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 is the maximum throughput of the HPE Aruba R2H36A access point?
The HPE Aruba R2H36A delivers up to 1.77 Gbps aggregate throughput across its dual 2×2:2 radios. On the 5 GHz band, it achieves up to 1.2 Gbps with HE80 SU-MIMO or 574 Mbps with HE40 MU-MIMO, while the 2.4 GHz band supports up to 574 Mbps with HE40 SU-MIMO.
How many wireless devices can this access point support?
The R2H36A supports up to 256 clients per radio with 16 BSSIDs each, making it ideal for dense deployments in classrooms, branch offices, and retail environments. The built-in MU-MIMO and OFDMA technologies enable simultaneous multi-client support while reducing airtime contention.
What power options are available for the HPE Aruba R2H36A?
The access point can be powered via 802.3af/at PoE (Power over Ethernet) or 12V DC, with a maximum power consumption of 12W DC or 15.4W PoE. The two Smart Rate 1 GbE ports support both PoE-PD (power consumption) and PoE-PSE (power supply) modes, allowing flexibility in network deployment.
What security features does the R2H36A include?
The R2H36A enforces enterprise-class security with WPA3, Enhanced Open, and MACsec protocols. These features protect against unauthorized access and data interception while supporting modern security standards required by IT procurement teams.
Is the HPE Aruba R2H36A suitable for outdoor installations?
The R2H36A is designed for indoor campus deployments with an operating temperature range of 0°C to 50°C and humidity tolerance of 5% to 93% non-condensing. Its small form factor (160 × 161 × 37 mm) and versatile ceiling or wall-mount options make it ideal for classrooms, branch offices, and retail stores, but it is not rated for outdoor use.
What connectivity options does the access point provide for edge services?
The R2H36A includes two Smart Rate 1 GbE ports for network connectivity and a USB 2.0 host port that supports local edge services such as on-premise analytics or security applications. This flexibility allows warehouse managers and IT teams to extend functionality without requiring additional hardware.
Full specifications (PDF)
