HPE Aruba Networking CX 8325H Managed L3 Switch, 18x 25G SFP28, 4x 100G QSFP28, Back-to-Front Airflow, 4 Fans, 2 Power Supplies

The HPE Aruba Networking CX 8325H is a high-performance managed L3 switch engineered specifically for demanding data center environments. This 1U rack-mountable device provides robust connectivity with 18 ports of 25G SFP28 and 4 ports of 100G QSFP28, delivering a total switching capacity of 2160 Gbit/s. Designed for reliability, the unit features back-to-front airflow, four integrated fans, and dual power supplies to ensure continuous operation and efficient thermal management in enterprise-grade network infrastructures.

Advantages

This switch leverages the advanced AOS-CX operating system, which utilizes a modular, microservices-based architecture to automate complex network tasks and enhance fault tolerance. By supporting REST APIs and Python scripting, it allows for seamless programmability and integration into modern software-defined environments. The inclusion of redundant power supplies and cooling fans minimizes the risk of downtime, while the high-density port configuration supports high-speed data transfer requirements for modern compute and storage clusters. Its compact 1U design optimizes rack space without compromising on performance or scalability.

Suitable for

• Data center Top-of-Rack (ToR) and End-of-Row (EoR) deployments
• High-performance enterprise campus core and aggregation layers
• Compute and storage networking environments
• Colocation data centers requiring high-speed 25G and 100G connectivity

When it may not be suitable

This switch is not intended for small office or home office (SOHO) environments due to its specialized data center feature set and high-speed port requirements. It lacks RJ-45 copper ports for standard Ethernet devices, meaning it is not suitable for networks that rely primarily on traditional Cat6 cabling without the use of additional transceivers or media converters.

Key specifications

• Switch type: Managed L3
• Switching capacity: 2160 Gbit/s
• Ports: 18x 25G SFP28, 4x 100G QSFP28
• Form factor: 1U rack-mountable
• Airflow: Back-to-front
• Redundancy: Dual power supplies and 4 fans
• Networking standards: IEEE 802.3x, 802.3z, 802.3by, 802.3ba, 802.3ae, 802.3ad, 802.1w, 802.1t, 802.1s, 802.1p, 802.1ak, 802.1ab, 802.1Q, 802.1D, 802.1AX

How to use

The device is designed for standard 19-inch rack installation. Once mounted, connect the switch to your network infrastructure using appropriate SFP28 or QSFP28 optical transceivers and fiber optic cabling. Power on the unit using the dual power supplies to ensure redundancy. Initial configuration is performed via the AOS-CX management interface, where you can access the command-line interface or utilize REST APIs for automated provisioning and network monitoring.

What to consider before purchase

• Ensure your existing infrastructure supports SFP28 and QSFP28 fiber connections.
• Verify that your rack environment accommodates back-to-front airflow requirements.
• Confirm that your power distribution units (PDUs) are compatible with the dual power supply inputs.
• Assess whether your network management strategy aligns with the AOS-CX software ecosystem.

Usage recommendations

For optimal performance and longevity, ensure the switch is installed in a climate-controlled environment with adequate clearance for the back-to-front airflow. Regularly update the AOS-CX firmware to benefit from the latest security patches and feature enhancements provided by the Network Analytics Engine.