- 2.40 GHz
- 5 GHz
- WPA
- WPA2
- WPA3
- WPA2-MPSK
- WPA3-ENT
- WPA3-SAE
Ideal for telework and remote branches, this Wi-Fi 6 remote AP delivers robust, secure wireless in a small desktop package. Dual 2×2:2 radios support OFDMA, MU-MIMO and TWT to maximize capacity for videoconferencing, file sharing and IoT sensors. Connectivity is assured via three 1 GbE ports (one uplink, two PoE-PSE), USB LTE Cat 12 modem support and USB-A for edge compute or security functions. Aruba’s Zero Touch Provisioning, WPA3/Enhanced Open and Dynamic Segmentation streamline deployment and safeguard guest and corporate traffic.
Key Features
Specifications
The Aruba 503 Series Access Points (APs) provide cost effective, high-performance connectivity for any organization experiencing device growth due to increased mobility, the shift to cloud, or IoT. With a maximum real-world aggregate data rate of 1.49 Gbps (HE80/HE20), the 503 Series deliver the speed and reliability needed for medium-density venues and workplaces such as schools, midsize offices, and retailers. Each 503 Series AP provides connectivity for a maximum of 256 associated clients per radio (512 in total).
OPTIMIZED USER EXPERIENCE
The 503 Series APs are 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 503 Series provides the next generation of wireless capabilities for cost-conscious deployments.
Advantages of OFDMA
This capability allows Aruba's APs to handle multiple Wi-Fi 6 capable clients on each channel simultaneously, regardless of device or traffic type. Channel utilization is optimized by handling each transaction via smaller sub-carriers or resource units (RUs), which means that multiple clients are sharing a channel and not competing for airtime and bandwidth.
Aruba Air Slice™ for application assurance
Aruba Air Slice delivers application assurance in order to optimize the user experience. By allocating radio resources such as time, frequency, and spatial stream to specific traffic types, Aruba APs can provide SLA-grade performance to client devices whether they support Wi-Fi 6 or prior standards.
Aruba Air Slice relies on Aruba's Policy Enforcement Firewall and Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) to identify user roles and applications so that bandwidth can be dynamically allocated to ensure performance. Air Slice is available for APs running controller-less mode (Instant) and with Aruba Central; controller-based APs will be supported in a future software release.
Wi-Fi 6 aware client optimization
Aruba's patented AI-powered ClientMatch technology eliminates sticky client issues by placing Wi-Fi 6 capable devices on the best available AP. Session metrics are used to steer mobile devices to the best AP based on available bandwidth, types of applications being used, and traffic type - even as users roam.
Resource management with AirMatch
To better support growth in client device density and in data volumes, AirMatch uses machine learning techniques that provide automated radio frequency optimization.
By analyzing the entire wireless network, AirMatch determines the optimum radio configuration and enables the network to automatically adapt in real time to changing RF conditions such as high noise and radar. It also adjusts for higher density, co-channel interference, and coverage gaps.
Aruba Advanced Cellular Coexistence (ACC)
Using built-in filtering, Aruba Advanced Cellular Coexistence automatically minimizes the impact of interference from cellular networks, distributed antenna systems (DAS), and commercial small cell or femtocell equipment.
The HPE Aruba R8M97A delivers up to 1.49 Gbps combined data rate across dual 2×2:2 radios, with 574 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band (HE40) and 1.2 Gbps on the 5 GHz band (HE80). It supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with OFDMA, MU-MIMO, and Target Wake Time technologies to maximize capacity for videoconferencing, file sharing, and IoT deployments. Peak power consumption is only 15.4 W, making it energy-efficient for remote branch and telework environments.
Yes, the R8M97A is specifically designed for telework and remote branches with its compact desktop form factor and robust security features. It includes three 1 GbE ports (one uplink and two PoE-PSE), USB LTE Cat 12 modem support for backup connectivity, and Zero Touch Provisioning via Aruba Central for simplified remote deployment. WPA3, Enhanced Open, and Dynamic Segmentation protect both guest and corporate traffic without requiring on-site IT support.
The access point features three 1 GbE Ethernet ports (one uplink, two PoE-PSE output ports), USB 2.0 host interface, and USB LTE Cat 12 modem support for cellular failover connectivity. It can be powered via 12 V DC adapter or PoE-PSE downlink, and includes a USB-A port for edge compute or security functions. Optional wall and ceiling mounting kits are available separately for flexible installation.
The R8M97A provides enterprise-grade security with WPA3 support, Enhanced Open (OWE) for guest networks, and Aruba's Dynamic Segmentation to isolate and protect traffic by user role and device type. Zero Touch Provisioning via Aruba Central streamlines secure deployment without manual configuration, and the device includes a Kensington security slot for physical theft prevention in branch locations.
The HPE Aruba R8M97A operates in temperature ranges from 0 °C to 50 °C with humidity levels between 5% and 93% RH, making it suitable for diverse office and branch environments. It features integrated omnidirectional antennas with peak antenna gain of 3.9 dBi at 2.4 GHz and 5.1 dBi at 5 GHz for reliable indoor coverage. The compact desktop design with optional mounting kits provides flexible deployment options.
The R8M97A's dual 2×2:2 radios with OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology enable efficient multi-user support, allowing multiple devices to transmit simultaneously without performance degradation. Target Wake Time (TWT) further optimizes battery life for connected IoT sensors and mobile devices by scheduling when they wake to communicate. This architecture makes it ideal for mixed environments combining videoconferencing, file sharing, and IoT deployments in remote locations.