HPE 6300F 48-port 1GbE Class 4 PoE and 4-port SFP56 Switch

The Aruba CX 6300 Switch Series represents a new standard in enterprise networking—combining modern flexibility, intelligent automation, and built-in security to power evolving access, aggregation, and core deployments. The HPE 6300F model brings a dense, reliable solution with 48 x 1GbE PoE+ ports and 4 x SFP56 uplink ports, delivering the perfect balance of port density, PoE capability, and fiber connectivity for campus edge, branch, and small-to-medium data center environments. Built on the robust Aruba CX OS, this switch is designed to streamline operations, reduce mean time to repair, and provide clear visibility into network performance and security posture.

With the 6300F, organizations gain a scalable platform that can adapt to growth without compromising performance. The combination of PoE+ power for IP phones, cameras, access points, and other devices with high-speed SFP56 uplinks enables a flexible, future-proof topology. This switch is engineered to handle demanding workloads, deliver predictable latency for critical applications, and simplify day-to-day management through centralized analytics, policy-based controls, and resilient software features. In short, the HPE 6300F is a purpose-built, enterprise-class switch that empowers IT teams to deploy secure networks quickly while maintaining the control and insight needed to optimize efficiency and uptime.

• Dense 48 x 1GbE PoE+ ports directly in one chassis, enabling rapid deployment of IP phones, wireless APs, cameras, and IoT devices without additional midspan power infrastructure; supports Class 4 PoE per port for high-power devices while preserving energy efficiency.
• 4 x SFP56 uplink/fiber ports provide high-speed fiber connectivity for uplinks to core or distribution layers, scalable stacking options, and flexible deployment in campus and edge networks; ideal for high-bandwidth workloads and long-distance links.
• Aruba CX OS brings intelligent features for security, automation, and policy enforcement, including role-based access, microsegmentation, and automated provisioning to reduce human error and accelerate deployments.
• Stackable design and integrated lifecycle management under Aruba Central or on-premises CX management simplify operations, provide centralized visibility, and support zero-touch provisioning for rapid rollouts across multiple sites.
• Energy-aware design with efficient PoE allocation and streamlined cooling, delivering a balance of performance and cost efficiency while maintaining resilience for mission-critical applications and growing networks.

Technical Details of HPE 6300F 48-port 1GbE Class 4 PoE and 4-port SFP56 Switch

• Ports: 48 x 1 GbE PoE+ ports; 4 x SFP56 fiber ports for uplinks/stacking
• PoE capability: IEEE 802.3af/at (PoE/PoE+) per-port support; Class 4 PoE configuration for demanding power devices
• Management: Aruba CX OS with secure, policy-driven management; integration with Aruba Central for cloud-based monitoring and control
• Deployment: Stackable design to simplify scalability and redundancy; suitable for access, aggregation, and edge roles in enterprise networks
• Security and analytics: Built-in security features, policy enforcement, and telemetry for improved visibility and proactive network hardening

How to Install HPE 6300F 48-port 1GbE Class 4 PoE and 4-port SFP56 Switch

Installing the HPE 6300F is designed to be straightforward for IT teams already familiar with Aruba CX. Begin by verifying the rack space and ensuring proper ventilation to maintain optimal operating temperatures in your data center or network closet. Mount the switch in a standard 19-inch rack, secure the chassis, and connect the power supply(s) according to your environment’s redundancy needs. If you are deploying a stack, prepare the stacking cables and clear the required stack bandwidth between units before powering on the devices. Once powered, establish out-of-band or management connectivity to reach the switch’s management interfaces.

Configure basic network parameters using the CX OS CLI or through Aruba Central. Assign a management VLAN and IP address for out-of-band access, then define the required VLANs, access ports, and port-based policies for your devices. Enable PoE on the appropriate ports and set PoE budgets based on device power requirements to avoid overloading the switch. For voice, video, and IoT deployments, apply QoS policies to ensure critical traffic receives the necessary bandwidth and low latency. If you are leveraging SFP56 uplinks, install compatible SFP56 transceivers and connect fiber to your core or distribution switches, verifying link status and optical performance. Finally, implement security policies—including user authentication, role-based access control, and device inventory monitoring—and enable monitoring features for ongoing visibility into switch health and traffic patterns.

Regular maintenance steps include updating to the latest CX OS firmware, reviewing port utilization and PoE consumption, validating firmware compatibility with connected devices, and running periodic security audits. If you use Aruba Central, take advantage of cloud-based telemetry to monitor device health, receive alerts, and automate routine tasks such as configuration backups and firmware updates. With careful planning and proper management, the HPE 6300F can deliver a stable, secure, and scalable foundation for your enterprise network, supporting evolving business needs while keeping operational overhead low.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the primary role of the HPE 6300F in an enterprise network?

  A: The HPE 6300F serves as a dense access-to-edge switch with PoE capabilities and fiber uplinks, ideal for campus access, distribution, and edge aggregation. It provides secure, scalable connectivity for endpoints such as IP phones, wireless access points, cameras, and IoT devices, while enabling centralized management and policy enforcement through Aruba CX OS and Aruba Central.

• Q: How many PoE devices can be powered by this switch?

  A: The switch offers 48 x 1 GbE PoE+ ports, with per-port PoE capability (Class 4 PoE). The total number of devices powered depends on the PoE budget allocated across ports and the power requirements of connected devices. Proper planning and, if needed, PoE budget management policies help maximize device support without compromising performance.

• Q: Can I manage this switch with Aruba Central?

  A: Yes. The CX OS integrates with Aruba Central for cloud-based management, monitoring, and analytics. Central provides a single pane of glass for provisioning, firmware updates, device health checks, and policy enforcement across multiple switches in the network.

• Q: What deployment scenarios is the 6300F best suited for?

  A: The 6300F excels in enterprise access, campus edge, and small-to-medium data center environments where high port density, PoE capability, and flexible uplinks are required. Its mix of 48 PoE ports and 4 SFP56 uplinks supports voice, video, security cameras, and IoT devices while enabling scalable growth through stacking and centralized management.

• Q: What is the advantage of SFP56 uplinks on this model?

  A: The 4 x SFP56 uplink ports offer high-bandwidth fiber connectivity suitable for fast links to the core or distribution layer, as well as flexible stacking options. This enables lower latency, higher throughput, and resilient paths for critical traffic, especially in environments with large numbers of endpoints and high PoE usage.