R8S90A HPE Aruba 6300m L3 Managed 48 Ports Rack-mountable Switch.

Product Overview Of HPE Aruba 6300m L3 Switch

The HPE R8S90A Aruba 6300m is a next-generation Layer 3 managed network switch engineered for modern enterprise networks. Built with flexibility, scalability, and high performance in mind, this 48-port rack-mountable switch enables businesses to handle increasing data demands, cloud applications, and growing user traffic. Whether deployed in core, aggregation, or access layer environments, the Aruba 6300m switch delivers enterprise-grade features, dynamic security, and streamlined management for maximum efficiency.

Key Technical Specifications

• Model: HPE R8S90A
• Ports: 48x 1GbE RJ45
• Modular Uplinks: Optional 10G/25G/40G modules
• Layer Support: L2 and full L3 (static, RIP, OSPF, BGP, PBR)
• Switching Capacity: Up to 880 Gbps
• Forwarding Rate: Up to 660 Mpps
• Stacking: Supported (VSF and VSX)
• OS: ArubaOS-CX
• Security: 802.1X, MACsec, role-based access, ACLs
• Management: Aruba Central, Web GUI, CLI, REST API
• Mounting: 1U Rack-mountable
• Redundant Power: Supported with hot-swappable modules

Optimized for High-Performance Networks

The HPE R8S90A Aruba 6300M switch is a highly advanced Layer 3, stackable, rack-mountable managed network device designed for mission-critical environments. Featuring 48 versatile PoE++ RJ-45 ports supporting 100Mbps, 1Gbps, 2.5Gbps, and 5Gbps speeds, it ensures seamless data transmission across expansive infrastructures.

• Layer 3 switching with full management support
• 48 Multi-Gigabit PoE++ ports for high-speed device connectivity
• Dual expansion with 2x 1/10/25GbE SFP and 2x 10/25/50GbE SFP uplink/stacking ports
• 1U rack design supporting front and side-to-back airflow

Exceptional Switching Throughput & Low Latency

Top-Tier Bandwidth and Data Handling

Engineered for speed, the Aruba 6300M delivers a switching capacity of up to 880 Gbps and a data throughput rate reaching 654 Mpps. Its ultra-low latency architecture ensures responsive network performance:

• 1 Gbps latency: 4.24 µs
• 10 Gbps latency: 1.5 µs
• 25 Gbps latency: 2.91 µs
• 50 Gbps latency: 3.49 µs
• Stacking bandwidth up to 200 Gbps

High Scalability and Routing Flexibility

Extensive Addressing and ACL Support

Supporting up to 1024 Switched Virtual Interfaces (SVIs), this switch handles vast routing demands across both IPv4 and IPv6 protocols. With advanced ACL capacity, secure segmentation and traffic prioritization are effortless.

• IPv4/IPv6 host entries: 49,152 each
• Unicast routes: 61,000 for both IPv4 and IPv6
• Multicast routes and group entries: 8,192 each
• Comprehensive ACL support for both ingress and egress traffic

Advanced Network Protocols & Multicast Support

Dynamic Routing and Multilayer Protocol Support

The switch accommodates a broad range of protocols including OSPFv2/v3, BGP, IGMP, VRRP, PIM-SM/DM, MSDP, and ECMP. It also supports advanced mechanisms like Policy-Based Routing and Bidirectional Forwarding Detection.

• Layer 3 routing protocols: OSPF, BGP, PIM, IGMP, VRRP, GRE
• Redundancy and load balancing via ECMP and PBR
• Multicast optimization through IGMPv2/v3, MLD, and MSDP
• Network timing and synchronization using NTP

Smart Remote Access and Secure Management

Flexible Administrative Control Options

The Aruba 6300M allows for secure and remote configuration through various management protocols. SNMP v2c/v3, CLI, Telnet, TFTP, and SSH provide extensive accessibility options. Integrated support for RADIUS and TACACS+ ensures secure authentication.

• CLI, SNMP, SSH, and Telnet management access
• Secure authentication via SSHv2, RADIUS, TACACS+
• Syslog and MIB support for monitoring and automation

Robust Security & Network Protection

Advanced Threat Defense Features

Built with enterprise security in mind, the device supports full Layer 2–4 ACLs, dynamic IPv6 lockdown, and multiple forms of storm control. Encryption is reinforced with FIPS 140-2 compliance for secure data handling.

