Aruba CX 6100 — Simple, quiet, 1G access with 10G uplinks

What it is: Aruba’s entry-level Layer-2 access family for branch and SMB floors that still want modern ops. You get 1G access, built-in 10G SFP+ uplinks, optional PoE+ (30W/port)—and even a compact, fanless 12-port model for hush-hush closets. No switch software subscriptions required.

Why buyers pick 6100 (plain English)

• Do the basics really well: VLANs, ACLs, QoS, static routing, IPv6, sFlow. Great for wired edges that don’t need advanced L3.

• 10G uplinks on day one: 4× SFP+ (1/10G) are built in, so you won’t choke your uplinks later.

• PoE that fits the floor: up to 740W system PoE (48-port) or 370W (24-port) with 30W/port (802.3at).

• Fanless option: the 12-port PoE model is quiet—perfect for offices/retail.

• Manage your way: web/CLI, Aruba Central, and Switch Multi-Edit.

60-second spec box (CX 6100)

Access ports

• 1G copper: 12 / 24 / 48 ports (model dependent). A compact fanless 12-port PoE variant exists.

Uplinks (built in)

• Most models: 4 × SFP+ (1/10G).

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

Power over Ethernet

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

Stacking / HA

• VSF stacking supported; up to 6 members on CX 6100 (AOS-CX 10.16).

Performance (series max)

• Switching capacity up to 176 Gbps; forwarding up to 98.6 Mpps (varies by SKU).

Licensing

• No switch software licensing or subscriptions required.

Model guide (what to order)

• JL676A — 48G, 4× SFP+ (no PoE)

• JL678A — 24G, 4× SFP+ (no PoE)

• JL675A — 48G PoE+ (370W), 4× SFP+

• JL677A — 24G PoE+ (370W), 4× SFP+

• R9Y04A — 48G PoE+ (740W), 4× SFP+

• JL679A — 12G PoE+ (139W), 2× 1G copper + 2× SFP/SFP+ uplinks, fanless
  

Tip: sizing PoE? Add AP and camera draw, include 20–30% headroom, then pick the 370W vs 740W chassis accordingly. QuickSpecs shows exact per-SKU limits.

Where it fits (and when to step up)

• Perfect for: cost-sensitive edge access with 1G clients, PoE+ APs/cameras/phones, and 10G uplinks back to aggregation.

• Step up to 6200F/6200M if you want bigger stacks (up to 8) or hot-swap PSUs/60W PoE at the edge.

• Step up to 6300 if you need multi-gig (2.5/5/10G) access or higher-speed uplinks across the floor. (6100 is 1G access + 10G uplinks.)

Fine print (that still matters)

• Static routing only (no advanced dynamic routing on 6100). That’s by design for L2/edge simplicity.

• UTM (Unsupported Transceiver Mode) exists for flexibility with optics—just note HPE support caveats when using non-HPE optics.

• 12-port model’s exact uplink mix is 2× SFP/SFP+ + 2× 1G copper; confirm optics before ordering.

TL;DR

If you want reliable, quiet, PoE-friendly 1G access with built-in 10G uplinks (and no license drama), CX 6100 is the “keep-it-simple” switch—easy to deploy, easy to live with, and ready for Central.