Comparing Aruba 6000 and 6100 Netwok Switches: Which One is Right for You?

Both the Aruba CX 6000 switch series and the CX 6100 series are Aruba's newest additions to its entry-level access layer solutions product lineup, designed as direct replacements for Aruba's popular 2530 switches and 2540 switches, respectively.

The CX 6000 and CX 6100 switches share many similar features and capabilities, but there are also important differences between the two.

So, which between the two switch series is the right choice for you? Obviously, the answer would depend on your business's unique needs and other factors. However, to help you make a better-informed decision, in this post, we'll discuss the key differences between the Aruba CX 6000 and CX 6100, their ideal use cases, and why you should choose one over the other for your business.

Aruba CX 6000 Switch Series: Overview

The Aruba CX 6000 Switch Series is a direct replacement for the Aruba 2530, which is Aruba’s entry-level Layer 2 access switch with a 1Gb uplink. The CX 6000 switch series is ideal for small and mid-sized businesses, as well as branch offices of larger companies, providing smaller organizations a cost-effective option for secure and reliable wired network connectivity.

The table below will showcase the key features of the Aruba CX 6000, as well as the key differences/upgrades from its predecessor Aruba 2530.

Key Highlights of the Aruba CX 6000

• Robust QoS and static routing and support for ACLs, versatile and powerful enterprise-class Layer 2 switch that is also affordable
• Easy deployment with Zero Touch Provisioning
• Powerful class 4 PoE (up to 370W), providing support for access points, client,and IoT devices
• Built-in 1GbE (Gigabit Ethernet) SFP and copper uplinks
• Compact and fan-less 12 port models available for deployments in smaller environments
• Versatile control and management with Aruba Central, intuitive CLI, Web GUI, and Aruba NetEdit
• Programmability with REST APIs
• Aruba’s colorless ports for simpler configuration and modification. All ports will have the same configuration (colorless) and will return the appropriate VLAN/role based on the device type connected.

The Aruba CX 6000 is a reliable, cost-effective, and secure solution built to meet the needs of small and mid-sized businesses. With built-in 1GbE uplinks and up to 370W of class 4 PoE, the Aruba CX 6000 is also ready to connect and power IoT devices in fully-integrated IoT deployments.

Aruba CX 6100 Switch Series: Overview

If the CX 6000 is a replacement for the Aruba 2530 switch series, the Aruba CX 6100 is the direct replacement of Aruba’s popular 10Gb uplink access layer switch, the 2540 switch series.

The CX 6100 switches like JL678A - Aruba 6100 24G 4SFP+ Switch share many similar features and capabilities as the CX 6000, which we have discussed above, but the main difference between the two is the high-speed 10Gb uplinks capability available in the Aruba 6100 series.

The table below illustrates the differences between the Aruba 2540, CX 6000, and CX 6100.

Key Highlights of the Aruba CX 6100

• High-speed 10Gb uplinks. 
• Robust QoS and static routing and support for ACLs, versatile and powerful enterprise-class Layer 2 switch that is also affordable
• Easy deployment with Zero Touch Provisioning. AOS-CX operating system provides a more consistent, seamless, and efficient management experience.
• Powerful class 4 PoE (up to 370W), providing support for access points, client, and IoT devices
• Compact and fan-less 12 port models available for deployments in smaller environments
• Versatile control and management with Aruba Central, intuitive CLI, Web GUI, and Aruba NetEdit
• Programmability with REST APIs
• Aruba’s colorless ports for simpler configuration and modification. All ports will have the same configuration (colorless) and will return the appropriate VLAN/role based on the device type connected.

The Aruba CX 6100, as we can see, is pretty similar to the CX 6000 switch series, with the main difference being the 10Gb uplinks capability. Both the CX 6000 and CX 6100 offer secure and reliable wired connectivity solutions for small to mid-sized businesses, as well as branch offices of larger organizations. 

Wrapping UP

The main reason to choose the CX 6100 over the more affordable Aruba CX 6000 switch series is the fast, built-in 10Gb uplinks. If your business is consistently sharing a high volume of data and/or data that requires reliable high-speed data transmission (i.e. live video broadcast), then you may need 10Gb uplinks capability.

IT Yuda is a certified supplier for both Aruba CX 6000 and CX 6100 switch series. IT Yuda can help you in making your decision and making sure you are choosing the right network switch solution according to your needs and objectives.