How to Migrate From Legacy Networking to HPE Aruba CX

Introduction

If your business is still running on legacy switches, you’re likely dealing with slow performance, limited visibility, and increasing failure rates. As workloads shift to cloud apps, VoIP, and high-bandwidth services, old hardware simply can’t keep up. Modernizing to HPE Aruba CX gives you stability, automation, and better control over your network. This guide walks you through when to upgrade, how to plan the migration, and what to expect during the transition.

Why Businesses Move to HPE Aruba CX

HPE Aruba CX is designed for today’s hybrid environments. It offers consistent architecture from access to core, real-time analytics, strong security features, and simple lifecycle management. For growing businesses, CX switches provide the performance and automation needed to handle more users, more devices, and heavier traffic without increasing operational complexity.

Step 1: Assess Your Legacy Network

Before planning a migration, map your existing environment:

• Current switch models and firmware

• Port density, uplink speed, and traffic patterns

• Power requirements and PoE usage

• Local services depending on the switch

• Redundancy and failure points

This helps identify whether you need access-layer upgrades, core refresh, or full-stack modernization.

Step 2: Choose the Right Aruba CX Models

Aruba CX has multiple series suited for different roles:

• CX 6100: Access layer for small offices needing reliable 1G connectivity

• CX 6200: Access and aggregation with stacking and advanced features

• CX 6300: Enterprise access with Layer 3, VSF stacking, and high performance

• CX 8360: Core and aggregation for growing environments

• CX 8400: Modular core for high-availability networks

Pick based on port count, uplink needs, PoE requirements, and future scalability.

Step 3: Create a Phased Migration Plan

A clean migration avoids downtime and disruption. A typical plan includes:

• Replacing access switches first to remove bottlenecks

• Migrating distribution or aggregation next

• Upgrading the core last to avoid traffic impact

• Running a pilot phase with a small user group

• Preparing fallback options in case rollback is required

Plan cutovers during low-traffic windows to minimize user impact.

Step 4: Prepare Configurations in Advance

HPE Aruba CX supports modern configuration workflows:

• Template-based provisioning

• API-driven automation

• Centralized management for multiple sites

• VSF stacking to simplify topology changes

Generate configurations before deployment, test them in a lab or virtual environment, and validate VLANs, routing, ACLs, and PoE settings.

Step 5: Execute the Cutover

During migration:

• Move user access cables gradually

• Validate link speed, spanning tree, and uplinks

• Test DHCP, DNS, and gateway reachability

• Confirm PoE devices (phones, cameras, APs) power up correctly

• Document changes in real time

Ensure redundancy paths are up before removing legacy hardware.

Step 6: Optimize and Monitor

After migration, use Aruba’s monitoring capabilities to fine-tune your network:

• Real-time analytics for performance bottlenecks

• Automated anomaly detection

• Firmware compliance checks

• Traffic visibility to identify heavy users or misconfigurations

This ensures your network remains stable as your business grows.

Expert Recommendation

If your team relies heavily on cloud tools, VoIP, conferencing, or Wi-Fi, moving to Aruba CX gives you a more stable and predictable network. Small businesses can start with CX 6100 or CX 6200, while mid-size offices or multi-floor setups benefit from CX 6300 and CX 8360 stacks. Avoid waiting for hardware failure—plan a phased upgrade to minimize downtime and take advantage of modern automation features.

Real-World Use Cases

• Multisite Retail Company: Migrated access switches to CX 6100 for stable PoE and centralized management.

• Growing Creative Agency: Upgraded to CX 6300 for high-speed file transfers and VoIP reliability.

• Corporate Office (100+ Users): Implemented CX 8360 at aggregation to support heavy traffic and redundancy.

Final Summary

Migrating from legacy networking to HPE Aruba CX isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a move toward faster performance, better visibility, and long-term scalability. With proper planning, phased deployment, and the right CX models, your business gains a network ready to support future workloads and growth.

Modernize your network with DC Supplies’ full range of HPE Aruba CX solutions. Whether you’re replacing aging switches or planning a complete infrastructure refresh, we provide reliable hardware, expert guidance, and fast delivery to support your growth. Build a faster, smarter, and more scalable network with our trusted HPE offerings today.