The most typical use case for Aruba Switches is its reliability and good pricing compared to other solutions like Cisco.
Managing Partner at Maxtech Infosolution
Reliability and pricing advantages improve network efficiency
Pros and Cons
- "The pricing of Aruba Switches is good compared to Cisco."
- "The initial setup is not easy."
What is our primary use case?
How has it helped my organization?
Aruba Switches are reliable and easy to install and configure, which greatly helps maintain network integrity and efficiency in our operations.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable features of Aruba Switches include the basic features like STP and RSTP, as well as its reliability and ease of installation. The hardware is also considered better than Cisco, which is a significant advantage.
What needs improvement?
Although the pricing of Aruba Switches is good compared to Cisco, there is room for improvement in further reducing the cost to make it more preferable.
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For how long have I used the solution?
I have experience working with Aruba Switches for more than 12 years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The stability of Aruba Switches is near perfect, rated nine to ten out of ten. I find it very reliable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I would rate the scalability of Aruba Switches as high, giving it a score of eight to nine out of ten.
How are customer service and support?
Technical support from Aruba is good. I rarely need to use it due to my expertise; the support is really nice, and the people are experienced.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is not easy, so I rate it a five out of ten. It requires prior knowledge of switching instructions, although I find it manageable due to my over 25 years of experience with switches.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The pricing of Aruba Switches is good compared to Cisco. If they further reduce the price, it would be preferable.
What other advice do I have?
I'd rate the solution nine out of ten.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Integrator
Last updated: Oct 22, 2024
Flag as inappropriateIT Infrastructure & Security at a university with 201-500 employees
Great lifetime warranty; great config using when using the menu
Pros and Cons
- "The most valuable Aruba switch feature is the lifetime warranty. It is a plus point in the budget."
- "In my opinion, Aruba's new features, like the new firmware, need to be improved."
What is most valuable?
The most valuable Aruba switch feature is the lifetime warranty. It is a plus point in the budget. Aruba some switches have a menu, so we can configure them without CLI. In addition, configuring is easier when using the menu.
What needs improvement?
In my opinion, Aruba's new features, like the new firmware, the Operating System CX, some of the security profiles and the security protocol, need to be improved. When we want to gather some information from the switches, we should be able to use Aruba. We need more options in the outsourcing and open source environments. We often struggle to connect with Aruba.
In the next release, I'd like to see more security protocols.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been working with Aruba Switches for around two years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I would rate the stability of this solution a seven, on a scale from one to 10, with one being the worst and 10 being the best. Sometimes my switches get struck by lightning through the electricity and this is where the lifetime warranty comes in and helps fix and replace them.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I would rate the scalability of this solution an eight, on a scale from one to 10, with one being the worst and 10 being the best. There are around 70 or 80 users of this solution in our company right now.
How are customer service and support?
I would rate their technical support an eight, on a scale from one to 10, with one being the worst and 10 being the best.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
How was the initial setup?
My impression was that the initial setup was quite simple.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I would rate the pricing of this solution a five, on a scale from one to 10, with one being the worst and 10 being the best.
What other advice do I have?
Overall, I would rate this solution an eight, on a scale from one to 10, with one being the worst and 10 being the best.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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Aruba Switches
December 2024
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System Engineer at Neogenesis technical solutions
Easy to scale and setup
Pros and Cons
- "Aruba's SameNet platform allows for a seamless transition from the data center to access switches, unlike Cisco, which has different operating systems for each."
- "There is room for improvement in the customer service and support team."
What is our primary use case?
We use it mostly for data center switches such as the CX Series 6405 and 6300 as a distribution or TurboRock. We also use it for access switches like the 2000 and 6000 series.
What is most valuable?
Aruba's SameNet platform allows for a seamless transition from the data center to access switches, unlike Cisco, which has different operating systems for each. Additionally, Aruba offers zero licensing fees for Layer 3 features, and their solution is known for its stability.
What needs improvement?
There is room for improvement in the customer service and support team.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have worked with Aruba Switches since 2013. But once I convert to the sales sections, I'm not using it anymore.
I have had a great experience with it. I'm currently working with a partner platinum partner with Aruba.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I would rate the stability a seven out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I would rate the scalability a nine out of ten.
How are customer service and support?
I've had experience with Aruba technical support. In some cases, we have opened robust support tickets for critical customers, and the first layer of engineers took a long time to solve the issue. They didn't know how to proceed, so we had to escalate, which also took time.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Neutral
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I like Aruba switches. There's no specific reason for the switch, but I prefer the configurations on Aruba switches over HPE.
How was the initial setup?
It's very easy, not complex at all. Moreover, it offers seamless integration. It has good third-party integration. It's very good in this case. It is easy to customize. For example, with the CX series, we can use Python scripting and API.
What about the implementation team?
For the deployment process, I usually place the order and communicate with the vendor about the delivery time. Moreover, maintenance is not difficult.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
It's not cheap or very expensive, but I think the price has increased recently.
