Aruba AP635 Wi-Fi 6E access point review What’s Wi-Fi 6E!?

The Aruba AP635 (AP630 series) is a brand-new, tri-radio, Wi-Fi 6 E access point built for space movies. Okay, not really. It’s actually built for enterprises who need more wireless capacity and wider channels. But it’s very futuristic!

What’s unique about the AP635?

The Aruba AP635 Wi-Fi 6E access point is designed to take advantage of the 6 GHz band. It does this via three dedicated radios. In addition to the traditional 2.4 and 5 GHz bands, it uses the 6GHz band as well. And by using the 6 GHz band, capacity is more than doubled! As a result, you can meet growing demand due to bandwidth-hungry video, increasing numbers of client and IoT devices and growth in cloud. And unique to Aruba, the AP635 includes ultra tri-band filtering and dual 2.5 Gbps ethernet ports. The purpose of this is to eliminate coverage gaps, provide greater resiliency, and deliver fast, secure connectivity. The AP635 also ensures high availability with two 2.5 Gbps HPE® Smart Rate ethernet ports for hitless failover for both data and power.

Did you say 6GHz?

Yes, and this translates into far greater speeds, wider channels for multi-gigabit traffic, and less interference. It delivers 3.9 Gbps maximum aggregate data rates Tri-radio, 2×2:2 MIMO in all three bands. It runs at a 3.9 Gbps aggregate peak.

Advantages of 6GHz

Wi-Fi 6E provides up to 1200 MHz in the 6 GHz band. That will deliver for higher throughput and improved application performance. With up to seven 160 MHz channels, Wi-Fi 6E does better on low-latency, bandwidth hungry things like high-definition video and artificial reality/virtual reality. Only Wi-Fi 6E capable devices can use the 6 GHz band. So there is no interference or slowdowns due to legacy devices.

Device class support

The AP635 are part of the low power indoor (LPI) device class. This fixed indoor-only class uses lower power levels and does not require an Automated Frequency Coordination service to manage incumbent outdoor services which is required for standard class APs.

And, the AP630 series includes the new Wi-Fi 6E standards such as WPA3 and Enhanced Open, and WPA2-MPSK for stronger encryption and authentication.

Client steering

The AP630 series also steers traffic from the noisy 2.4 GHz band to the preferred 5 GHz or 6 GHz band. It does this based on device capabilities, and dynamically steers traffic to load balance APs.

Less interference

The Aruba AP635 Wi-Fi 6E access point includes something called ultra tri-band filtering. This enables you to take advantage of the high end of 5 GHz with the lower end of 6 GHz without experiencing interference. The thing is, there is only 50 MHz between 5 GHz and the 6 GHz. So, without advanced filtering, enterprises would likely experience problems between the bands and would be limited in the number of channels available. But with advanced filtering capabilities, enterprises can take full use of available spectrum without creating coverage gaps or islands. Pretty cool, isn’t it?

We know what you’re thinking, but don’t worry

The need for more Wi-Fi capacity is recognized across the globe. But countries are approaching 6 GHz differently. The AP630 Series will automatically update regulatory rules once 6E regulations have been approved and certified.

Based on Wi-Fi 6

The AP630 Series is based on the 802.11ax standard. That means that all its efficiency and security enhancements are also available on the 6 GHz band. Wi-Fi  6 features such as OFDMA, BSS coloring etc. are fully supported on the Aruba Wi-Fi 6E access points.

Advantages of OFDMA

PFDMA allows Aruba’s APs to handle multiple 802.11ax capable clients on each channel simultaneously. And it doesn’t matter what device or traffic type. Channel utilization is optimized by handling each transaction via smaller sub-carriers or resource units. This means that clients are sharing a channel and not competing for airtime and bandwidth.

Client Match – of course

Aruba’s patented, AI-powered ClientMatch eliminates sticky client issues. It does this by steering a client to the AP where it receives the best radio signal. ClientMatch steers traffic from the noisy 2.4 GHz band to the preferred 5 GHz or 6 GHz band depending on client capabilities. It also dynamically steers traffic to load balance APs to improve the user experience.

There’s so much more to look at. Features like Aruba AirMatch, which allows organizations to automate network optimization using machine learning. It provides dynamic bandwidth adjustments to support changing device density. It enhances roaming using an even distribution of Effective Isotropic Radiated Power to radios, and real-time channel assignments to mitigate co-channel interference. Sound impressive?

Yet more Aruba AP635 features!

Then there’s Application Assurance, which monitors network usage, automatically allocates radio resources, and dynamically adjusts radio resources as new users connect and applications sessions begin or end. Also, Aruba’s unique Advanced Cellular Coexistence uses built-in filtering to automatically minimize the impact of interference from cellular networks, distributed antenna systems, and commercial small cell or femtocell equipment.

And don’t worry about compatibility issues with existing hardware. The new Aruba AP635 will feature backwards compatibility for 2.4GHz and 5GHz clients, support for existing PoE standards, and Aruba’s usual suite of security and failover features.

If you want to know more about the amazing, futuristic Aruba AP635, just email us, or call Corporate Armor at 877-449-0458. Thanks for reading!

Aruba AP635 Wi-Fi 6E access point highlights

Comprehensive tri-band coverage across 2.4, 5, and 6 GHz bands
3.9 Gbps maximum aggregate data rate
Built-in technology that resolves sticky client issues for Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 5 devices
Up to seven 160 MHz channels in 6 GHz support low-latency, bandwidth-hungry applications
Unique Ultra Tri-Band filtering enables 5 GHz and 6 GHz to operate without restrictions or interference