPE Aruba 6000 24G 4SFP Switch.
We’ll explore its key features, performance, and ease of use to help you decide if it’s the right switch for your network.
We’ll also compare the R8N88A model to other switches in its class to see how it stacks up in terms of price and performance.
Overview of the HPE Aruba R8N88A 6000 24G 4SFP Switch
The HPE Aruba 6000 24G 4SFP Switch (R8N88A) is a Layer 2 Gigabit Ethernet switch that provides reliable and convenient wired access connectivity. This switch is designed to simplify IT operations, making it an ideal choice for small to medium-sized businesses.
Aruba 6000 24G 4SFP Switch is its built-in 1GbE uplinks. These uplinks provide high-speed connectivity to other network devices, allowing for faster data transfer rates.
It supports up to 740W of Class 4 PoE, making it easy to power access points, client devices, and IoT devices.
R8N88A Switch is also designed to be compact and quiet, making it ideal for deployment in space-constrained areas. The switch is fanless, which means it operates silently and without the need for additional cooling.
Other notable features of the Aruba 6000 24G 4SFP Switch include:
- 24 RJ-45 autosensing 10/100/1000 PoE+ ports
- 4 SFP 1/10GbE ports for uplink or stacking
- Layer 2 switching
- VLAN support and tagging
- Quality of Service (QoS) support
- Link aggregation control protocol (LACP) support
- Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) support
R8N88A Specifications
Here are the technical specifications for the HPE Aruba 6000 24G 4SFP Switch (R8N88A):
| Specification | Details |
| Product Number | R8N88A |
| Ports | 24x ports 10/100/1000BASE-T ports, 4x 1G SFP ports |
| Memory and Processor | Dual Core ARM Cortex A9 @ 1016 Mhz, 8 GB DDR3, maximum, depending on model, 16 GB eMMC |
| Latency | 1 Gbps: 1.5 μSec |
| Throughput | 41.6 Mpps |
| Switching Capacity | 56 Gbps |
| PoE Capability | non-PoE model |
| IPv4 Host Table (ARP) | 1,024 |
| IPv6 Host Table (ND) | 512 |
| IPv4 Unicast Routes | 512 |
| Weight | 2.6 KG |
Key Features and Benefits
Layer 3 Routing
The HPE Aruba 6000 24G 4SFP Switch comes with layer 3 routing capabilities, allowing for efficient traffic management and routing within the network. This feature is crucial for businesses that require fast and reliable communication between different departments or branches.
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
R8N88A switch supports power over Ethernet (PoE) which enables it to provide power to connected devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, and security cameras. This eliminates the need for separate power sources and reduces network clutter.
Networking Capabilities
This switch offers enterprise-class Ethernet Layer 2 connectivity with support for VLANs, QoS, and Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP). With 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports and 4 SFP ports, this switch provides flexible connectivity options for a wide range of network devices.
Energy Efficiency
It is designed to be energy-efficient, with support for Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) and automatic power-down of unused ports. This helps reduce power consumption and operating costs, making it an ideal choice for organizations looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
Security Features
R8N88A provides advanced security features to help protect your network from unauthorized access and threats. It supports 802.1X authentication, Access Control Lists (ACLs), and a Secure Shell (SSH) for secure remote access.
Design and Build Quality
The HPE Aruba R8N88A Switch is a well-designed switch that is built to last.
It is constructed with high-quality materials and features a compact design that makes it easy to install in a variety of settings. It has a sleek black finish that gives it a professional look and feel.
The front of the switch features 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports and 4 SFP ports, along with a series of LED indicators that provide information about the status of the ports and the switch itself.
The LED indicators are bright and easy to read, making it easy to monitor the status of the switch at a glance.
The switch is designed to be easy to install and configure, with a simple web-based interface that allows you to quickly set up and manage the switch.
The interface is intuitive and easy to use, even if you are not an experienced network administrator.
Performance
The HPE R8N88A Switch, with its internally developed HPE Aruba Networking ASICs, offers very low latency, increased packet buffering, and adaptive power consumption.
This switch is designed to provide high-performance access layer connectivity in branch offices, mid-market enterprises, and SMB networks.
With built-in 1GbE uplinks and up to 740W of Class 4 PoE, this switch provides reliable and convenient wired access connectivity for access points, client devices, and IoT.
The switch is capable of delivering up to 44 Gbps of switching capacity and up to 32 Mpps of forwarding rate, ensuring that your network runs smoothly and efficiently.
It also features robust security features such as port security, DHCP snooping, and IP source guard, which help prevent unauthorized access and protect your network from internal and external threats.
R8N88A also supports virtual LANs (VLANs), which allow you to segment your network and provide better network management and security.
Installation and Setup
There are four main areas to focus on for R8N88A installation: hardware installation, software configuration, and user interface.
