JL720C HPE Aruba 48-Port Switch Cx 8360-48xt4c V2 1g/10gbase-t 4-port

Product Overview for the HPE JL720C Aruba 48-Port Switch

Port Configuration and Interface Support

• Equipped with 48 multi-speed ports supporting 100M, 1G, and 10GBASE-T Ethernet connections
• Includes 4 uplink ports compatible with 40GbE/100GbE via QSFP+/QSFP28 transceivers
• Smart Rate compatibility enhances performance flexibility for modern network demands

Power Efficiency and Consumption Details

• Idle power usage maintained at a minimal 120 watts for efficient baseline operations
• Maximum consumption reaches up to 500 watts under full system load
• Designed for energy-conscious environments without compromising throughput

High-Performance Switching Architecture

Switch Fabric Throughput

• Total switching capacity peaks at 1.76 terabits per second
• Engineered for ultra-fast data transfers across large-scale enterprise networks
• Reduces latency with a high-throughput non-blocking fabric

Memory, Storage, and Buffer Capabilities

• Features a 64-bit, 4-core processor clocked at 1.8GHz
• Onboard memory includes 16GB of RAM and 32GB of flash storage
• Packet buffering capacity of 32MB ensures smooth traffic handling under heavy loads

Advanced Routing and Network Protocol Support

Layer 3 Routing Technologies

• Supports both IPv4 and IPv6 static routing protocols
• Compatible with RIP v2 and RIPng for dynamic routing
• Implements OSPF and OSPFv3 for scalable internal routing domains
• BGP-4 and Multiprotocol BGP provide support for extensive policy-based routing
• Additional capabilities include PBR, ECMP, GRE tunneling, and MPLS support

Versatile Management Options

Administrative Access Interfaces

• Features both RJ-45 serial console and USB-C console ports for local management
• Additional RJ-45 Ethernet management port for out-of-band control
• USB Type-A port supports external device integration for firmware updates or configuration storage

Ease of Deployment and Accessibility

• Streamlined access with multiple console and remote access interfaces
• Ideal for deployment in varied environments, including core and aggregation layers

Compact Design and Flexible Installation

Physical Dimensions

• Compact 1U form factor supports rack-mounted setups
• Available depth varies between 40.6 cm (16.0 in) and 55.9 cm (22.0 in), accommodating different installation needs
• Uniform height and width at 4.40 x 44.2 cm (1.73 x 17.4 in)

Weight and Build Variants

• Weight ranges from 7.71 kg (17.00 lb) to 10.73 kg (23.65 lb) depending on selected model and build
• Engineered for durability while maintaining ease of handling during installation

Product Differentiation and Modularity

System Configuration

• This base unit version is offered without power supplies and cooling fans
• Enables customization based on user-specific infrastructure needs
• Ideal for scalable deployments requiring tailored hardware components

Deployment Benefits

• Gives organizations the freedom to select power and fan options that suit their cooling and redundancy strategies
• Supports evolving business requirements with modular upgrade paths

Use Case Adaptability

• Designed to support data centers, enterprise campuses, and high-density switching applications
• Optimized for reliability, high-speed connectivity, and policy-based traffic control

HPE JL720C Aruba 48-Port Switch CX 8360-48XT4C V2 Overview

The HPE JL720C Aruba 8360-48XT4C V2 is a next-generation, high-performance Layer 3 switch designed to meet the advanced networking needs of modern data centers, enterprise campuses, and edge computing environments. With its 48-port 1G/10GBASE-T configuration and four high-speed 100G QSFP+/QSFP28 uplink ports, this model ensures scalable, high-throughput connectivity with the flexibility to support diverse workloads. As part of the Aruba CX 8360 series, it delivers cutting-edge features for automation, visibility, and analytics, making it ideal for IT professionals seeking robust, secure, and programmable switching solutions.

Next-Level Performance for Enterprise Networking

Engineered for modern enterprise demands, the JL720C offers wire-speed performance across all ports. Its integration of high-bandwidth capabilities and low latency ensures optimal traffic handling in demanding network environments such as cloud-scale data centers, large corporate offices, and core network applications. The Aruba CX 8360 series is also designed to minimize downtime and improve availability with advanced redundancy and power failover features.

