Aruba Networking CX 6300M 24-port HPE Smart Rate 1/2.5/5GbE Class 6 PoE and 4-port SFP56 Switch

Overview

The Aruba JL660A is a high-performance campus access switch designed to support modern multigigabit networks with 24 Smart Rate ports that operate from 100 Mb to 5 Gb. It delivers Class 6 PoE up to 60 watts per port, providing a total power budget of 1440 watts to power a variety of devices such as Wi-Fi 6 access points, security cameras, and LED lighting without requiring new cabling. Four SFP56 uplink ports offer up to 50 Gbps connectivity to the core network, making it suitable for enterprise campuses, branch offices, and edge data centers that demand high power and bandwidth with simplified management.

Key features

• Smart Rate ports that support legacy and next-generation devices by operating at 100M, 1G, 2.5G, or 5G speeds
• Class 6 PoE on every access port, enabling direct power delivery to a wide range of network devices with a substantial 1440 W total budget
• Four SFP56 uplink ports providing high-speed 50 Gbps connections for efficient traffic aggregation
• Stacking capability for up to 10 switches, allowing centralized management and increased port density without complexity
• Robust processing power with four ARM Cortex A72 cores and 8 GB DDR4 memory to handle routing, segmentation, and automation tasks smoothly
• Flexible management options including Aruba Central cloud platform, AirWave on-premises server, web interface, and command line interface
• Compact 1U rack-mount chassis with front-to-back airflow designed to fit standard racks and optimize cooling in hot aisle/cold aisle environments
• Lifetime warranty that ensures long-term protection and investment security

Key specs

• Ports: 24 Smart Rate 1/2.5/5 GbE with Class 6 PoE
• PoE power budget: 1440 watts total, up to 60 watts per port
• Uplink ports: 4 SFP56 ports supporting up to 50 Gbps each
• Switching capacity: 640 Gbps aggregate
• Forwarding throughput: 476 million packets per second
• Processor: Four ARM Cortex A72 cores
• Memory: 8 GB DDR4 RAM
• Form factor: 1U rack mount
• Airflow: Front to back

Connectivity and compatibility

This switch supports a wide range of devices thanks to its Smart Rate ports that automatically adjust speeds from 100 Mbps to 5 Gbps, making it compatible with older equipment and the latest Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E access points. The four SFP56 uplink ports provide flexible fiber or direct attach cable options for high-speed connections to core switches or aggregation points. Its PoE capabilities allow powering of IP phones, cameras, and other powered devices directly from the switch, reducing the need for additional power sources.

Performance and reliability

Equipped with a powerful processor and ample memory, the switch handles complex network functions such as routing and segmentation without performance degradation. The stacking feature enables seamless scaling while maintaining high throughput and low latency. Its design supports efficient cooling with front-to-back airflow, which aligns with common data center layouts to maintain optimal operating temperatures. The lifetime warranty adds confidence in the switch’s durability and long-term operation.

Ideal uses and environments

The Aruba JL660A fits well in enterprise campus networks requiring multigigabit access and high PoE power for diverse devices. It is also a strong choice for branch offices preparing for next-generation wireless deployments and edge data centers that need robust power delivery combined with simple automation and management. Its flexible port speeds and stacking capabilities make it adaptable to growing network demands without frequent hardware upgrades.