Aruba CX 6000 — Simple, budget-friendly 1G access (with a fanless option)

What it is: Aruba’s entry Layer-2 access family for branches/SMB floors that want dependable 1G edge, built-in 1G SFP uplinks, and optional PoE+—all on the AOS-CX OS you already know. Software is embedded (no switch subscription required), and there’s even a compact fanless 12-port model for hush-quiet closets.

Why buyers pick CX 6000 (plain English)

• Do the essentials really well: VLANs, ACLs, QoS, static routing—a clean Layer-2 edge without overbuying.

• Built-in uplinks: up to 4 × 1G SFP per chassis (no add-on module needed).

• Right-sized PoE: Class 4 (30W/port) with 370W (24-port) or 740W (48-port) chassis options; 139W on the compact 12-port.

• Quiet deployments: a fanless 12-port PoE model for small offices and retail.

• Manage your way: Web GUI or CLI locally, or cloud/on-prem Aruba Central; NetEdit and REST APIs if you want automation.

Heads-up on scale: CX 6000 is not a stacking (VSF) platform—it’s designed for simple standalone edges. If you need stacking, step up to CX 6200/6300. (Stacking isn’t listed among CX 6000 features in the QuickSpecs.)

60-second spec box (CX 6000)

Access ports

• 24 or 48 × 10/100/1000 RJ-45 (1U fixed).

• Compact 12-port, fanless PoE model for quiet spaces

Uplinks (built-in)

• 4 × 1G SFP on 24/48-port models.

• 12-port model: 2 × 1G SFP + 2 × 1G copper uplinks.

Power over Ethernet

• IEEE 802.3at (Class 4, up to 30W/port); 370W (24-port PoE), 740W (48-port PoE), 139W (12-port fanless PoE).

Performance (series max)

• Switching capacity up to 104 Gbps, forwarding up to 77.3 Mpps (model-dependent).

OS & management

• AOS-CX with Web GUI/CLI, Aruba Central (cloud or on-prem), NetEdit, and REST APIs.

Nice extras

• UTM (Unsupported Transceiver Mode) to enable third-party 1G SFPs (outside HPE warranty/support).

• Limited Lifetime Warranty; software embedded—no subscription required to enable the switch.

Popular configurations (what people actually buy)

• 24-port PoE+ (370W) with 4× SFP uplinks — mainstream branch floor.

• 48-port PoE+ (740W) with 4× SFP uplinks — dense AP/camera floors.

• 12-port fanless PoE (139W) with 2× SFP + 2× 1G copper uplinks — small, quiet closets.

Where it fits (and when to step up)

• Perfect for: cost-sensitive 1G edge with PoE+ APs/cameras/phones and simple static routing.

• Step up to 6100 for 10G SFP+ uplinks (still simple edge).

• Step up to 6200/6300 for VSF stacking and richer L3/mGig options. (6200/6300 are Aruba’s stackable access families.)

Fine print (that still matters)

• Static-routing only (no advanced dynamic routing on CX 6000)—by design for L2 access roles.

• Optics flexibility: UTM can enable third-party 1G SFPs; just note support caveats.

• Exact per-SKU dimensions/power are in the QuickSpecs tables—use these when you finalize a BOM.

TL;DR

If you want reliable, quiet, PoE-friendly 1G access with built-in 1G uplinks and no license drama, CX 6000 is the “keep-it-simple” switch for small floors and branches. When you outgrow it, Aruba’s 6100/6200/6300 give you SFP+ uplinks, stacking, and mGig—without changing operating systems.