HPE R0X45C Aruba Networking CX 6400 12-port 40/100GbE QSFP28 v2 Extended Tables Module

Optimizing Network Infrastructure with the HPE Aruba 6400 V2 Extended Tables Module

The HPE Aruba 6400 V2 Extended Tables Module (R0X45C) is a critical component for enterprise-scale networking, specifically engineered to augment the switching capacity and scale of the HPE Aruba 6400 series modular switches. This expansion module is designed for data-intensive environments and next-generation applications, providing support for 40GbE and 100GbE connectivity through its 12 QSFP28 ports. It serves as a robust solution for high-speed networking demands across data centers, core aggregation layers, and distributed edge deployments.

Key Features of the R0X45C Extended Tables Module

High-Speed Connectivity

With 12 x QSFP28 ports supporting both 40 Gigabit Ethernet and 100 Gigabit Ethernet, the R0X45C delivers exceptional throughput for modern workloads. This enables seamless integration into high-bandwidth topologies, ensuring optimal performance for demanding data center environments.

Scalability with Extended Tables

The “Extended Tables” feature of the R0X45C offers increased scalability for MAC addresses, ARP entries, and routing entries. This is especially valuable in large Layer 2 and Layer 3 deployments, helping enterprises manage greater numbers of connected devices, routing entries, and multicast group memberships.

Compatibility with Aruba 6400 Series

The R0X45C module is compatible with several switch chassis models in the Aruba 6400 series, including:

• HPE Aruba 6405
• HPE Aruba 6405 48SFP+
• HPE Aruba 6405 96G
• HPE Aruba 6410

This ensures that enterprise IT teams have deployment flexibility and can easily incorporate the module into their existing or future infrastructure.

Design and Form Factor

Designed as a line card expansion module, the R0X45C fits into the modular slots of compatible Aruba 6400 series chassis. Its integration enhances the chassis' network scalability without requiring replacement of the entire switch hardware.

12 QSFP28 Ports

Each QSFP28 port offers either 40GbE or 100GbE transmission capabilities, supporting direct-attach cables or transceivers. This allows network engineers to customize their connectivity options based on bandwidth needs and cable length requirements.

High-Density Aggregation

The module's port density provides the means to aggregate numerous uplinks from access switches or hyper-converged servers, ensuring that data bottlenecks are eliminated at the network core or aggregation layer.

Use Cases and Application Scenarios

Core Network Aggregation

In large-scale enterprises, the R0X45C serves as a central aggregation point for data flows across multiple departments or geographical locations. The module's support for 100GbE enables high-speed transfer of mission-critical data while ensuring redundancy and high availability.

Data Center Spine-Leaf Topologies

The module supports modern data center architectures like spine-leaf, which require high-bandwidth links between leaf switches and spine switches. By offering multiple 100GbE uplinks, the R0X45C enhances east-west traffic performance across virtualized and containerized workloads.

Multitenant and Campus Deployments

For service providers or large educational campuses with high client density, the extended tables feature allows support for a greater number of endpoints without compromising on routing efficiency or speed.

Advantages of Deploying the R0X45C Module

Future-Proof Bandwidth

Investing in 100GbE-capable infrastructure ensures long-term network relevance. The R0X45C prepares enterprises for future bandwidth growth without the need for complete switch replacements.

Flexible Migration Options

The QSFP28 interface allows backward compatibility with 40GbE through breakout cables or transceivers, giving IT managers the flexibility to migrate gradually to 100GbE as needed.

Improved Routing and MAC Table Capacity

Thanks to the extended tables feature, organizations can accommodate larger routing tables, multicast groups, and MAC address entries—vital for environments with virtualization, IoT devices, and segment routing.

Networking Ecosystem Integration

Seamless Integration with Aruba CX Software

The R0X45C works harmoniously with Aruba’s CX Operating System (AOS-CX), offering features such as network analytics, real-time telemetry, and advanced routing protocol support (BGP, OSPF, EVPN-VXLAN).

Automation and Network Insights

With support for REST APIs, Python scripting, and Aruba Network Analytics Engine (NAE), this module allows IT departments to automate network provisioning, perform intelligent diagnostics, and optimize performance proactively.

Deployment Considerations

Chassis Slot Availability

Ensure that the Aruba 6400 chassis has an available slot compatible with line cards. The R0X45C requires adequate power and airflow, so proper environmental conditions and slot planning are crucial.

Cabling and Optics

The module supports various optical transceivers and DACs for both 40GbE and 100GbE. Use Aruba-certified optics to maintain compatibility, minimize latency, and ensure manufacturer support.

Security and Redundancy

Built-in Redundancy Capabilities

The R0X45C supports link aggregation groups (LAGs), Virtual Switching Extension (VSX), and equal-cost multi-path (ECMP) routing to ensure network resilience and high availability.

Enhanced Network Security

Integration with Aruba's dynamic segmentation and ClearPass policy manager allows centralized control of device access and real-time threat isolation, making the R0X45C an asset for secure network expansion.

Lifecycle Management and Support

Firmware and Software Updates

The module receives frequent firmware updates as part of Aruba’s software lifecycle, adding new features, enhancing performance, and resolving known issues to extend the product’s service life.

Ideal Enterprise Use Cases

High-Performance Computing (HPC)

The R0X45C is well-suited for environments such as financial modeling, scientific simulation, and rendering farms where low-latency, high-bandwidth connections are essential.

Cloud Service Providers

Cloud providers benefit from the scalability, port density, and Layer 3 routing capacity offered by the module. It enables efficient peering and uplink architectures for multi-tenant platforms.

Universities and Research Institutions

Research networks with thousands of nodes and compute clusters can leverage the extended tables capability to manage large volumes of MAC and route entries efficiently.

Environmental and Operational Efficiency

Energy-Efficient Design

The module operates within optimized power parameters and benefits from Aruba’s environmental standards, including intelligent fan control and energy-aware operation.

Compliance and Certifications

As part of HPE’s enterprise networking portfolio, the R0X45C conforms to industry certifications such as RoHS, REACH, and IEEE standards for Ethernet networking.

Deployment Summary

Whether deployed in enterprise cores, high-speed aggregation layers, or modern data centers, the R0X45C provides unmatched scalability and performance. By incorporating high-throughput ports and robust routing capabilities, it transforms Aruba 6400 series chassis into powerful network engines ready for next-generation IT workloads.