Which switch does Aruba recommend for an access layer role?

The Aruba CX switching portfolio is segmented by network role. The Aruba CX 6xxx series is designed for the campus access and aggregation layers, while the CX 8xxx series is intended for the core and data center layers. The Aruba CX 6100 is specifically positioned as a family of entry-level access switches, making it a direct and appropriate choice for this role. While the CX 6400 can also function at the access layer, it is a versatile modular platform also designed for aggregation and core roles. The CX 8xxx series switches are not recommended for the access layer.

B. Aruba CX 8400: This is a high-performance modular chassis switch specifically designed for the enterprise campus core and aggregation layers, not the access layer.
C. Aruba CX 8300: This series of high-performance switches is intended for campus core, aggregation, or data center Top-of-Rack (ToR) roles.
D. Aruba CX 6400: While suitable for high-density access, this modular switch is also designed for aggregation and core roles, making it a less specific answer than the dedicated access-layer CX 6100.

1. Aruba CX 6100 Switch Series Datasheet (Document ID: a00097838enw, Published: March 2022): Page 1, "Product overview" section states, "The Aruba CX 6100 Switch Series is a modern family of entry-level access switches ideal for branch offices, mid-market enterprise, and SMB networks."

2. Aruba CX 8400 Switch Series Datasheet (Document ID: a00021849enw, Published: November 2020): Page 1, "Product overview" section states, "The Aruba CX 8400 Switch Series is a modern, intelligent and high-availability modular switch solution that is ideal for use in the enterprise campus core and aggregation."

3. Aruba CX 8325 Switch Series Datasheet (Document ID: a00053723enw, Published: May 2022): Page 1, "Product overview" section (representative of the CX 8300 family) states,"...ideal for use as a campus core and aggregation switch, or a data center Top of Rack (ToR) and End of Row (EoR) switch."

4. ArubaOS-CX Switching Fundamentals, Rev 20.41 (Publication Number: 10-0000308-00, Published: October 2020): Page 10, "Campus network design" section, explicitly places the CX 8400 and CX 8325 in the Core Layer and the CX 6xxx series (including 6100, 6300, 6400) in the Access Layer, confirming the portfolio segmentation.