HP Enterprise - The most important series in comparison

Reliable network technology is the basis of every modern IT infrastructure. With its series of switches, servers, and routers, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) offers exactly the solutions that companies need: powerful, scalable, and tailored to professional requirements. But which HPE series is suitable for which area of application? In this article, we compare the most important product lines for switches, servers, and routers and show you what to look for when making your selection.

 

Why HPE? – Technology driver for professional IT environments

Hewlett Packard Enterprise is one of the established players in the business customer segment. With a focus on data center infrastructure, networks, and IT services, HPE specifically targets companies looking for long-term, secure, and efficient solutions. Its products are characterized by clear series structures, centralized management options, long support cycles, and a strong partner network. The combination of powerful hardware and intelligent software stacks (e.g., iLO, Aruba Central, Infosight) makes HPE a reliable manufacturer for small, medium, and large companies.

 

Switches in comparison – HPE Aruba series at a glance

Switches form the backbone of all network communication. With its Aruba division, HPE offers powerful switch solutions for companies of all sizes, from simple offices to complex campus structures.

 

a pile of HPE switches

 

Aruba switch series in comparison

 

Model seriesLayerPortsPoE SupportManagementArea of Application
Aruba 2530/2540L2up to 48YesWeb/CLI/SNMP
Small offices, branch networks
 
Aruba 2930F/2930ML3up to 48YesAruba Central
Medium networks, campuses, education
 
Aruba CX 6300–10000L3+up to 100+Yes (incl. UPOE)AOS-CX, REST API
Data centers, spine/leaf architecture
 

 

Entry-level solutions such as the 2530 and 2540 are ideal for simple networks where stability and clear configuration are key. If you need routing functionality and central control, the 2930F/M is a good choice. The Aruba CX series also offers analytics, automated management, and segmentation—perfect for growing environments or hybrid architectures.

Tip: Aruba switches integrate seamlessly into cloud environments and are ideal for zero-touch deployment via Aruba Central.

 

Server solutions – ProLiant: The stable core of your IT

HPE servers stand for performance, modularity, and security. The ProLiant series in particular covers a wide range of requirements: from local tower servers to high-availability rack servers for data centers.

 

A pile of HPE Servers

 

HPE ProLiant series comparison

 

SeriesForm FactorArea of ApplicationSpecial Features
ML SeriesTowerSmall businesses, decentralized IT
Quiet operation, easy maintenance
 
DL SeriesRack (1U/2U)Medium-sized businesses, virtualization, AI
High scalability, redundant components, enormous performance
 

 

Example:

  • The ML110 Gen10 is a quiet and robust tower server for locations without a server room.

  • The DL380 Gen10/Gen11 is the workhorse for VM environments, ERP software, or databases. The DL series is also suitable for AI applications. In the Gen12 with state-of-the-art equipment

Thanks to integrated management functions such as iLO5, HPE servers can also be monitored, updated, and managed remotely—a major advantage, especially for distributed locations or smaller IT teams.

 

Access Points—Wireless Flexibility with Aruba Instant On and Enterprise Series

In addition to wired networks, wireless connections are becoming increasingly important. With Aruba access points, HPE offers powerful WLAN solutions that can be seamlessly integrated into existing networks. The product range extends from compact models for small offices to highly scalable access points for complex enterprise environments.

 

two HPE Accesspoints

 

Which Aruba access point is suitable for which application area:

 

Model SeriesWi-Fi standardManagement optionsSpecial FeaturesApplication area

HPE Aruba Networking 500 Series Campus Access Points
 
Wi-Fi 5 / 6Zero Touch/Aruba CentralEasy setup, mesh function, guest accessSmall offices, branch offices, home offices

HPE Aruba Networking 530 Series Campus Access Points
 
Wi-Fi 6Aruba CentralHigh user density, ClientMatch, PoETraditional enterprise environments, campus

HPE Aruba Networking 730 Series Campus Access Points
 
Wi-Fi 7Aruba Central4K QAM, MLO, 6GHz, integrated BLE functionalityLarge offices, campus environments

 

The Instant On series is ideal for an easy entry into professional Wi-Fi management. It is suitable for companies that need stable basic coverage but do not operate an extensive infrastructure.

The 500 to 550 series are designed for larger IT environments with many end devices and high demands on reliability, throughput, and management integration. Support for Wi-Fi 6, features such as OFDMA and ClientMatch, and centralized management via Aruba Central make it a future-proof solution.

The 700 series is suitable for high-performance environments and demanding applications. Whether the 730, 740, or 750 Series - with Wi-Fi 7 and combined peak data rates of over 20 Gbps in some cases, these professional access points leave nothing to be desired.

Thanks to their architecture, the access points can be easily combined with Aruba switches—an advantage for companies seeking a uniformly managed network environment.

 

Which product suits your needs?

The choice depends heavily on the existing IT structure, budget, and desired operating model. Here is a brief decision-making guide:

 

RequirementRecommendation

Small branch office with few workstations
 
Aruba 2530 + ProLiant ML110

Medium-sized office with remote access
 
Aruba 2930M + DL380 + EdgeConnect SD-WAN

Large campus or industrial environment
 
Aruba CX 6300/8325 + ProLiant DL385 Gen11

Modern data center or AI projects
 
Aruba CX 10000 + ProLiant DL Gen11 + EdgeConnect VM

 

Important: Refurbished devices from these series offer excellent value for money for many applications. We provide professionally tested devices with a 3-year warranty for businesses. This saves resources and is easy on the wallet.

 

Invest sustainably with refurbishment from IT-Market.com

The reuse of IT hardware is no longer just a budget issue, but is increasingly seen as a contribution to corporate responsibility. At IT-Market.com, you can purchase refurbished HPE components – technically tested, cleaned, with up to a three-year warranty for businesses, and fully operational.

Refurbished switches, servers, or routers:

  • significantly reduce operating costs
     

  • reduce your digital carbon footprint
     

  • are often available immediately (compared to longer delivery times for new products)
     

  • can be operated optimally and long-term with maintenance packages such as CleverCare
     

  • run carefree thanks to 3 years warranty for companies

 

Conclusion – HPE solutions at IT-Market.com

With the Aruba, ProLiant, and EdgeConnect series, HPE offers a flexible, powerful, and future-proof product portfolio for businesses of all sizes. The clear series structure, centralized management approaches, and long-term manufacturer support make HPE particularly attractive for companies that rely on reliable network technology.

At IT-Market.com, you not only get new and refurbished hardware from HPE, but also expert advice, spare parts logistics, customized project offers, and optional maintenance contracts. Whether you want to expand an existing network or build a new one, we are here to support you with our expertise and experience.

Would you like to know which HPE solution is right for your project?

Our sales team looks forward to your inquiry and will be happy to assist you by phone, email, or directly via our online portal.