HPE Aruba Networking CX 6000 R8N87B 24-Port PoE+ Switch with 4x 1G SFP
Overview
HPE positions the CX 6000 Switch Series as a modern family of entry-level access switches for branch offices, midsize businesses and small enterprises, built on the HPE Aruba Networking ASIC architecture and the AOS-CX operating system used across the CX portfolio. The R8N87B is a 24-port PoE+ CX 6000 model: 24 Class 4 PoE ports on a shared budget, four fixed 1G SFP uplinks and a single fixed power supply in a 1U chassis, with Trusted Platform Module 2.0, which HPE lists for CX 6000 rev-B models. Its axis within the CX family is simplicity: Gigabit uplinks, static routing and standalone operation, where the CX 6100 adds 1G/10G SFP+ uplinks and VSF stacking (AOS-CX 10.16.1006 or later). The closely matched R8N87A shares the 24-port, 370 W, 4x 1G SFP configuration; the FAQ lists differences documented by HPE.
Technical Details
The HPE Aruba Networking CX 6000 R8N87B is a Layer 2+ managed 1U rackmount switch with 24 Gigabit (10/100/1000BASE-T) access ports and four fixed 1G SFP uplinks, running AOS-CX. Switching capacity is 56 Gbps and forwarding rate is 41.6 Mpps. The PoE budget is 370 W from its fixed power supply, shared by 24 IEEE 802.3at Class 4 ports at up to 30 W each, so the budget limits how many ports draw full power. Routing is static IPv4 and IPv6. Switch software is embedded, with no subscription required to enable it. It connects and powers wireless access points, IP phones and security cameras in branch and campus wiring closets.
Best For
The R8N87B suits smaller branch and campus wiring closets that need 24 PoE+ ports for wireless access points, IP phones and security cameras, with Gigabit fiber or copper uplinks to the distribution layer. A 370 W PoE budget is suitable for mixed deployments of these powered devices; actual device counts depend on each device's power draw.
Not suitable if:
- you need more than 24 access ports, since this model has 24
- you need 10G uplinks, since the uplinks on this model are 1G
- you need switch stacking, because this model's documents list no stacking technology
- you need dynamic routing such as OSPF or BGP, since routing is limited to static IPv4 and IPv6 routes
- you need multigigabit access ports, since the access ports are 10/100/1000BASE-T
R8N87B Specifications
| Class & Licensing | |
|---|---|
| License Tier | None (switch software embedded, no subscription required to enable; no feature tiers) |
| License Detail / MTBF | None (switch software embedded, no subscription required to enable; no feature tiers; a separate software license is required only for HPE Aruba Networking NetEdit / Switch Multi-Edit); MTBF not published |
| Ports & Uplinks | |
| PoE Budget | 370 W (fixed power supply; IEEE 802.3at Class 4, up to 30 W per port) |
| Port Speed | Gigabit |
| Uplink Configuration | 4x 1G SFP (fixed) |
| Performance & Scale | |
| Stacking | No |
| Switching Capacity | 56 Gbps |
| Forwarding Rate | 41.6 Mpps |
| MAC Table | 8,192 entries |
| Hardware & Memory | |
| DRAM | 2 GB DDR3 |
| Flash | 8 GB eMMC |
| Power & Thermal | |
| Power Input / PSU | Fixed power supply; 100-127 VAC / 200-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz |
| Redundant PSU | No (fixed power supply) |
| Cooling | Fixed fans |
| Physical & Environmental | |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 1.73 x 17.4 x 10.56 in (4.39 x 44.25 x 26.82 cm) |
| Weight | 8.11 lbs (3.68 kg) |
| Operating Temperature | 32 to 113 °F (0 to 45 °C), up to 5000 ft (1.5 km); derate 1 °C for every 1000 ft (305 m) from 5000 ft (1.5 km) to 10000 ft (3.0 km) |
| Software | |
| Operating System | AOS-CX |
R8N87B Accessories
| Cables / Cable Kits | R9J32A HPE Aruba Networking USB-A reversible to USB-C PC-to-Switch 3m Cable; R9J33A HPE Aruba Networking USB-C to USB-C PC-to-Switch 3m Cable; JL742A HPE Aruba Networking X511 12-port Cable Guard |
| Mounting Rack / Rail Options | J9583B HPE Aruba Networking X414 1U Universal 4-post Rack Mount Kit |
| Transceiver Options | J4859D HPE Aruba Networking 1G SFP LC LX 10km SMF Transceiver; J4858D HPE Aruba Networking 1G SFP LC SX 500m OM2 MMF Transceiver; J8177E HPE Aruba Networking 1G SFP RJ45 100m Cat5e Transceiver |
| Software | JL639AAE HPE Aruba Networking NetEdit Single Node 1yr Subscription E-STU; JL640AAE HPE Aruba Networking NetEdit Single Node 3yr Subscription E-STU |
FAQ
Does the HPE Aruba Networking CX 6000 R8N87B support PoE?
