HPE
HPE Aruba 5406R ZL2 Chassis
Best modular switch for growing enterprise and branch office networks.
The HPE Aruba 5406R zl2 Switch is a modular switch designed for enterprise edge and SMB/branch office core deployments. It offers enterprise-class resiliency, flexibility, scalability, and ease of use. This switch supports demanding network features like hitless failover, power supply redundancy, QoS, and full Layer 3 capabilities. It is SDN ready with OpenFlow support and provides robust virtualization options.
$2608.06
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
11
/ 2256
#11 in Hubs & Switches
Price vs Category Average
-60%
Below average
Layer Supported
3
Who it's for
- Enterprise engineers managing high-traffic core network backbones
- Network administrators prioritizing zero-downtime mission-critical operations
- IT architects needing flexible, future-proof connectivity configurations
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious organizations with limited capital expenditure
- Small businesses lacking dedicated server room infrastructure
- Generalist IT staff without advanced networking certifications
Performance breakdown
Network Resiliency
Hitless failover and redundant power ensure near-constant uptime for critical operations.
Deployment Flexibility
Six expansion slots allow for extensive customization across diverse enterprise environments.
Routing Capability
Full Layer 3 support handles complex traffic routing with professional-grade precision.
SDN Readiness
OpenFlow support makes integrating modern software-defined networking strategies straightforward.
Chassis Build
Robust 4U form factor provides a stable foundation for high-density networking.
Management Ease
Comprehensive tools simplify configuration and monitoring for busy IT administrators.
Key Specs
Layer Supported
3
Expansion Slots
6
Warranty
Lifetime
Height
6.9 inches
Width
17.5 inches
Depth
17.8 inches
Rack Units
4U
Memory
4 GB DDR3 SDRAM
Features
- Enterprise-class resiliency for reliable network operations
- High flexibility and scalability for diverse deployments
- Supports hitless failover and power supply redundancy
- Full Layer 3 routing capabilities
- SDN ready with OpenFlow support
- Robust virtualization options
- Comprehensive management features
- Designed for professional networking
- Robust chassis form factor
What customers say
Enterprise users overwhelmingly praise the HPE Aruba 5406R ZL2 Chassis for its exceptional reliability and robust modularity. Its high availability features, like redundant components, are critical for maintaining continuous uptime in core network environments. Performance is consistently rated as top tier, easily handling demanding traffic loads with low latency. A major benefit is the seamless integration with the Aruba ecosystem, simplifying centralized management and security enforcement. While the initial cost is significant, the long term value is clear due to the chassis's unparalleled stability and minimal maintenance needs. This positions the 5406R ZL2 as a premium investment for organizations prioritizing network stability and high performance.
Know before you buy
This switch is designed for enterprise edge deployments and SMB or branch office cores. Its modular, 4U chassis provides the flexibility needed to scale as your network requirements grow.
Yes, it offers full Layer 3 routing capabilities. This allows it to handle complex traffic routing and segmentation tasks typical of professional-grade network environments.
The switch is built for high availability, featuring support for power supply redundancy and hitless failover. These features ensure that your network remains operational even if a power source or specific module encounters an issue.
Absolutely. The 5406R is SDN-ready and includes support for OpenFlow, making it a suitable choice for modern networks that rely on programmable, centralized management.
The switch occupies 4U of rack space. Its physical dimensions are 6.9 inches in height, 17.5 inches in width, and 17.8 inches in depth, so ensure your rack has the necessary clearance.
HPE provides a lifetime warranty for the 5406R zl2, which reflects its enterprise-grade build quality and long-term reliability for professional deployments.
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