Scalable 48-Port 1G/10GBASE-T Architecture

The 48 RJ45 ports support both 1G and 10G Ethernet, making the JL720C highly flexible for varying network speeds and legacy device compatibility. This dual-rate support enables phased upgrades, allowing organizations to transition from 1GbE to 10GbE without replacing existing cabling or reengineering network layouts. The high port density on a 1U chassis optimizes rack space usage while delivering maximum link efficiency.

High-Speed Uplinks with 100G QSFP+/QSFP28

In addition to the access layer, the JL720C Aruba switch includes four QSFP+/QSFP28 uplink ports, each capable of handling up to 100Gbps. These uplinks provide robust aggregation and backbone connectivity, allowing seamless integration with core routers or aggregation switches. These ports also support 40G modes, offering additional flexibility for legacy connections and step-by-step bandwidth upgrades.

Advanced Aruba Network Operating System (AOS-CX)

One of the defining attributes of the JL720C is its deployment of Aruba's AOS-CX, a cloud-native operating system that simplifies network operations and enhances programmability. AOS-CX delivers a fully distributed architecture that enables always-on availability, dynamic traffic handling, and intelligent analytics.

Built-In Network Analytics Engine (NAE)

Aruba’s NAE is integrated directly into the hardware and provides real-time and historical network insights. It automates problem detection and root cause analysis, significantly reducing Mean Time to Resolution (MTTR). This is particularly important in large-scale environments where quick diagnostics are critical to maintaining operational continuity.

Event-Based Telemetry

Event-driven telemetry offers real-time visibility into network health by exporting data on demand. It leverages open standards such as gRPC and REST APIs, ensuring compatibility with leading network monitoring platforms.

Network Programmability

Aruba’s API-first architecture allows network administrators to create custom automation workflows, integrate with third-party orchestration tools, and deploy Zero-Touch Provisioning (ZTP) at scale. This programmatic interface drastically reduces manual tasks and configuration errors.

Deployment Use Cases and Application Scenarios

The JL720C switch is versatile and fits seamlessly into a range of networking topologies. Whether used as a top-of-rack switch in data centers or a core switch in enterprise branch offices, it supports reliable, scalable deployment patterns.

Top-of-Rack (ToR) in Data Centers

In data center environments, the JL720C acts as a powerful ToR switch. With high-density 10GBASE-T downlinks and 100G uplinks, it can connect to server nodes while aggregating traffic to core switches with minimal latency. Its redundant power and fan designs enhance resilience, which is crucial for data center uptime.

Aggregation Layer in Large Campuses

Large enterprise campuses benefit from the JL720C’s capabilities at the aggregation layer. Its Layer 3 switching capabilities support routing protocols such as OSPF, BGP, and EVPN-VXLAN, allowing for complex, segmented network designs with multi-tenant support.

Edge Computing Environments

Edge computing scenarios often require rapid processing, low latency, and robust connectivity. The JL720C's rich telemetry, fast forwarding engines, and deep buffer capacity make it an ideal solution for distributed edge deployments requiring intelligent traffic handling and high-speed interconnects.

Security Features for Modern Network Protection

Security is an integral part of the JL720C’s design. With role-based access controls, 802.1X authentication, MACsec encryption, and dynamic segmentation, the switch ensures enterprise-grade security for sensitive data and mission-critical applications.

MACsec Encryption Support

IEEE 802.1AE MACsec encryption ensures secure communication between network devices at Layer 2. It provides line-rate encryption and integrity for data in motion, protecting against man-in-the-middle attacks and interception in shared environments.

Dynamic Segmentation with Aruba ClearPass

When integrated with Aruba ClearPass Policy Manager, the JL720C supports dynamic segmentation by enforcing policies at the edge. This allows administrators to create user- and device-based microsegmentation rules without changing VLAN or subnet configurations manually.

