HPE Aruba 503 Series Wireless Access Points Model Overview
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
Up to 1.49 Gbps combined data rate on dual 2×2:2 radios
OFDMA/MU-MIMO and Target Wake Time for efficiency
Secure access with WPA3, Enhanced Open, Dynamic Segmentation
3×1 GbE (1 uplink + 2 PoE-PSE); USB 2.0 host; USB LTE modem support
Zero Touch Provisioning via Aruba Central
Integrated omni antennas; Kensington security slot
Specifications
2.4 GHz: HE40 at 574 Mbps; 5 GHz: HE80 at 1.2 Gbps
Power Options: 12 V DC adapter or PoE-PSE downlink
Max Draw: 15.4 W peak, 4.0 W idle
Operating Range: 0 °C–50 °C; 5 %–93 % RH
Dimensions: desktop form; kits for wall/ceiling mounts sold separately
Antenna Gain: 3.9 dBi @2.4 GHz; 5.1 dBi @5 GHz
HPE Aruba R8M98A Wireless Access Points Overview
The Aruba 503 Series Access Points (APs) provide costeffective, 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.
What Wi-Fi standard does the HPE Aruba R8M98A support and what are its maximum data rates?
The HPE Aruba R8M98A is a Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) access point with dual 2×2:2 radios delivering up to 1.49 Gbps combined data rate. The 2.4 GHz radio supports HE40 at 574 Mbps, while the 5 GHz radio supports HE80 at 1.2 Gbps, making it ideal for bandwidth-intensive applications like videoconferencing and file sharing in remote branches and telework environments.
How is the HPE Aruba R8M98A powered and what are its power consumption specifications?
The R8M98A can be powered via a 12 V DC adapter or through PoE-PSE on the downlink port, providing flexible deployment options for remote locations. Peak power consumption is 15.4 W under maximum load, with idle consumption at just 4.0 W, making it energy-efficient for continuous operation in branch offices.
What security features does the HPE Aruba R8M98A offer for protecting corporate and guest networks?
The R8M98A includes WPA3 and Enhanced Open (OWE) encryption standards, along with Dynamic Segmentation to isolate and protect guest traffic from corporate networks. These features, combined with Aruba's Zero Touch Provisioning via Aruba Central, streamline secure deployment while safeguarding sensitive data across multiple access points.
What connectivity options and ports are available on the HPE Aruba R8M98A?
The R8M98A provides three 1 GbE ports (one uplink and two PoE-PSE), USB 2.0 host connectivity, and support for USB LTE Cat 12 modems for backup connectivity in remote branches. A USB-A port also enables edge compute or security functions, making it versatile for various deployment scenarios.
Is the HPE Aruba R8M98A suitable for IoT deployments and remote branch offices?
Yes, the R8M98A is specifically designed for telework and remote branches with features like OFDMA, MU-MIMO, and Target Wake Time (TWT) that maximize capacity for IoT sensors and multiple concurrent users. Its compact desktop form factor, combined with optional wall and ceiling mounting kits available from us, makes it ideal for space-constrained remote locations.
What are the operating environment specifications for the HPE Aruba R8M98A?
The R8M98A operates reliably in temperatures from 0°C to 50°C and humidity levels from 5% to 93% RH, making it suitable for diverse branch office and remote environments. Its integrated omni-directional antennas with 3.9 dBi gain at 2.4 GHz and 5.1 dBi at 5 GHz provide consistent coverage, and a Kensington security slot protects against physical theft in shared spaces.
The HPE Aruba R8M98A Wireless Access Points is also known as
HPE-R8M98A