Hardware Installation
The hardware installation process for the HPE Aruba 6000 24G 4SFP R8N88A Switch is straightforward and can be completed in just a few steps.
First, you’ll need to mount the switch on a rack or on a flat surface. The switch can be mounted in a standard 19-inch rack using the included mounting brackets. Once the switch is mounted, you can connect the power cord and network cables.
Software Configuration
Once the hardware is installed, you’ll need to configure the software. The Aruba 6000 24G 4SFP Switch comes with a web-based user interface that can be accessed using a web browser.
To access the user interface, simply enter the IP address of the switch into your web browser.
Once you’re logged in, you can configure the switch settings, including VLANs, port settings, and security settings. The user interface is intuitive and easy to use, even if you don’t have a lot of networking experience.
User Interface
The user interface for the R8N88A Aruba 6000 24G 4SFP Switch is well-designed and easy to navigate. The main dashboard provides an overview of the switch status, including port status, system information, and traffic statistics.
The user interface also includes a variety of configuration options, including VLANs, port settings, and security settings. The configuration options are organized into logical categories, making it easy to find the settings you need.
Management and Administration
Management Options
The switch supports a choice of management interfaces, including cloud-based and on-premise management, CLI, and an easy-to-use web GUI.
This flexibility allows you to choose the management tool that works best for your network environment. Migrating to a different management interface is non-disruptive due to innovative hardware design.
It also supports Aruba Central, a cloud-based management platform that allows you to manage and monitor your network from anywhere.
With Aruba Central, you can easily set up and configure your switch, monitor performance troubleshoot issues, and receive alerts when there are problems.
Firmware Updates
The HPE Aruba 6000 24G 4SFP R8N88A Switch makes it easy to update your firmware with built-in firmware update capabilities.
You can check for updates manually or set up automatic updates to ensure that your switch always has the latest firmware.
Support and Warranty
The HPE Aruba 6000 24G 4SFP Switch comes with a limited lifetime warranty, which covers hardware defects and malfunctions.
HPE also offers a range of support options, including phone and email support, online resources, and a knowledge base. You can also refer to the R8N88A Datasheet for updates.
With HPE’s support, you can quickly resolve any issues that arise and keep your network running smoothly.
R8N88A Price
At the time of writing, the Aruba 6000 24G 4SFP Switch is available for purchase on Amazon for $547, making it an affordable option for businesses on a budget.
It comes with a Limited Lifetime Warranty, which further adds to its value proposition.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- High-Speed Connectivity
- Energy Efficient
- Easy Management
- Reliability
- Security Features
Cons
- Costly
- Complexity for New Users
- Software Licensing
- Limited Stacking Capabilities
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Comparison of R8N88A with Competitors
Cisco Catalyst 2960-X Series
The Cisco Catalyst 2960-X is a popular choice for enterprise-level networking and offers similar features to the HPE Aruba 6000 24G 4SFP R8N88A Switch.
However, the Catalyst 2960-X lacks layer 3 routing capabilities and does not support power over Ethernet (PoE) without an additional module.
The HPE Aruba 6000 also has a higher PoE budget, making it more suitable for businesses with a high number of PoE devices.
Juniper EX Series
The Juniper EX Series switches are known for their powerful performance and advanced security features, making them a strong competitor to the HPE Aruba 6000.
They come at a higher price point and may not be suitable for small to medium-sized businesses with budget constraints.
Dell PowerConnect 2800 Series
The Dell PowerConnect 2800 series is a cost-effective option for businesses looking for reliable and scalable networking solutions.
However, it lacks some of the advanced features offered by the HPE Aruba 6000, such as layer 3 routing and a higher PoE budget.
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Customer Reviews and Market Reception
The HPE Aruba 6000 24G 4SFP Switch, also known as R8N88A, has received positive customer reviews and has been well received in the market.
Customers have praised its ease of use, reliability, and value for money.
One customer on Amazon.com commented that the switch was “easy to set up and configure” and “performs well”.
Another customer on Newegg.com praised the switch for its “rock-solid performance with great value for the money”.
In addition to positive customer reviews, the R8N88A Switch has also been well-received in the market. It has received industry recognition, including being named a finalist in the Best of Interop Awards in the Networking category.
Final Thoughts
HPE Aruba 6000 24G 4SFP Switch (R8N88A) is a solid choice for businesses looking for a reliable and flexible switch.
With its compact and fanless design, it is ideal for use in quiet, small workspaces.
The switch is easy to deploy and use with flexible management choices that include Web GUI, CLI, cloud-based, and on-premise Aruba Central management.
If you’re in the market for a reliable and flexible switch that offers a range of management options and built-in security features, the HPE Aruba 6000 24G 4SFP Switch (R8N88A) is definitely worth considering.