Yes. The HPE Aruba Networking CX 6000 R8N87B supplies IEEE 802.3af and 802.3at Class 4 Power over Ethernet on all 24 access ports, at up to 30 W per port, from a 370 W budget on its fixed power supply. Because 24 ports at 30 W would need 720 W, the 370 W budget, not the port count, decides how many devices draw full power; actual counts depend on each device's draw. It suits wireless access points, IP phones and security cameras.
What transceivers do the R8N87B uplinks use?
The R8N87B has four fixed 1G SFP uplink ports. They are 1-Gigabit SFP slots, so 10G SFP+ optics are not supported on this model. HPE lists 1G SFP SX, 1G SFP LX and 1G SFP RJ45 transceivers for the CX 6000. Unsupported Transceiver Mode can enable other 1G transceivers, but HPE does not support the transceiver or cable when that mode is used. Transceivers are sold separately.
Can the R8N87B be stacked?
No. HPE's CX 6000 QuickSpecs and data sheet list no stacking technology, so the R8N87B is managed as an individual switch. For link resilience HPE lists IEEE 802.3ad LACP with up to 8 LAGs of up to 8 links each, IEEE 802.1s MSTP with RSTP, UDLD and SmartLink active/standby uplink pairs. Switch Multi-Edit can push configuration to many switches at once. If stacking is a requirement, look at a series whose documents list VSF, such as the CX 6100.
What is the difference between the R8N87A and the R8N87B?
The R8N87A and R8N87B are closely matched: both have 24 Class 4 PoE ports with a 370 W budget, four 1G SFP uplinks, 56 Gbps switching capacity, 41.6 Mpps forwarding and 0 to 45 °C operation. Differences documented by HPE include the following. Memory: R8N87A 4 GB DDR3 and 16 GB eMMC, R8N87B 2 GB DDR3 and 8 GB eMMC. Weight: 9.24 lb versus 8.11 lb. Maximum power with PoE: 455 W versus 409 W. Security: HPE's QuickSpecs lists Trusted Platform Module 2.0 for CX 6000 rev-B models only, which includes the R8N87B. HPE also documents differences in idle and maximum power draw, acoustics, width, operating humidity and rack-kit inclusion.
How does the R8N87B compare with the 24-port data-only CX 6000?
The data-only 24-port CX 6000 (R8N88B) has the same 24 Gigabit access ports, four 1G SFP uplinks, 56 Gbps switching capacity and 41.6 Mpps forwarding, but no Power over Ethernet. The R8N87B adds IEEE 802.3at Class 4 PoE at up to 30 W per port from a 370 W budget, in a deeper chassis (26.82 cm versus 20.12 cm). Choose the R8N87B when access points, phones or cameras need power from the switch.
How is the R8N87B managed?
The R8N87B is a fully managed switch. HPE lists a web GUI, an industry-standard CLI, REST APIs and Zero Touch Provisioning. For configuring many switches at once HPE lists HPE Aruba Networking Switch Multi-Edit, which requires its own separate software license. The switch software itself is embedded, with no subscription required to enable it. Routing is limited to static IPv4 and IPv6 routes; the CX 6000 documents list no dynamic routing protocol.
What condition is the R8N87B sold in, and what warranty applies?
The R8N87B is sold new and factory-sealed. It is covered by the Network Devices Inc. 1-year warranty and a 30-day return policy.
