Sysadmin @lemmy.world Possibly linux @lemmy.zip 3mo ago

Anyone ever use Aruba network switches?

I need to replace a bunch of ancient Cisco stuff. Also looking at other brands like Dell, Juniper and Extreme

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I've used their switches and access points extensively. Great stuff IMO. As someone else said, they're similar to Cisco in syntax.

They also have all the high end features you'd need if you're comparing to cicso and juniper.
Just their access points. They're all flashed to OpenWRT so can't speak for their software/firmware, but the hardware is solid.
Aruba isn't bad. The CLI isn't too divergent from Cisco. You don't have the proprietary stuff, though.
Perhaps also take a look at Mikrotik
I have an old Aruba and it works great. The GUI is a bit meh, but considering ive only had to use it once the past like 2 years, owell.
- How's the CLI? I doubt I would ever need a GUI
  
  Never used it, GUI has done all ive needed it to.
Yep. I replaced a bunch of ancient HP switches in a SMB with all Aruba. Works like a charm, and (at the time) used ones were dirt cheap.
I've used them for years, I don't use the cloud features just as stand alone. I've treated them very poorly in high temp and dirty environments and found them to be extremely reliable.
I've been installing Aruba switches at several locations throughout my company and don't have any complaints. Can't speak on the cloud features as I do not use them. GUI is fine, it allows me to do what I need.
Only used Unifi and their stuff is pretty solid. Better than Meraki where you never truly own your hardware.
- What do you mean? I have a Unifi 24 poe switch at home and I feel like Ubiquiti could do whatever they wanted with it. If I had more time I would have chosen some device with OPNSense.
  
  UniFi doesn't need a license, you just buy the switch and install the network app. Meraki will totally turn off your network if you ever stop paying for a license.
  
  You're just renting their hardware until you stop paying for the license, then it's an expensive paperweight.
  
  I don't believe you can use OPNSense on a switch. Switches are in layer 2 typically and have hardware that switches.
  
  Technically you can run OpenWRT on some switches but it is still experimental and it is very much not enterprise grade
  
  If you stop paying for the Meraki cloud, you can’t manage your Meraki hardware.
  
  Full stop.
  
  Meraki: That’s a nice network you got there; I’d be a shame if something happened to it
  
  Separate thread; how can Ubiquiti “do whatever they want with it”? You control the updates.
- No CLI which is a deal breaker for me
  
  They have one but the management is via the admin console.
We did Fortiswitches rather then Aruba because we aren't fond of HP. And with HP in the works to buy Juniper I don't know how long we will keep our MX.
We have an extensive Aruba estate here (managed for us by the local authority). You have to be careful about licenses for management software. The authority weren't so there are issues... Though that may be authority incompetence rather than an Aruba issue.

The other thing we have noticed is that they are very touchy indeed about 10mbps connections (cameras often need an intermediate unmanaged switch), and also will drop so-so 1Gbps links back to 100mbps at the drop of a hat...
- Did you verify the wiring/fiber? That's often the sign of a bad connection
  
  Yeh - it's just the Arubas are much more sensitive to slightly dodgy connections. Connections and wiring which worked with their predecessor Ciscos just fine is persona non Grata in the Aruba universe.
  
  With cameras they just won't talk to them even if the port is set to 10mbps rather than Auto. Stick an unmanaged switch in the way and they work fine.
  
  One thing I have found is that FS.com sfp+ Aruba compatible modules work just fine which saves a packet!
I have a nice Juniper. It's an old cast-off, but no issues.

30 comments