What other advice do I have?
Mainly, customers need to consider whether they need switches for data centers or access networks. Also, they should consider the name ID. Overall, I would rate the solution a nine out of ten.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
System and Network Administrator at a educational organization with 201-500 employees
User-friendly, highly scalable, and priced well
Pros and Cons
- "The most valuable features of Aruba Switches are the use of use and user-friendliness."
- "The main issue we had with the Aruba Switches was that they would heat up easily when placed outside. We have two locations with no cover in the corridor and it's a historical building. We experienced outages on the first batch of Aruba Switches we received, which we never had with the Dell Switches, for example, even though Dell Switches are not as well-known. However, the Dell Switches had been outside for a few years and we never had any issues with them. In contrast, we encountered an issue with the Aruba Switch after only one week of being outside when it shut down in security mode."
What is our primary use case?
We are using Aruba Switches as a distribution switch everywhere in our business for Wi-Fi.
We only have access points connected to the Aruba switches. Aruba Switches are connected to our main infrastructure, but everything else is still on the old infrastructure.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable features of Aruba Switches are the use of use and user-friendliness.
What needs improvement?
The main issue we had with the Aruba Switches was that they would heat up easily when placed outside. We have two locations with no cover in the corridor and it's a historical building. We experienced outages on the first batch of Aruba Switches we received, which we never had with the Dell Switches, for example, even though Dell Switches are not as well-known. However, the Dell Switches had been outside for a few years and we never had any issues with them. In contrast, we encountered an issue with the Aruba Switch after only one week of being outside when it shut down in security mode.
The Aruba Switches would heat up too much and shut down. The CPU temperature would reach a certain point and then it would just shut down. As far as I know, the temperature threshold on the Aruba Switches was lower than on other brands. It could also be related to the specific series we ordered, as I am not sure if they have higher-grade switches that can handle higher temperatures. We are in Singapore, so if the switches are placed in a corridor without air conditioning, the temperature inside can get very warm, even hotter than outside. The temperature can rise quickly in these conditions.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Aruba Switches for approximately six months.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
There are some stability issues with Aruba Switches.
I rate Aruba Switches an eight out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is highly scalable.
I rate the scalability of Aruba Switches a ten out of ten.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
When Cisco Meraki was presented, it seemed to be a strong solution and appeared to be superior to the Aruba Switch solution, particularly with regard to the console. It was more user-friendly. However, in the end, the Aruba Switch console proved to be user-friendly. Ultimately, Cisco Meraki would be the better choice, but it's not surprising as Cisco is known for being the number one choice.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup of Aruba Switches was simple. The process is the same if you were to install other similar solutions from other vendors, such as Cisco.
Aruba Switches are similar to HP.
What about the implementation team?
We utilized the services of a company that both resells and provides consulting. They sent a consultant to assist with bringing the system in-house. They handle the installation and our role is to ensure everything is running smoothly and verify the configurations.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The pricing was still affordable compared to Cisco, which is usually less affordable for most companies. We are using the solution in a school, we need the price to be affordable.
I rate the price of Aruba Switches an eight out of ten.
What other advice do I have?
I would recommend this solution to others.
I rate Aruba Switches an eight out of ten.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Network Team Lead at ElSewedy Education
A trusted solution that's reliable and has a user-friendly GUI
Pros and Cons
- "The Aruba care support and the lifetime warranty are very valuable aspects."
- "The log viewer should be improved."
What is our primary use case?
We have more than 105 switches with different models including 2930, 5412, and 8300 with 3-tier topology.
How has it helped my organization?
The Aruba switching solution is stable. Its credibility is great and the GUI is user-friendly.
What is most valuable?
The Aruba care support and the lifetime warranty are very valuable aspects.
What needs improvement?
The log viewer should be improved. All required features already exist.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've used the solution for about 2 years and 4 months and I am still using it.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Manager ITS at RTA
It's an affordable, high-quality product that has never failed us
Pros and Cons
- "It's an excellent product. They're high-quality switches, and nothing has failed in the time that we've had them."
- "Aruba's management suite has some room for improvement."
What is our primary use case?
We use a suite of core, edge, and top-of-rack switches, and all of them do their jobs. We don't have servers anymore, so the top-of-rack switches don't do much, but the core and edge switches are excellent.
What is most valuable?
It's an excellent product. They're high-quality switches, and nothing has failed in the time that we've had them.
What needs improvement?
Aruba's management suite has some room for improvement.
For how long have I used the solution?
We've been using Aruba Switches for nearly two years. I'm the IT manager. I organize people to install and support solutions. I didn't do it myself, but I was responsible for procuring the switches.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Aruba switches are high-quality products. They're well made and never go wrong. They work 100 percent 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, nonstop, with no failures at all — not even a broken fan. What else could I want from a product?
