HPE Aruba Ethernet Switches vs. Lantronix XPress-Pro SW

We manage a lot of public infrastructure and schools which
means we need reliable hardware that is easy to prep and install quickly due to
time constraints. The price is great as we must keep a close eye on our budget.


We use these switches in all types of situations and
configurations some are full SFP and others are ethernet but honestly the software
and hardware are great for our usage.

Incentivized

Lantronix is very well suited for a lean and mean type of setup where the network devices are monitored, but the location does not have onsite IT support because with the Lantronix the Network Administrator can access the devices without onsite assistance. Lantronix is not necessary for a location with an onsite Network Administrator, but it is nice to be able to console connect without leaving your office.

Incentivized

• REST API capability
• Wired & Wireless 802.1x configuration easiness
• Wireless Access Points (APs) zero touch provisioning
• Its high-end family (running the AOS-CX firmware) supports a virtualization technology called VSX (Virtual Switching Extension) which allows 2 switches to present itself as one virtualized switch under Layer 2, and as 2 separate routers under Layer 3; thereby providing high availability.

Incentivized

• Allows you to manage networking devices remotely
• Some have built-in environmental sensors
• Cost effective

Incentivized

• I have had issues finding monitoring software that natively supports Provision/Aruba OS. Most are designed primarily with Cisco in mind.
• HPE/Aruba switches have historically had issues with corrupt flash. This seems to be less common in more recent models.
• HPE/Aruba's switching portfolio can be confusing. Some models run on the Aruba OS while some others run on Comware. There is some overlap in these model lines so at times is can be tough to tell which switch is right.

Incentivized

• I have no issues with the Lantronix devices that we use, other than some are console and some use regular ethernet

Incentivized

It is a very good product, has almost all the feature you can need to access switches, a simple web GUI management, but not all can be configured from the GUI interface.

Incentivized

The HPE Aruba Switches are definitely easier to setup than Cisco Catalyst Switches. We prefer to have a managed interface, so the HPE Aruba Switches are a better option than most Netgear or D-Link switches. Compared to HPE Networking Switches, the Aruba models typically are cheaper and perform nearly as well

Incentivized

The only device that is similar to the Lantronix that I have used was a serial console device by WTI. The Lantronix is more intuitive, and as I have stated earlier in this review, has the environmental sensors built in. Other than those two minor details, there is virtually zero difference in the two products.

Incentivized

• Ease of deployment has cut back on labor hours.
• Ease of management has allowed us to be more proactive to other potential issues that may occur on the network.

Incentivized

• Lantronix along with thin clients has reduced onsite IT costs
• External environmental sensors are not necessary
• No need for a onsite network admin

Incentivized