When HPE Aruba Networking announced the CX 5420 as the long-term replacement for the 5400R switching line, many people in education and other verticals with lots of campus networking requirements were relieved. For many years, the 5400R was their go-to modular, mid-range, and budget-friendly chassis. Then with the release of the CX switching range in recent years came the mighty 6400 chassis. The 6400 brought significant power as well as the modern and programmable CX operating system… along with a higher price tag, size, port density, and feature set that often far exceeded average campus networking needs.

So, what’s HPE Aruba Networking done to bridge the gap?

They listened to feedback from partners and end users, and the HPE Aruba Networking CX 5420 Switch Series was born.

Let’s break down what this switch is (and isn’t) and why it actually matters - especially for schools and organisations that want capability without complexity, or a sky-high price.

Why Was the 5420 Built?

The short version: Because the 6400 was overkill for many networks.

Interestingly, HPE Aruba Networking had no intention of making a smaller modular switch after the 6400 series. But when we (and our customers) started saying, “The 5400R is our top-volume switch. We need a replacement that fits this important gap in the Aruba switching family,” Aruba returned to the drawing board. We helped them realise the 5400R fulfilled an important niche in the campus switch marketplace that none of their competitors addressed.

The result is a refresh of the beloved 5400R, rebuilt on the modern Aruba CX operating system — the same OS running across Aruba’s latest stackable switches and high-end chassis platforms.

What Makes the 5420 Different?

It’s not about flashy new features, it’s been about getting the essentials right — in a form factor and price point that makes sense for high-density, campus-style environments.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature

 Aruba 5400 Aruba CX 5420

Form Factor

 6-slot & 12-slot 6-slot only

Operating System

 Aruba Provision OS Aruba CX OS

Module Flexibility

 High (modular, up to 24 ports per module) High (modular, up to 24 ports per module with additional Smartrate options)

Redundancy

 Dual management modules and power supplies Dual management modules and up to 4 power supplies

Layer 3 Capabilities

 Basic Basic (BGP, OSPF support)

Stackability

 VSF (Layer 2) VSX (Layer 3 survivability)

Price Point

 Competitive Competitive

Chassis Size/Weight

Single-person lift, does not require a deep rack

 Single-person lift, does not require a deep rack

 

So yes, it looks like a 5400R. But under the hood, it’s running on modern hardware with a generational leap in switching ASICs (up to Gen 7) and the much-loved CX software platform.

This isn’t just for Schools

We all know schools and university budgets don’t stretch very far. That’s why the 5400R was so popular - dense, powerful, and affordable and the new CX 5420 keeps that spirit alive.

But while it was shaped by education sector demands, the 5420’s appeal is much broader:

  • Campus Networks: High-density PoE support and an expanded variety of high speed ports and uplinks make it ideal for core or access layer roles in sprawling networks.
  • Remote Sites: Compact, modular, and easy to service without needing racks of equipment.
  • Cost-Conscious Organisations: You won’t find another vendor offering this form factor with this capability at this price.

For Existing 5400R Users: This Is Your Path Forward

If you’re still holding onto a 5400 ZL or 5400R ZL2 chassis, you’re not alone. This is mainly because there hasn’t been a clear upgrade path that doesn’t require a forklift and a pile of money.

That changes now.

The 5420 was built as a drop-in successor. It has the same deployment style and modularity but with modern software and hardware underneath. Technically, Aruba hasn’t officially called time on the 5400R series yet, but if you’re buying 5400Rs today, you should now be considering the 5420.

What You’re Actually Getting

If you’re more of a “just show me what it does” kind of person, here’s the boiled-down list:

Capability

 What It Means for You

High port density (up to 144 ports)

Fits more connections into less space

Full modularity

Customize port types in 24-port blocks

Redundant management

Keeps things running even if a module fails

Modern ASIC hardware

Better performance and efficiency

Layer 3 routing (basic)

Run BGP, OSPF without needing a core router

Aruba CX OS

Consistent management experience across Aruba’s switch family with advanced analytics and automation

Limited Lifetime Warranty

Peace of mind for budget-constrained networks

So… Should You Upgrade?

If you’re already running Aruba switches in an education or campus environment, the short answer is: yes, start planning for it.

You don’t need to jump all at once, but if you’re buying new switches today and the 5400R is still in the mix - it’s time to rethink. The 5420 gives you a clear path to CX, without giving up the deployment style you’re used to.

And for those not in education? Don’t overlook it. If you’ve ever considered modular switches and thought, “too much switch, too much cost”, the 5420 might be the first time the answer is just right.

Final Thoughts

This isn’t a revolution; it’s a smart evolution. The Aruba CX 5420 keeps what worked from the 5400R, brings it up to speed with today’s needs, and leaves out the stuff you probably didn’t want to pay for anyway.

If you want a switch that just fits your rack, your budget, your network, and your future plans, this is it.