Optimize Rugged Networks with JL817A HPE Aruba CX 4100i PoE DIN Switch

In industries where reliability meets harsh environmental demands—such as manufacturing, transportation, and smart‑city infrastructure—the JL817A HPE Aruba CX 4100i DIN‑mount switch stands out. Featuring Power‑over‑Ethernet (PoE), fan‑less design, and robust DIN‑rail mounting, this switch is built to endure.

With support for both 30 W and 60 W PoE, dual 10 GbE SFP+ uplinks, and Aruba’s modern AOS‑CX software suite, this device delivers enterprise‑grade performance at the workout of extreme conditions. Let’s explore what makes it vital for resilient, high‑availability networks

Key Highlights

Rugged DIN‑Rail Build & Environmental Toughness

• IP30‑rated, fan‑less design operates across –40 °C to +70 °C or even 75 °C depending on airflow.
• Compact footprint: 160×113×162.9 mm (6.3″×4.4″×6.4″) including DIN‑rail bracket.
• Shock, vibration, and ESD hardened to IEC 60068 standards, suitable for industrial and railway environments.

High‑Power, Mixed PoE

• 12× 1 GbE ports: 8 ports with PoE Class 4 (up to 30 W) and 4 ports with PoE Class 6 (up to 60 W).
• Supports IEEE 802.3af/at/bt, delivering a total PoE budget up to 360 W using compatible power supplies.
• Ideal for powering devices like PTZ security cameras, wireless access points, and industrial sensors.

High‑Speed Uplinks & Switching Performance

• 2× 1/10 GbE SFP+ uplinks ensure low-latency, high-throughput connectivity.
• Switching capacity up to 64 Gbps, forwarding rate ~46 Mpps, and microsecond-level latency (~2 µs at 1 Gbps).

Enterprise‑Grade Management with AOS‑CX

• Built on Aruba AOS‑CX: delivers modular, programmable OS with REST APIs, CLI, Web GUI, and Aruba Central/NetEdit management.
• Layer 2 + static routing, robust QoS, ACLs, VLANs, IPv6 support, and dynamic segmentation for secure IoT deployment.
• No licensing or subscription costs—full software included.

Flexible Power & Redundancy

• Supports field-replaceable DIN power supplies: JL819A, JL820A (AC), JL821A (DC).
• Can run dual PSUs in redundant mode, ensuring continuous PoE delivery.
• Power derating tables help tune PoE budget based on ambient temperature .

Technical Specifications of JL817A

Use Cases & Benefits of JL817A

Industrial Automation & IoT

Its rugged IP30-rated housing and PoE capabilities make it ideal for powering industrial sensors, cameras, and controllers in factories or outdoor cabinets.

Smart Surveillance & Infrastructure

High‑power PoE ports and SFP+ uplinks easily support IP cameras and uplink to core network.

Smart City & Transportation

Certified for railway and substation use (IEC 61850‑3, IEEE 1613), suited for traffic systems, public transit, or smart grid applications.

Harsh‑Environment Edge Networking

Extended temperature tolerance and fan‑less operation offers stability in remote or extreme environments like oil rigs or cold storage facilities.

Management & Security of JL817A

Aruba Central & AOS‑CX

• Centralized device management, zero‑touch updates, and analytics.
• Multi‑edit functionality enables bulk config changes with policy compliance checks.

Security & QoS

• VLAN segmentation, ACL enforcement, secure 802.1X authentication, and traffic prioritization ensure network integrity and QoS for critical services.

Programmability & Future‑Proofing

• REST API support ensures automation and integration with DevOps tools.
• AOS‑CX ensures consistent behavior across Aruba CX family—simplifies firmware and config compatibility.

Deployment Tips for JL817A

1. Choose the right PSU: Decide between JL819A, JL820A, or JL821A based on PoE budget and voltage source.
2. Use redundancy & monitor: Dual power inputs and alarm port add resilience and uptime visibility.
3. Configure PoE derating: Adjust port power allocation based on environmental conditions using PoE budget tables.
4. Segment networks via AOS‑CX: Use VLANs and ACLs to isolate IoT devices and enhance security.
5. Monitor with Central or NetEdit: Gain visibility into performance and ensure policy compliance.

Potential Considerations for JL817A

• Requires PoE‑capable switch provisioning and power supply investments.
• DIN‑rail form factor not suited for traditional rack setups without adapters.
• Learning curve for AOS‑CX CLI or REST-based orchestration if migrating from legacy OS.

Conclusion

The JL817A HPE Aruba CX 4100i DIN‑mount switch offers a unique combination of industrial strength, high-performance networking, and flexible PoE support—all without licensing complexity. With rugged design, enterprise-grade features, and seamless integration into Aruba’s management ecosystem, it’s a compelling choice for deployments in demanding environments requiring reliability, security, and power delivery in one shelf-friendly solution.

FAQs

What is the PoE capacity that JL817A offers?
Supports IEEE 802.3af/at/bt with 8× 30 W (Class 4) and 4× 60 W (Class 6) ports, delivering up to 360 W total with proper PSU.

Can it handle extreme temperatures?
Yes—operates from –40 °C to +70 °C (some airflow variants go up to 75 °C) and meets IP30 dust protection .

How is management handled?
Managed via Aruba AOS‑CX CLI, Web GUI, Aruba Central, NetEdit, and REST APIs. No license required .

What uplink options exist?
Two built‑in 1/10 GbE SFP+ uplinks reduce bottlenecks and connect to core infrastructure.

Is it stackable?
Not as a traditional stack, but it integrates seamlessly with Aruba’s CX family and is managed centrally.

Which PSU should be selected?
Choose JL819A (240 W AC), JL820A (360 W AC), or JL821A (240 W DC) depending on environment and PoE load .

The JL817A Aruba CX 4100i delivers enterprise reliability, power versatility, and rugged build—all packed into a compact DIN‑rail mount. Perfect for connecting PoE‑enabled IoT, access, and security devices in the toughest of environments.

Let me know if you’d like help estimating PoE needs, choosing power supplies, or comparing to rack-mount alternatives!

Smart Links

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