Reliability and High Availability

Downtime is not an option in critical environments, and the JL720C ensures high availability through redundant power supplies, hot-swappable fans, and support for Virtual Switching Extensions (VSX). These features eliminate single points of failure and enable seamless failover.

Redundant Components

Dual, hot-swappable power supplies and fans allow maintenance and replacement without interrupting switch operations. This modular hardware architecture ensures continued uptime even during component servicing.

VSX and Multichassis Link Aggregation

VSX technology enables high availability through active-active Layer 2 and Layer 3 resiliency without requiring complex protocols like Spanning Tree. Paired with Multichassis LAG (MC-LAG), the JL720C supports link redundancy with seamless traffic failover.

Power Efficiency and Environmental Sustainability

Power efficiency is a key concern for enterprise IT departments. The JL720C switch is Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) compliant and optimized for low power draw across all operational states. Smart fan speed control and intelligent port management reduce unnecessary energy consumption.

Energy Efficient Ethernet Compliance

The switch supports IEEE 802.3az, which reduces power consumption during idle periods. This standard significantly lowers operational costs while supporting green data center initiatives.

Smart Cooling and Thermal Optimization

Intelligent airflow and smart fan modules adjust cooling dynamically based on internal temperature readings, further optimizing power usage while extending hardware longevity.

Physical and Technical Specifications

Understanding the physical and technical specifications of the JL720C is crucial for deployment planning. Below is a comprehensive list of the hardware details and capabilities.

Form Factor and Dimensions

The JL720C is a 1U rack-mountable switch that fits standard 19-inch racks. Its compact form factor optimizes data center space while maintaining robust port density and airflow.

Ports and Interfaces

• 48 x 1G/10GBASE-T Ethernet ports (RJ-45)
• 4 x 100G QSFP+/QSFP28 uplinks
• 1 x RJ-45 serial console port
• 1 x USB Type-A port for external storage and configuration
• Management and out-of-band interfaces

Performance Metrics

• Switching capacity: 2.8 Tbps
• Forwarding rate: 2,083 Mpps
• Latency: Sub-microsecond
• MAC address table: 128K entries
• Packet buffer memory: 32 MB

Integration with Aruba’s Cloud-Native Ecosystem

The JL720C integrates seamlessly with Aruba Central, Aruba’s cloud-based management platform. Through Aruba Central, administrators gain a unified dashboard to manage wired, wireless, and WAN infrastructure with AI-powered insights.

Cloud-Based Configuration and Monitoring

Aruba Central provides zero-touch provisioning, real-time monitoring, firmware management, and AI-driven analytics across the entire Aruba network ecosystem. This is particularly valuable for distributed IT teams managing multiple remote locations.

Artificial Intelligence for IT Operations (AIOps)

Aruba Central's AIOps functionality detects anomalies, identifies trends, and recommends optimizations based on telemetry collected from JL720C switches and other network elements. This AI-driven approach reduces time to insight and enhances user experiences.

Licensing and Software Options

The JL720C supports flexible licensing models including perpetual and subscription-based options. Licensing covers advanced features such as Dynamic Segmentation, Enhanced Routing (e.g., BGP, EVPN), and centralized management.

Base License Features

Out of the box, the switch includes essential Layer 2 and Layer 3 features, including VLANs, static routing, ACLs, and QoS. These are sufficient for many campus and SMB deployments.

Advanced Feature Licenses

For more complex networks, optional software licenses enable capabilities such as BGP routing, EVPN-VXLAN support, advanced telemetry, and VSX high-availability. These licenses future-proof your network for scale and complexity.

Why Choose the HPE JL720C Aruba 8360-48XT4C V2 Switch?

The HPE JL720C is an ideal solution for organizations that demand performance, flexibility, and operational simplicity. Its combination of high-speed ports, cloud-native OS, rich telemetry, robust security, and seamless integration with Aruba’s network ecosystem makes it a compelling choice for both greenfield and brownfield deployments. Whether you're building a high-speed access network, upgrading your aggregation layer, or designing a new data center fabric, the JL720C offers the tools, intelligence, and resilience you need to meet current and future demands.