Aruba, a Hewlett-Packard Enterprise company, delivers the latest in multi-gigabit power with HPE Smart Rate.
The transition to the digital workplace, the rise of a highly mobile workforce and the adoption of more sophisticated IoT devices has seen demand grow for faster network access in the enterprise space.
With increased wireless and IoT devices demanding more network traffic, devices are now competing for their share of the network bandwidth. For enterprise clients, it’s clear that 1Gb Ethernet can no longer keep up with current growth, let alone anticipate future demand.
This leaves enterprises in data-heavy industries – like media, construction, education and hospitality – looking for a cost-effective solution that doesn’t require extensive re-cabling or a complete overhaul of the network while delivering higher ethernet speed.
Enter multi-gigabit ethernet.
Multi-gigabit ethernet at a glance
Multi-gigabit ethernet or multi-gig represents the next generation in connectivity. Unlike existing gigabit ethernet that is limited to 1Gbps, multi-gig offers speeds of 2.5Gbps, 5Gbps and even 10Gbps in certain circumstances, instantly boosting network capacity.
Using existing Cat5e and Cat6 cabling, multi-gig ethernet will allow higher speeds (2.5Gbps or 5Gbps), without the need to upgrade cable or completely overhaul the network. However, with the latest cabling and devices installed, multi-gig ethernet can even deliver speeds of up to 10Gbps to the most dedicated users.
Advantages of multi-gigabit ethernet
The obvious advantage is speed, which enhances the capacity and capability of the enterprise network. This allows more users to connect and more data to be shared, boosting enterprise-wide productivity and performance.
Multi-gig also unlocks the potential in existing IT assets, with many modern, high-performance network devices already capable of 2.5 or 5Gbps connectivity. Without access to multi-gig ethernet, the full potential of these assets will remain untapped.
Multi-gig also represents a cost-effective and convenient network upgrade for enterprises. Without having to replace existing cabling or undertake a total network overhaul, multi-gig can easily take enterprise clients from 1Gbps to 2.5Gbps, opening up new opportunities.
Unlock the power of multi-gig with HPE Smart Rate
HPE Smart Rate for multi-gigabit performance provides interoperability with 2.5Gbps/5Gbps capable devices as well as existing 1GbE/10GbE devices. This allows HPE Smart Rate to futureproof the network without expensive complete overhaul of existing devices.
The Power Over Ethernet (PoE) on Smart Rate technology is based on IEEE 802.3bt standard which provides up to 60 watts per port to support next-generation wireless investments. Smart Rate supports current demand while enabling future growth for enterprise clients.
HPE Smart Rate Features
Bandwidth capacity – Smart Rate delivers 2.5-10 times more bandwidth capacity from existing cable infrastructure without expensive and disruptive cable upgrades.
Supported speeds – Smart Rate multi-gig switch ports support speeds of 100Mbps, 1GbE, 2.5GbE, 5GbE and 10GbE, delivering the speed enterprises need for optimal operation. Not all switch
Smart Rate ports support 10Gbps or 100Mbps. Talk to us for more info.
PoE++ – with high power IEEE 802.3bt Class 6 PoE++ Smart Rate Switches, Smart Rate switch ports provide up to 60W of PoE, regardless of the port speed, supporting power-hungry PoE devices.
Auto-negotiating – Smart Rate ports are auto-negotiating, which enables the Ethernet link to settle into the highest speed that can be achieved on a given cable configuration.
HPE Smart Rate Cabling Requirements
Multi-gig ethernet unlocks faster speeds using existing cabling, meaning that upgrading to 2.5Gbps using Cat5e cabling can be easily and conveniently achieved with Smart Rate. Speeds of 5Gbps or higher can be unlocked with newer cabling such as Cat6, with Cat6a recommended for 10Gbps.
Note: Class EA requirements in ISO/IEC 11801
HPE Smart Rate Switches
To unlock the power of multi-gig, enterprise clients need high-powered switches capable of supporting power-hungry access points (AP). The following Aruba switches offer a range of multi-gig connectivity with or without PoE++.
2930M – This switch series offers 24-port Smart Rate models that delivers dedicated stacking, flexible options for multi-gigabit Ethernet and PoE+, to ensure users and IoT devices always stay connected.
6300M – The CX 6300M switches are highly scalable, with high-speed uplinks and includes models with 24-port or 48-port full-density 60W PoE++ Smart Rate ports for a high-performance network.
HPE Smart Rate Access Points
To fully utilise multi-gig capabilities for wireless devices, Smart Rate capable Access Points (AP) are a must. Requiring PoE++ and connection to a Smart Rate switch for full operation, Aruba’s Smart Rate capable APs feature intelligent power monitoring for better insights into energy consumption.
AP-555 – is designed to deliver ultra performance connectivity for extreme-density deployments of mobile and IoT, providing up to 5.37 Gbps maximum wireless speed. Discover more features in Aruba’s AP-550 datasheet.
AP-635 is the latest Wi-Fi 6E model for even more wireless capacity and wider channels. Designed to take advantage of the 6 GHz band via three dedicated radios
Discover more features in Aruba’s AP-635 datasheet.
When powered by DC, 802.3bt (Class 5 or better) PoE or 2x 802.3at (Class 4) PoE, the above APs will operate without restrictions. However, If the AP can’t draw enough power, it will turn off certain features to conserve power, which can be programmed to suit the needs of the enterprise.
Take advantage of HPE Smart Rate with Dicker Data
A trusted Aruba partner, Dicker Data can help enterprise clients take advantage of Aruba’s Smart Rate multi-gigabit Ethernet solution. Delivering more speed and extra bandwidth capacity without the expense and disruption of a total network overhaul, Smart Rate is the obvious choice for enterprises looking to improve network performance.
If you need help with selecting the right HPE Smart Rate switch for your access points and devices, talk to us at aruba.presales@dickerdata.com.au.
