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.
“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.