• MAC, IPv4, and IPv6 ACL entries across ingress/egress
• Storm protection for broadcast, multicast, and unicast traffic
• RA Guard and DHCP protection for network integrity
• Support for Zero-Touch Provisioning (ZTP) for secure deployment

Efficient Power Delivery & Redundancy

High Availability with Hot-Swappable Power Options

With internal hot-plug power modules and optional redundancy configurations, the Aruba 6300M ensures uninterrupted service during power anomalies. PoE++ capabilities deliver up to 90W per port for demanding endpoints like IP cameras or access points.

• Hot-pluggable internal PSU with optional 1+1 redundancy
• PoE++ on all 48 ports to support high-power devices
• Power efficiency for reduced operational costs

Hardware Engineering & Expandability

Built for Reliability and Modularity

Powered by a 1.8 GHz ARM processor and 8 GB of DDR4 SDRAM, this switch delivers dependable performance even under intensive workloads. A 32 GB flash memory ensures quick firmware updates and configuration storage.

• Processor: 1.8GHz ARM for efficient operations
• Memory: 8GB RAM and 32GB flash for system responsiveness
• USB-C and USB-A console ports for versatile access
• RJ-45 console for traditional serial management

Compliance and Industry Standards

Wide Protocol and Standards Support

Fully aligned with a comprehensive set of IEEE standards, the Aruba 6300M guarantees compatibility across numerous network designs and deployment scenarios.

• 802.3af/at/bt for PoE standards
• 802.1x, 802.1p, 802.1q VLAN tagging
• 802.1w, 802.1s, 802.1d STP/RSTP/MSTP protocols
• 802.3ad LACP for link aggregation
• 802.1ab LLDP and 802.1ak MVRP support

Enterprise-Class Performance and Architecture

Designed for high-throughput environments, the Aruba 6300m L3 switch utilizes advanced ASICs, enabling wire-speed performance across all 48 ports. With support for up to 880 Gbps of switching capacity and 660 Mpps of forwarding rate, it effortlessly handles large volumes of traffic while maintaining low latency and high reliability. This robust architecture ensures uninterrupted data flow in mission-critical deployments such as data centers, branch offices, or campus backbones.

Scalable Switching with High Port Density

The R8S90A model offers 48 fully managed ports, allowing seamless network expansion without sacrificing performance. Designed to meet dense edge requirements, it supports a mix of 1GbE, 10GbE, and even 25GbE interfaces via optional uplink modules, delivering versatility across diverse infrastructures. As bandwidth requirements increase, organizations can scale their networks with confidence using this switch.

Flexible Uplink Options

One of the core strengths of the Aruba 6300m is its modular uplink design. Optional expansion modules include 10G, 25G, and 40G uplink options, providing flexibility for various deployment needs. This feature allows IT teams to future-proof their networks by upgrading uplinks without replacing the core switch.

Advanced Layer 3 Switching Capabilities

The HPE Aruba 6300m R8S90A comes with full Layer 3 support, including static routing, dynamic routing protocols such as OSPF and BGP, and policy-based routing (PBR). These features are essential for enterprises seeking to implement traffic segmentation, efficient path selection, and inter-VLAN routing.

Dynamic Segmentation and Traffic Control

With Aruba Dynamic Segmentation, the switch can automatically enforce access policies on wired ports, creating user- or device-based VLAN assignments with full traffic isolation. This granular control enhances security without complex configurations, reducing the administrative burden while improving network hygiene.

VRF Support for Network Virtualization

Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF) support enables the Aruba 6300m to segment network traffic within the same physical device. This allows multiple virtualized routing instances to coexist, making the switch ideal for multitenant environments or logically separated departmental infrastructures.

Multicast and QoS Optimization

The R8S90A supports a rich suite of multicast protocols including IGMP v1/v2/v3, PIM, and MLD snooping, facilitating optimized video and voice delivery across networks. Coupled with enterprise-grade Quality of Service (QoS) mechanisms, it ensures latency-sensitive traffic like VoIP and video conferencing receives prioritized handling, enhancing user experience across the board.

ArubaOS-CX: Intelligent and Unified Operating System

Powering the HPE R8S90A is ArubaOS-CX, a cloud-native, fully programmable network operating system designed for automation, analytics, and resiliency. With a unified architecture, ArubaOS-CX provides consistent operations across the entire Aruba CX switching portfolio, simplifying management and improving operational efficiency.

