HPE Aruba 500 Series Indoor Wireless Access Points Model Overview
Designed for cost-sensitive deployments that demand enterprise-class features, this campus AP supports dual 2×2:2 radios on 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands to deliver up to 1.77 Gbps total throughput. Its small form factor and versatile ceiling or wall-mount options fit classrooms, branch offices and retail stores. Built-in OFDMA and MU-MIMO reduce airtime contention for dozens of connected devices, while automated RF tools—ClientMatch and AirMatch—optimize performance and roaming without manual tuning. The two Smart Rate 1 GbE ports provide PoE in or out for network or downstream devices, and the USB 2.0 host port supports local edge services. Security is enforced with WPA3, Enhanced Open and MACsec.
Key Features
802.11ax dual-radio with 2×2:2 MIMO
Up to 1.77 Gbps aggregate throughput
2×1 GbE Smart Rate (PoE-PD/PSE) ports
USB 2.0 host for on-premise analytics or security
OFDMA for optimized spectrum use
MU-MIMO for simultaneous multi-client support
WPA3, Enhanced Open and MACsec security
Specifications
5 GHz: HE80 SU-MIMO up to 1.2 Gbps; HE40 MU-MIMO 2×2 up to 574 Mbps
These affordable Wi-Fi 6 access points provide high-performance connectivity for any organization experiencing growing numbers of mobile, IoT and mobility requirements. With a maximum real-world aggregate data rate of 1.49 Gbps (HE80/HE20), they deliver the speed and reliability needed for venues and workplaces such as schools, midsize offices and retailers.
INCREDIBLE EFFICIENCY The 500 Series APs are also designed to optimize user experience by maximizing Wi-Fi efficiency and dramatically reducing airtime contention between clients.
Features include Orthogonal frequency-division multiple access (OFDMA), and cellular optimization. With up to 2 spatial streams (2SS) and 80MHz channel bandwidth (HE80), the 500 Series provides groundbreaking wireless capabilities for budget-conscious deployments.
What wireless standards and throughput does the HPE Aruba R2H26A support?
The HPE Aruba R2H26A is an 802.11ax dual-radio access point with 2×2:2 MIMO that delivers up to 1.77 Gbps aggregate throughput across both 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands. On the 5 GHz band, it achieves up to 1.2 Gbps in HE80 SU-MIMO mode or 574 Mbps in HE40 MU-MIMO mode, while the 2.4 GHz band supports HE40 SU-MIMO at 574 Mbps. This makes it ideal for enterprise deployments requiring high-performance wireless connectivity in cost-sensitive environments.
How many devices can connect to the HPE Aruba R2H26A simultaneously?
The R2H26A supports up to 256 clients per radio with 16 BSSIDs each, enabling it to handle dozens of connected devices without performance degradation. Built-in OFDMA and MU-MIMO technologies reduce airtime contention and allow simultaneous multi-client support, while automated RF tools like ClientMatch and AirMatch optimize performance and roaming without requiring manual tuning.
What are the power and connectivity options for the HPE Aruba R2H26A?
The R2H26A features two Smart Rate 1 GbE ports that support both Power over Ethernet (PoE) Power Delivery and Power Sourcing, allowing flexible network integration and the ability to power downstream devices. It can be powered via 802.3af/at PoE or 12V DC, with maximum power consumption of 12W DC or 15.4W PoE, and includes a USB 2.0 host port for local edge services and on-premise analytics.
Is the HPE Aruba R2H26A suitable for classroom and retail environments?
Yes, the R2H26A is specifically designed for cost-sensitive deployments in classrooms, branch offices, and retail stores. Its small form factor (160 × 161 × 37 mm) and versatile ceiling or wall-mount options make it easy to deploy in diverse environments, while enterprise-class features like WPA3 security, OFDMA, and MU-MIMO ensure reliable performance for high-density user scenarios.
What security features does the HPE Aruba R2H26A provide?
The R2H26A enforces security through WPA3, Enhanced Open, and MACsec protocols, protecting against modern wireless threats while supporting flexible authentication methods. These enterprise-grade security features ensure that sensitive data transmitted across the wireless network remains protected, making it suitable for deployments requiring compliance with security standards.
What are the environmental operating conditions for the HPE Aruba R2H26A?
The R2H26A operates reliably in temperatures ranging from 0°C to 50°C with relative humidity between 5% and 93% non-condensing, making it suitable for standard indoor deployments across various climates. Its compact 500g weight and durable design support both ceiling and wall-mounted installations in classrooms, retail, and office environments. Contact us today at barcodesinc.com to discuss your wireless deployment requirements.
Full specifications (PDF)
