Aruba Adds 802.11ac Wave 2 APs with MU-MIMO

Aruba Networks (now part of HP) introduced an 802.11ac Wave 2 access point (AP) with dynamic multi-user multiple input/multiple output (MU-MIMO) grouping, significantly boosting network capacity. The new Aruba 30 series AP integrates a BLE Beacon that can help manage battery-powered Aruba Beacons from the cloud for firmware updates, battery life monitoring, and configuration changes.

Aruba also highlighted innovations in its patented ClientMatch technology, which originally solved the “sticky client” problem. The new enhanced Aruba ClientMatch incorporates intelligent awareness for Wave 2 MU-MIMO clients, automatically steering and grouping MU-MIMO devices together on Aruba 320 series APs. This allows the 320 series to transmit data to multiple Wave 2-enabled devices simultaneously, increasing overall network capacity.

“To accelerate the adoption of 802.11ac Wave 2 solutions, Qualcomm Atheros is working with networking leaders, like Aruba, to manufacture next generation Wi-Fi equipment,” said Irvind Ghai, vice president, Product Management, Qualcomm Atheros, Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated. “Aruba has taken an innovative approach to maximizing Wave 2 performance with its enhanced ClientMatch dynamic MU-MIMO grouping. This technology is designed to automatically identify MU-MIMO-capable mobile devices and steer them to the closest Wave 2-capable access point to provide enterprise-grade performance and capacity.”

The Aruba 320 series APs will be available in calendar third quarter 2015. 320 series AP prices start at U.S. list $1,395. Enhanced ClientMatch is also available in June as part of the new ArubaOS 6.4.4 software enhancement.

http://www.arubanetworks.com