Event-Driven Automation and REST APIs

ArubaOS-CX features a built-in Python interpreter and REST APIs, enabling event-driven automation. Network teams can develop scripts or integrate with third-party orchestration platforms to automate tasks like configuration management, firmware upgrades, and policy enforcement, thereby reducing human error and saving time.

Network Insights with Aruba Network Analytics Engine (NAE)

The integrated Network Analytics Engine (NAE) allows IT admins to monitor, diagnose, and troubleshoot network issues in real time. Using AI-driven insights and historical data, NAE helps predict potential problems before they impact users, significantly improving uptime and reliability.

Robust Security and Zero Trust Architecture

Security is a critical element of any enterprise network, and the HPE Aruba 6300m does not disappoint. With built-in support for secure network access, role-based policies, MACsec encryption, and Zero Trust segmentation, the switch protects data in transit and ensures only authorized users or devices gain network access.

802.1X and MAC Authentication

The switch supports 802.1X network access control, MAC authentication, and downloadable user roles from Aruba ClearPass. These features allow dynamic enforcement of security policies based on user identity, device type, and role, supporting strong access control and endpoint profiling.

Secure Management and MACsec Encryption

Secure management protocols like SSH, HTTPS, and SNMPv3 are supported natively. Moreover, MACsec (IEEE 802.1AE) provides hardware-based link-level encryption, ensuring data confidentiality across Ethernet links without compromising performance.

Energy Efficiency and Eco-Friendly Design

The R8S90A is designed with energy efficiency in mind. It features advanced power management features including Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE), intelligent fan control, and dynamic power allocation. These technologies reduce overall power consumption, making it suitable for eco-conscious organizations and green data centers.

Smart Power Management

Through intelligent PoE+ and optional redundant power supply configurations, the switch optimizes energy usage without compromising uptime. Administrators can configure port-level power policies and monitor power consumption in real-time for more efficient infrastructure planning.

Deployment Versatility and Rack-Mount Design

With its 1U form factor and rack-mountable chassis, the HPE R8S90A integrates seamlessly into standard 19-inch racks. This makes it suitable for both small-to-mid-size business deployments and large-scale enterprise infrastructures.

Redundancy and High Availability

The Aruba 6300m supports hot-swappable power supplies and fans, ensuring continuous operation even during component replacement. Optional stacking capabilities provide higher availability and centralized management, further reducing downtime during upgrades or failures.

Virtual Switching Extension (VSX) for Resilient Networking

Through Aruba’s VSX technology, two Aruba switches can operate as a single logical device, enabling active-active redundancy and load balancing. This not only increases fault tolerance but also ensures minimal disruption during maintenance windows or failovers.

Integration with Aruba's Edge Services Platform (ESP)

The HPE R8S90A Aruba 6300m integrates seamlessly with Aruba’s Edge Services Platform (ESP), empowering organizations with AI-driven operations, Zero Trust security, and a unified infrastructure. Whether managing campus, branch, or remote environments, ESP brings cloud-native intelligence to the edge.

Cloud-Based and On-Premises Management Options

Administrators can manage the switch through Aruba Central—a cloud-native platform—or through local Web GUI, CLI, and REST APIs. This flexibility supports organizations with hybrid or cloud-first strategies while ensuring consistent policy and configuration across locations.

Common Use Cases and Deployment Scenarios

The HPE R8S90A is ideal for a wide range of network environments. From high-density enterprise LANs to campus core/aggregation layers and midsize data centers, this switch delivers reliable performance and versatile deployment.

Campus Access and Aggregation

With its high port density, advanced routing, and flexible uplinks, the R8S90A excels in campus access or aggregation roles. It supports VoIP phones, wireless access points, surveillance systems, and more, all while maintaining network security and efficiency.

Small-to-Medium Business (SMB) Networks

For SMBs, the Aruba 6300m offers enterprise-class features at a scalable cost. Centralized management, role-based access, and built-in automation tools make it an accessible solution for organizations with limited IT resources.

Data Center Top-of-Rack (ToR) Switching

In data center environments, the R8S90A can function as a top-of-rack (ToR) switch, providing high-speed uplinks to aggregation layers. Its redundant architecture and advanced L3 capabilities ensure high availability and seamless data flow across racks.