Aruba CX 8320 JL581A – 48 × 1/10 GbE + 6 × 40 GbE QSFP+ High-Performance Campus Core Switch

Aruba CX 8320 (JL581A) is a high-performance fixed aggregation and core switch built for enterprise campus networks and top-of-rack deployments. It provides 48 × 1/10 GbE BASE‑T ports and 6 × 40 GbE QSFP+ uplinks, delivering up to 2.5 Tbps of switching capacity in a compact 1U chassis.

Powered by the Aruba AOS-CX operating system, the CX 8320 supports advanced Layer 2/Layer 3 features, including dynamic routing (OSPF, BGP), VRF, and full IPv6 capabilities. The system offers hot-swappable, redundant power supplies and fans, ensuring continuous uptime for mission-critical environments.

Designed with automation and visibility in mind, it features a programmable architecture with REST APIs, Python scripting, and real-time analytics, enabling simplified management and faster troubleshooting. Its non-blocking architecture, low-latency forwarding, and intelligent monitoring make it an excellent choice for high-density campus cores, large aggregation layers, or modern data-center edge deployments.

Aruba CX 8320 (JL581A)

KEY FEATURES:

• High-Density Ports: 48 × 1/10 GbE BASE‑T ports  and 6 × 40 GbE QSFP+ uplinks.
  
• High Performance: 2.5 Tbps switching capacity with 1.9 Bpps forwarding rate and sub-microsecond latency.
  
• Resilient Hardware: Dual hot-swap power supplies and field-replaceable fans for nonstop operation.
  
• AOS-CX OS: Modern, database-driven OS with real-time monitoring and hitless upgrades.
  
• Automation Ready: REST APIs, Python, and Ansible support for zero-touch provisioning.
  
• Strong Security: Secure Boot, MACsec encryption, ACLs, and role-based access.
  
• Scalable Design: VXLAN/EVPN overlays and flexible stacking for easy expansion.
  
• Energy Efficient: Intelligent power management and Energy Efficient Ethernet.
  

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

HARDWARE:

PERFORMANCE:

SECURITY:

MANAGEMENT:

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL:

ADVANCED FEATURES:

VSX Dual-Active Core for High Availability:

The CX 8320 supports Virtual Switching Extension (VSX), enabling two physical switches to operate as a single logical core. This provides seamless hitless failover, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for critical enterprise, campus, and data center networks. Administrators can perform maintenance, software upgrades, or hardware replacement without service disruption. VSX also allows coordinated configuration and monitoring of multiple switches as one logical device, reducing operational complexity and improving reliability.

High-Performance Layer 3 Routing:

Built for enterprise cores and aggregation layers, the JL581A delivers full-featured Layer 3 routing. It supports OSPF, BGP, RIP, VRF, MPLS, and static routing, providing scalable and resilient network architecture. This allows organizations to interconnect campuses, branch offices, and data centers efficiently while maintaining consistent routing policies and minimizing latency. Its non-blocking switching fabric ensures deterministic low-latency forwarding even under high network loads.

MACsec Encryption for Secure Data Transmission:

All access and uplink ports are MACsec-capable (IEEE 802.1AE), enabling inline encryption of traffic between switches. This protects sensitive enterprise, IoT, and guest traffic from interception or tampering while maintaining line-rate performance. MACsec also helps organizations meet compliance and data protection requirements across multi-site deployments.

Automation, Programmability & Zero-Touch Provisioning:

Aruba AOS-CX provides full automation and programmability for the CX 8320. Network teams can leverage REST APIs, Python scripting, and Ansible playbooks to deploy, configure, and manage switches efficiently. Zero-Touch Provisioning (ZTP) allows rapid network deployment across multiple sites with minimal manual intervention. Integration with Aruba NetEdit or Aruba Central provides centralized management, automated compliance checks, workflow orchestration, and real-time monitoring.

Advanced Telemetry & Real-Time Analytics:

The switch supports sFlow, streaming telemetry, and Aruba Network Analytics Engine (NAE) integration. This delivers real-time visibility into traffic patterns, interface health, and device performance. IT teams can proactively detect congestion, optimize resource allocation, and plan capacity for growing workloads. Telemetry enables predictive analytics for latency-sensitive applications such as VoIP, video conferencing, and industrial IoT, ensuring consistent SLA adherence.

Energy-Efficient and Environmentally Optimized Design:

The JL581A is designed with operational efficiency in mind. Variable-speed, field-replaceable fans provide quiet and effective cooling, while Energy Efficient Ethernet (IEEE 802.3az) reduces power consumption during low network activity. These features lower operational costs and allow deployment in noise-sensitive environments such as offices, classrooms, or branch wiring closets. Hot-swappable power supplies further enhance uptime and ease of maintenance.

High-Capacity Connectivity for Modern Networks:

With 48 × 1/10 GbE SFP/SFP+ access ports and 6 × 40 GbE QSFP+ uplinks, the CX 8320 delivers flexible and high-bandwidth connectivity. It supports high-density server uplinks, aggregation of Wi-Fi 6 access points, and connectivity for IoT or video surveillance devices. The switch ensures future-proof capacity for growing enterprise networks, cloud workloads, and latency-sensitive applications.

Comprehensive Security and Access Controls:

Security is embedded throughout the switch architecture. In addition to MACsec encryption, the JL581A supports 802.1X port-based authentication, ACLs (L2–L4), DHCP snooping, Dynamic ARP Inspection, IP Source Guard, and role-based administrative access. Secure management is enabled via SSH, SNMPv3, and encrypted control plane protocols, protecting both data and management planes from unauthorized access, internal threats, and external attacks.

Flexible Deployment & Scalable Architecture:

Designed for enterprise cores, campus aggregation, and data center environments, the CX 8320 supports hot-swappable power supplies and fans, front-to-back airflow, and VSX-based dual-active deployment. Virtual chassis capabilities enable seamless scaling of port capacity and network redundancy without downtime, making it ideal for large-scale, multi-site, or high-availability deployments.

Enhanced Quality of Service (QoS):

Eight hardware queues per port and advanced traffic shaping ensure priority for latency-sensitive services such as voice, video, and critical application traffic. Hierarchical QoS policies, combined with the deterministic low-latency architecture, maintain high performance under heavy network loads.

Future-Proof Network Investment:

With a combination of high-capacity uplinks, advanced automation, security features, telemetry, and flexible deployment options, the JL581A protects IT investments by supporting evolving enterprise needs. It is optimized for mobile-first, IoT-enabled, and cloud-integrated campus and data center networks.

ORDERING INFORMATION:

WARRANTY & SUPPORT:

Manufacturers are responsible for warranties, which are based on the purchase date and validity. We make sure the products we sell are delivered on time and in their original condition at Grabnpay. Whether it's physical damage or operational issues, our team will help you find a solution. We help you install, configure, and manage your devices. We'll help you file a warranty claim and guide you every step of the way.

All listed prices reflect standard market rates. Final commercial terms, including volume-based discounts, will be provided based on purchase volume, MOQ, and other applicable criteria. For more information about switches & other accessories, contact our technical support team.