HPE Aruba Networking CX 8100 Switch
Brand: HPE | Category: Network Switches
SKU: HPE-ARUBA-CX8100 | Part #: R8N90A | MPN: R8N90A
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About the HPE Aruba Networking CX 8100 Switch
The HPE Aruba Networking CX 8100 Switch delivers 3.2 Tbps of switching capacity and 2.38 Bpps forwarding rate, providing true line-rate performance for demanding enterprise networks. This 1U rack-mountable architecture combines 48 x 25GbE SFP28 downlink ports with 8 x 100GbE QSFP28 uplink ports, enabling flexible scaling from access to aggregation layers. Running on HPE's AOS-CX operating system, the CX 8100 (part number R8N90A) supports advanced Layer 3 routing protocols including BGP, OSPF, IS-IS, and static routing, plus modern overlay networking through EVPN-VXLAN for software-defined infrastructure. Management is simplified through dedicated 10/100/1000BASE-T out-of-band access and USB-C console connectivity, while streaming telemetry via the Network Analytics Engine (NAE) delivers real-time network visibility.
Network engineers and infrastructure teams seeking carrier-class reliability and automation-first operations find strong value in the CX 8100's design. The switch features dual redundant hot-swappable power supplies and redundant hot-swappable fans for non-disruptive maintenance, while In-Service Software Upgrade (ISSU) capability eliminates planned downtime during OS updates. Comprehensive automation support through REST API, Ansible, Python, OpenConfig, and gNMI enables seamless integration into DevOps and Infrastructure-as-Code workflows. Standards compliance across IEEE 802.1Q, 802.1ad, 802.3ad (LACP), 802.1X, 802.1p, and RFC-compliant IPv4/IPv6 routing ensures interoperability in heterogeneous environments. Flexible airflow options—front-to-rear and rear-to-front—accommodate diverse data center thermal designs.
HPE Aruba Networking's CX 8100 is purpose-built for modern, highly automated network architectures. To explore availability, configuration options, and pricing for the R8N90A and other HPE switching solutions tailored to your infrastructure requirements, please submit a request for quotation through Omnixon Global.
```Technical Specifications
| Brand | HPE |
| Category | Network Switches |
| SKU | HPE-ARUBA-CX8100 |
| Part Number | R8N90A |
| Condition | New |
| Form Factor | Data Center Switch |
| Interface | 100GbE |
| Speed | 100GbE |
| Product Line | CX 8100 Series |
| Manufacturer Part Number | R8N90A |
| Form Factor | 1U rack-mountable |
| Downlink Ports | 48 x 25GbE SFP28 |
| Uplink Ports | 8 x 100GbE QSFP28 |
| Management Ports | 1 x 10/100/1000BASE-T out-of-band management, 1 x USB-C console |
| Switching Capacity | 3.2 Tbps |
| Forwarding Rate | 2.38 Bpps |
| Operating System | AOS-CX |
| Layer 3 Routing Protocols | BGP, OSPF, IS-IS, static routing |
| Overlay Networking | EVPN-VXLAN |
| High Availability | Dual redundant hot-swappable power supplies, redundant hot-swappable fans |
| In-Service Software Upgrade | Supported (ISSU) |
| Network Analytics | Network Analytics Engine (NAE) with streaming telemetry |
| Automation Support | REST API, Ansible, Python, OpenConfig, gNMI |
| Power Supply | Dual redundant AC power supplies (hot-swappable) |
| Cooling | Front-to-rear and rear-to-front airflow options |
| Standards Compliance | IEEE 802.1Q, 802.1ad, 802.3ad (LACP), 802.1X, 802.1p, RFC-compliant IPv4/IPv6 routing |
Frequently Asked Questions about HPE Aruba Networking CX 8100 Switch
What does the HPE Aruba Networking CX 8100 Switch do?
The HPE Aruba Networking CX 8100 Switch is enterprise networking hardware for data-center, campus, and branch deployments. Common roles include core/distribution switching, server uplinks, top-of-rack fabric, and edge connectivity in mixed Cisco/Juniper/Arista environments.
What are the headline specs of the HPE Aruba Networking CX 8100 Switch?
Key specifications for the HPE Aruba Networking CX 8100 Switch: form factor Data Center Switch; new condition; ports 48x 25GbE SFP28 + 8x 100GbE QSFP28; fabric EVPN-VXLAN; os AOS-CX (programmable); automation REST API, Ansible; management Aruba Fabric Composer. Manufacturer part number R8N90A. For the full datasheet with electrical, environmental, and compliance details, contact our pre-sales engineering team.
Is the HPE Aruba Networking CX 8100 Switch compatible with my infrastructure?
The HPE Aruba Networking CX 8100 Switch interoperates with standard switching protocols (LACP, MLAG/VPC, 802.1Q, OSPF/BGP). For specific cross-vendor scenarios — Cisco-to-Arista MLAG peering, fabric integration with Cumulus/SONiC, or migration from legacy Catalyst — our network engineers map a compatibility plan as part of the RFQ.