HPE Networking

Scroll down to find out more..

Why Choose HPE?

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) is a global leader in enterprise technology solutions, known for its advanced IT infrastructure products and services. Founded in 2015 after its split from Hewlett-Packard (HP), HPE specializes in computing, storage, networking, and cloud solutions tailored for business environments.

We are a proud HPE partner because of their commitment to innovation, security, and sustainability, aligning with Steel City Consulting’s dedication to offering eco-conscious, high-performance solutions. By partnering with HPE, we ensure our clients benefit from industry-leading infrastructure that supports growth, flexibility, and resilience in today’s digital landscape.

HPE offers a range of different switches depending on the requirements of the user:

Campus and Branch Switches (Aruba CX Series):

The Aruba CX Series is ideal for enterprise campus and branch networks, known for its reliability, easy management, and advanced network automation features.

Main Uses:

  • Enhancing high-availability networks
  • Simplifying network management
  • Supporting intelligent automation for large-scale deployments
  • Aruba CX 6300 Series: Modular switches with high performance and scalability, great for high-availability setups.
  • Aruba CX 6200 Series: Fixed switches designed for small to mid-sized campus networks with simplified management.
  • Aruba CX 8400 Series: High-end, modular core switches for large campuses with integrated network analytics.

Data Center Switches (HPE FlexFabric Series):

Built for data centers, the HPE FlexFabric Series delivers high scalability and low-latency performance, optimized for dense, high-demand environments.

Main Uses:

  • Supporting high-density, low-latency data centre environments
  • Enabling scalable network architectures
  • Managing heavy workloads efficiently
  •  
  • HPE FlexFabric 5950: Ideal for spine and leaf architectures, offering high-density, low-latency performance.
  • HPE FlexFabric 5940: Optimized for data center aggregation and core layers, suitable for virtualization environments.
  • HPE FlexFabric 12900E: Modular switches for massive scalability in high-performance data centers.

Cloud-Managed Solutions (Aruba Central)

Aruba Central is a cloud-managed platform that offers centralized control and visibility across network infrastructure, perfect for multi-location management.

Main Uses:

  • Centralized network management for multiple sites
  • Enhancing visibility across infrastructure
  • Cloud-based network control and monitoring
  •  
  • Aruba Instant On Series: Cloud-managed access points perfect for small businesses with simple setup and control.
  • Aruba 9004 Gateway: Cloud-managed gateway designed for secure connectivity in branch locations.
  • Aruba AP 500 Series: Wi-Fi 6 access points that integrate seamlessly with Aruba Central for cloud management.

Industrial and Rugged Switches

These switches are engineered to withstand harsh industrial conditions, ensuring network resilience in challenging environments.

Main Uses:

  • Operating in extreme temperature or weather conditions
  • Deploying in industrial or outdoor environments
  • Providing durable, reliable connectivity
  • Aruba 570 Series Outdoor APs: Ruggedized access points for outdoor and extreme conditions.
  • Aruba 3600 Series Switches: Industrial-grade switches with robust design for challenging environments.
  • Aruba 2930F: Flexible and secure switches suitable for industrial and distributed environments.

When To Choose HPE

Choosing the right networking solution means evaluating your organization’s unique needs against the specific strengths each provider offers. HPE stands out for its robust edge-to-cloud capabilities, automation, and flexibility, but comparing it with competitors like Cisco, Aruba, Juniper, Ubiquiti, and Arista can clarify what’s best for your environment.

HPE VS ARISTA

Arista is renowned for its cloud-scale data center solutions and is highly specialized in delivering consistent performance in environments that rely heavily on cloud infrastructure. HPE, by contrast, excels in campus and branch networking, making it the go-to for organizations with distributed networks needing reliability and automation from campus to the edge.

When to Choose: Choose Arista if your primary focus is optimizing cloud-based data center operations. HPE is better suited for organizations with a need for flexible, reliable connectivity across campuses, branches, and edge environments.

HPE VS JUNIPER

Juniper is particularly strong in data centre solutions, delivering high-performance networking suited for enterprises needing data-intensive processes and high scalability. HPE offers a broader approach with edge-to-cloud capabilities, well-suited for companies focused on flexibility across different networking needs, from campus environments to the data centre.

When to Choose: Juniper is ideal for organizations prioritizing intensive data center operations with high-performance requirements. HPE fits well with businesses needing both data center and edge networking, plus the ability to integrate seamlessly into cloud and IoT deployments.

HPE vs. Cisco
Cisco’s networking solutions are vast, covering everything from data center networking to cloud and security, making it ideal for large, multi-layered networks that need highly integrated solutions. HPE, on the other hand, provides strong AI-driven insights and seamless wireless integration, especially through the Aruba line. This makes HPE an excellent choice for businesses focused on adaptive networking with user-friendly integration and cloud management.

When to Choose: Choose Cisco for complex, large-scale, and highly customized networks. HPE is a great choice if your priority is ease of management, seamless edge-to-cloud capabilities, and integration with cloud-managed wireless infrastructure.

HPE VS UBIQUITI

Ubiquiti provides cost-effective solutions that are easy to deploy, making it a great option for small to medium-sized businesses looking for reliable networking without high costs. HPE, however, offers enterprise-grade performance with better scalability, resilience, and centralized management options through Aruba Central.

When to Choose: Opt for Ubiquiti if you’re a smaller business needing cost-effective networking that’s easy to set up. Choose HPE if you need robust, scalable networking with advanced management tools for larger, high-demand environments.

ubiquiti

FAQ’s

HPE networking is secure due to its multi-layered security architecture, which includes intrusion detection, encryption, and secure access controls. Continuous monitoring and automated threat responses provide real-time protection against cyber threats. With built-in security features in both hardware and software, HPE ensures data integrity and network resource protection, making it ideal for organizations with critical security needs.

Yes, HPE is an excellent choice for scalable solutions. Its networking products are designed to easily accommodate growth, allowing businesses to add resources and functionality as needed. HPE’s architecture supports various deployment models, making it suitable for both small networks and large enterprise environments.

Steel City Consulting provides tailored assessments to determine the best HPE networking solutions for your organisation, as well as expert installation and ongoing support to optimise performance and security.

HPE provides comprehensive support for Aruba switches, including 24/7 technical assistance, access to online resources, software updates, and community forums. Additionally, Steel City Consulting can offer personalized support and management services to ensure optimal performance and security for your network.

Aruba Central streamlines network management through a cloud-based platform that offers centralized visibility, simplified configuration, and real-time monitoring. This allows IT teams to manage their entire network infrastructure from a single interface, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing complexity.

HPE offers a subscription-based model for software updates, ensuring that your networking solutions receive the latest security patches and feature enhancements.