HPE Networking takes the lead: #1 in wireless units for higher education

[NetworkExperts]

HPE Networking brings AI-native innovations to HigherEd. Smarter IT, faster deployments, stronger security, and better outcomes with the leading enterprise Wi-Fi portfolio.

HPE Networking takes the lead: #1 in higher education

This past June, as graduating class commencements concluded and students embarked on move-out day to start their summer breaks, the annual sprint to implement critical improvements to the campus experience began. Whether it was adding fresh coats of paint to the dorms, upgrading facilities with new building control and security systems, renovating the physical and connected experience of key athletic facilities, or expanding wireless coverage to the far reaches of campus, annual investments in connected campus projects jumped into action.

At the same time, two pioneering juggernauts in the enterprise networking space completed a transaction that would turbocharge AI-powered innovation for the industry and for data-driven college campuses across the globe. HPE has completed its acquisition of Juniper Networks and, together with the former HPE Aruba Networking, has unified its networking portfolio under the new HPE Networking business unit. And over the summer, the newly combined entity launched its own sprint, integrating engineering and sales talent from both organizations to further cement its technology leadership in the key battleground of AIOps.

#1 in higher education for Wi-Fi

Both the former HPE Aruba Networking and Juniper Networks were well-known and trusted names in the higher education (HigherEd) space. From the nation’s largest campus systems to storied collegiate stadiums and prestigious R1 research universities, their logos were a familiar sight, often spotted on Wi-Fi access points powering the modern campus experience. According to the latest 650 Group market share report from 2Q 2025, HPE Networking is now the largest Wi-Fi provider by units shipped globally¹ for the HigherEd market.

Leading with AI-native innovations

That leadership position is not given; it’s earned. Over the past five years, both entities have built formidable data lakes comprising millions of managed network devices servicing billions of connected endpoints. The diverse telemetry from these AI-native data lakes fuel cutting-edge time series, generative, and now agentic AI algorithms, enabling faster rollouts, smarter configuration recommendations, fewer support tickets, and ultimately, superior campus experiences.

In just the past four months, HPE Aruba Networking unveiled and began delivering agentic AI mesh copilot technology in its HPE Aruba Networking Central network management product, enabling precise root cause analysis and automated remediation. Meanwhile, on the HPE Juniper Networking Mist platform, new features such as Marvis Actions and Large Experience Models offer proactive agentic remediation to common networking issues and predictive measurement of critical apps such as Teams and Zoom.

Combine those cutting-edge AI innovations with a remarkable product line of:

• Wireless solutions, including Wi-Fi 7 indoor/outdoor/ruggedized products
• Outdoor FCC standard power-compliant 6 GHz access points
• Higher density PoE switch chassis for expanding Internet of Things (IoT) footprints
• Private 5G unlicensed solutions
• New data center, routing, and firewall options for conventional and AI workloads

As a newly formed entity, HPE Networking offers the most comprehensive set of enterprise networking solutions, uniquely positioned to meet the evolving needs of the HigherEd market.

One company, one team: Turbocharging our journey to the self-driving network

Our combined engineering team is actively delivering on roadmap commitments across a modern microservices-based technology portfolio. This positions us to drive faster, more differentiated joint innovation, whether a customer journey began with HPE Aruba Networking, Juniper Networks, or another vendor. Our excitement and the cutting-edge AI-native innovations you will soon see will be palpable.

Experience AI in action at EDUCAUSE 2025

Join us October 27–30 in Nashville, TN, and see how secure, AI-native networking is transforming HigherEd. Explore our latest innovations, from agentic AI capabilities to leading HigherEd campus-ready solutions, all designed to elevate student and faculty experiences. We will also have hourly, in-booth (#723) theater sessions, covering topics such as:

• Smarter IT operations for lean HigherEd teams
• Fueling campus research with high performance networking
• Zero trust for HigherEd with network policy
• Location services at the core of the student experience
• Extending outdoor coverage with AFC-based 6 GHz Wi-Fi and private 5G​

And on October 29, Sudheer Matta, SVP of Products at HPE Networking, will be joined on stage by Jason Hardy, CIO of the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA); Kivanc Oner, CIO of the University of Las Vegas (UNLV); and Eric Moss, Director of Infrastructure Operations at Gonzaga University, for a panel discussion on how AI-native networking is accelerating deployments, strengthening security, and improving outcomes for students and faculty.

Winning an NCAA title is a major achievement, but defending it is an even greater challenge. At HPE Networking, we are ready to rise to that challenge and are proud to support the institutions shaping tomorrow.

¹ 650 Group WLAN Vertical Study, September 4, 2025

More information

HPE Networking: The engine powering modern learning across higher education

Higher education IT solutions | HPE

Learn more: Visit us at EDUCAUSE 2025 booth #723

Meet the author:

Alan Ni,
Sr. Director, AI and Software Marketing,
HPE Aruba Networking

LinkedIn account: linkedin.com/in/alan-ni-06981577