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Scalability is not really relevant to us because we only have 250 users. We used to have 250 users on four floors, so we had eight switches. We're on one floor in one building now, but we still use eight switches to spread the users out.
How are customer service and support?
Nothing has ever failed, so I've never used their technical support.
How was the initial setup?
A vendor installed the switches for us, and it was straightforward. It didn't take long to install the first time, and it was done well the second time when we moved buildings.
We have a managed service contract for maintenance. One vendor handles all of our network and desktop support, but I know they only have one network specialist. We had one person perform the installation, and one person provided the support.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Aruba's switches are priced significantly better than Cisco's. They're well placed in the market.
What other advice do I have?
I rate Aruba Switches eight out of 10. I never give any solution a 10. I'm sure they could improve a little bit, but they've been flawless from our point of view.
Aruba is significantly cheaper than Cisco, we've had no issues. Everything about them has been excellent for us.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Deputy IT Manager at ICAPP (Americana Group)
Reliable, easy to set up, and cost-effective
Pros and Cons
- "It's a reliable product that you can depend on."
- "We don't have visibility in Aruba Switches and we are thinking of switching to Fortiswitch because it has visibility."
What is our primary use case?
The primary use case of this solution is as the edge and the core switches for our company network.
We are working on an ERP system, domain controller, warehouse management, Salesforce automation, and many other applications.
What is most valuable?
It's a reliable product that you can depend on.
You can use it for a long time without any issues.
What needs improvement?
Visibility needs improvement. We don't have visibility in Aruba Switches and we are thinking of switching to FortiSwitch because it has visibility.
Currently, we have visibility and compatibility with the firewall. Through the firewall, we can see the entire network.
They are not very active with this solution. There is no followup with the vendors and resellers, they do not contact us to inform us of new technologies as they do with Cisco and Fortinet. Other vendors are more active in the community.
In the next release, I would like to see visibility included, as well as better integration with other platforms.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been working wit Aruba Switches for approximately 11 years.
We are working with the 251 and 190 series.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Aruba switches are stable, but we have a few that are hanging.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Aruba Switches are scalable.
We have more than 1,000 users in our company. We have 15 administrators and four people to maintain the network.
How are customer service and technical support?
Technical support is moderate, not excellent. We have been waiting for more than two months for our switches that are hanging to be replaced.
Maintenance and after-sales service are not good.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We started with Aruba a long time ago when they were originally 3Com Switches.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is straightforward, not complex.
Cisco is more complex than Aruba is.
What about the implementation team?
We have many resellers and system integrators in our country, including Cisco and Fortinet.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
There are no licenses, you just purchase the switch.
Comparing with Cisco, and some other solutions, it's a cheap product.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We are considering migrating from Aruba to possibly Cisco, or to Fortinet FortiSwitch.
We are comparing and conducting studies in order to move forward.
What other advice do I have?
We have experience working in networking products, high-security products like firewalls, switches, and all data center products.
We would happy to use Aruba Switches in the future if there are new technologies that meet our requirements, and our needs regarding visibility. Having visibility in the entire network and to see all of the parts of the network is something that is important to us.
In general, I recommend Aruba Switches.
I would rate this solution an eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
System Administrator at a energy/utilities company with 51-200 employees
Good cloud management, efficient network solutions, and satisfactory support
Pros and Cons
- "It allows us to manage the switches through the cloud, which is good."
- "The licensing model could be improved."
What is our primary use case?
We are really just using Aruba Switches for ourselves. We're not like a service provider, but if you ask me, I will recommend it to my colleagues or friends.
How has it helped my organization?
It allows us to manage the switches through the cloud, which is good.
What is most valuable?
I mentioned earlier that managing the switches through the cloud is very beneficial.
What needs improvement?
Maybe the licensing model could be improved. It's a bit of a pain because it depends on when we activated the purchase.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using Aruba Switches for about three to four years now.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The product has been quite stable. I don't have a lot of experience with technical support because we haven't really required engagement.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I think Aruba Switches are scalable and support our organization's growth.
How are customer service and support?
Technical support has been all right. We may have engaged once or twice, and it was satisfactory.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
How was the initial setup?
The deployment was quite easy and straightforward. It took us maybe 30 to 45 minutes to set it up.
What about the implementation team?
We deployed some of the setup ourselves.
What was our ROI?
It's very hard to justify return on investment because it's something required for the network to function. I'm not sure how to address that.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
We don't have a regular payment system because it's a one-off project that lasts for a few years until a refresh is needed. We pay for each Aruba product separately.
What other advice do I have?
I would recommend Aruba Switches; it's a very stable product.
I'd rate the solution nine out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Last updated: Oct 21, 2024
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Visibility is not an issue on Aruba switches. Aruba do end to end cloud based management with Aruba Central that has detailed visibility into wifi, switches and sdwan gateways...The 1900 and 2510 switches are very very old switches and have been EoL for many years..