Raising the bar on network observability and AI with new HPE Aruba Networking Central

[K_Ramaswamy]

For over a decade, HPE Aruba Networking Central has delivered secure, reliable connectivity for mission-critical environments. Its microservices-based architecture ensures scalability and uptime for some of the most demanding financial, retail, education, and government environments. In my daily conversations with customers, I’ve observed a growing trend in key investments focused on the following areas:   

• AIOps: Network ops staff are becoming increasingly more comfortable with the use of AI for Day 2 management, and even considering leveraging it for configuration tasks to increase reliability.
• Security: Cybersecurity remains a major priority, with SecOps leveraging the use of more network tools to augment traditional security solutions.
• Continuous performance testing: In addition to a reliable and secure network, the desire for a seamless user experience is driving interest in more synthetic and real-user monitoring tools.

In a previous blog , I introduced a next generation of HPE Aruba Networking Central, designed to address many of the key customer focal areas highlighted above.  Even in the short time since we introduced those significant UX improvements, the team has made major strides in AI Networking.

What is AI Networking you may ask? Well, many industry insiders consider AI networking the next generation of cloud managed networks. It doubles down on AIOps workflows, is driven by larger data lakes, and marries more sophisticated data science techniques with a refreshed network management system experience. Learn more about AI networking adoption from this 650 Group webcast.

So, it’s with great pleasure that I introduce to you the latest release of HPE Aruba Networking Central.  We’ve added significant functionality around enhanced network observability, streamlined device management, and an expanded AI toolset. I’m doubly excited to announce that all customers will have access to these capabilities through a public preview starting in October 2024. For existing HPE Aruba Networking Central customers, this means you can seamlessly start leveraging this new experience using a simple toggle button located at the upper right corner of your HPE Aruba Networking Central dashboard.

Here's a closer look at what’s new:

AI-powered Network Optimizer delivering 3X more insights

We’ve tripled the number of AI insights and significantly expanded our data lake since March 2024, now encompassing telemetry from over 1.6 billion unique customer endpoints and 4.6 million network-managed devices. This has enabled us to add even more models that predict performance increases from specific config changes, simulate the risk of enabling security features, optimize the network to save power, and recommend better security policies. For a quick take, check out the video.

Expanded network observability

To elevate the network operator experience, we introduced new monitoring, reporting, and troubleshooting features, such as the solar system and sunburst views in the new HPE Aruba Central interface, which I covered in my previous blog.

The solar system view provides intuitive, entity-centric navigation for faster network discovery, while the time travel feature offers a holistic view of the network's state at any moment with a simple slider, simplifying triage and analysis. Building on these capabilities, we are introducing additional enhancements for the AIOps era, including a new Network Operator Center (NOC) dashboard that enables faster, more detailed monitoring across multiple locations with unified insights

Another aspect where we have amped up observability is in third-party device monitoring. By incorporating technology from OpsRamp (a 2023 HPE acquisition) natively into the HPE Aruba Networking Central UX, we will soon support visibility into 3^rd party network device such as access points, switches, routers, and firewalls from major vendors like Cisco, Juniper Networks, Palo Alto, and more. This strategic technology integration significantly reduces blind spots and enhances troubleshooting across diverse environments.

HPE Aruba Networking Central’s Digital Experience Monitoring (DEM) capabilities have been expanded with the integration of User Experience Insight (UXI) monitoring natively into its interface. When combined with UXI sensors, this capability continuously monitors service level agreement (SLA) adherence from a single pane of glass. For more details, view the short video:

Early adopter customers and partners alike have been excited by these changes. “The latest updates will enable limitless configurations, expanding our ability to support complex campus environments," said Shannon Champion, VP of Solutions Architecture, at PIER Group LLC, a Platinum partner in North America.  "Central’s interoperability lets us effortlessly monitor third-party devices across large college campuses, while the integrated UXI testing provides real-time insights into the student and faculty network experience. This combination allows us to ensure seamless connectivity and a top-tier user experience across the entire campus."

Enhanced network configuration and integration

Our latest release introduces a consistent configuration model that streamlines management for access points, switches, and gateways, making network operations simpler and more efficient. By adopting an API-first development approach, we empower users to build custom tools with Python, Ansible, or Terraform, ensuring flexibility and control. Whether it's a small-scale adjustment or a sweeping network overhaul, organizations of all sizes can now reduce the time and effort required to make configuration changes, no matter the complexity.

To further showcase the impact, Henkel Corporation, a multi-national chemical and consumer goods company, speaks to how our solution cut their configuration rollout time from months to hours. These powerful new configuration features will be available to customers in the coming months, offering unparalleled efficiency and control over network configuration.

New AI networking innovations are just around the corner

The journey is just beginning! Public preview for most of our new AI networking features will touchdown in October. With new features launching every month, now is the perfect time to stay ahead. Check out our release notes for the latest updates and discover powerful tools like third-party monitoring, UXI integration, and advanced device configuration as they roll out. Let us handle your network so you can focus on what matters most. Ready to elevate your network game? Dive in today by hitting that “new HPE Aruba Networking Central” toggle switch or checking out a demo!

For more details, please visit:

• New HPE Aruba Networking Central webpage
• AI Networking: Broader view and trends in the market on-demand webcast by the 650 Group