The new era of network configuration is unified, smart, and easy to use

[NetworkExperts]

This blog is a high-level overview of the all-new configuration capabilities available in the reimagined HPE Aruba Networking Central. It talks about the game-changing features and benefits of config.

Networking is complex. Simplifying it isn't optional; it's how organizations win. As enterprise networks grow in scale, configurations often become siloed or repetitive; APIs remain inconsistent, and automation becomes increasingly difficult. Today’s IT teams need a unified, secure, and intuitive configuration platform that is easy to use, enforces consistent policies, and adapts automatically across sites and devices.

Welcome to the newest release of HPE Aruba Networking Central. While the redesign of HPE Aruba Networking Central brings a modern UI and self-driving network capabilities, this blog zeroes in on one of its most powerful aspects, the new configuration experience. The ability to customize simple or complex configurations is a game-changer. It mitigates configuration drift and streamlines operations. Build it once and apply everywhere (horizontally and vertically) without having to clone it each time. Organizations gain access to next-generation configuration workflows for HPE Aruba Networking Operating System 10, HPE Aruba Networking CX operating system, and HPE Aruba Networking Operating System Switch devices, enabling faster, more consistent deployments. Here’s what’s new and improved: 

• Hierarchical configuration—Introducing a multilevel configuration hierarchy including global, site collection, site, and device. Define global settings once, and they automatically apply across all sites and devices. Need flexibility? Local overrides are still possible, but the heavy lifting is done for you. Skip this, and you’ll face repetitive, error-prone updates and inconsistent policies.
• Device-agnostic, reusable workflows—Define reusable profiles such as VLANs, AAA, DNS, NTP, etc., once and apply them across all network devices and sites. This offers consistency, simplifies operations, and prevents duplication, accelerating change management. Without it, you’ll waste time reconfiguring the same settings repeatedly.
• Comprehensive, standardized APIs—An API-first architecture giving every UI action a matching API for complete workflow parity. Standardized APIs across devices, products, and sites empower teams to automate tasks, integrate with external tools, and orchestrate deployments effortlessly. Ignore this, and you will impact your efficiency. 
• Multiple configuration profiles—Modular configuration profiles designed to streamline deployments and enforce consistent settings across sites and devices. Some profile types are available now, with more coming soon. They support everything from quick template-based rollouts to fine-grained, multisite policies. Overlook this, and you’ll be consumed with clicks and complexity.

University example: Configuration hierarchy in the new HPE Aruba Networking Central

• Global level: Define shared settings like service set identifiers (SSIDs), authentication servers, and quality of service (QoS) policies once and apply them across all campuses
• Site collection: Group campuses by region or function to apply common policies like guest Wi-Fi or reporting templates
• Site: Tailor settings for individual campuses, such as VLAN IDs or RF parameters, based on local needs
• Device group: Apply specialized configurations to device sets across sites, e.g., outdoor access points (APs) or lab switches
• Device: Override for exceptions, such as granting temporary access control list (ACL) access to a restricted service

We’re continuously expanding configuration capabilities and rolling out new functionality, bringing you more flexibility and control than ever before. For a complete list of new features, check the release notes and explore highlights on Airheads under the Product Updates section. Ready to simplify and elevate your network management? Demo the new HPE Aruba Networking Central today.

Learn more:

hpe.com/in/en/aruba-central.html

Meet the author:
Vishwas Shetiya, 
Senior Manager, Global Product Line Management, HPE Networking

https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishwas-shetiya-b7099b3/