The HPE J9729A (Aruba 2920-48G-PoE+) is a popular choice for businesses looking to expand or refresh their access layer networks. Whether you’re replacing aging Cisco switches or building out a mixed-vendor environment, understanding this switch’s PoE+ performance, stacking capabilities, and interoperability with Cisco networks will help you plan a stable, scalable deployment.
What is the PoE+ performance of the HPE J9729A?
The J9729A features 48 Gigabit PoE+ ports (44 standard RJ-45 and 4 dual-personality ports shared with SFP slots), supporting IEEE 802.3at (PoE+) and backward-compatible with 802.3af (PoE).
1.PoE Power Budget: 370W total across all ports. 2.Deployment Notes:
Adequate for powering IP phones, standard wireless APs, and cameras.
For high-density Wi-Fi 6 AP or PTZ camera deployments, plan carefully as 370W equates to ~7.7W per port if fully utilized.
If you require more power headroom, consider the J9836A (740W PoE budget) variant within the same series.
Can the J9729A stack with other switches, and what is needed?
The J9729A supports modular stacking, allowing up to four Aruba 2920 series switches to operate as a single logical unit.
Requirements:
A dedicated stacking module installed in the rear expansion slot.
Compatible stacking cables to interconnect units.
Benefits:
Simplifies management and increases port density without expanding your management overhead.
Enhances redundancy and network resiliency within your access layer.
Does the J9729A work in Cisco networks? (VLAN, LACP, STP compatibility)
While the J9729A is HPE/Aruba hardware, not a Cisco product, it is designed to work seamlessly in mixed environments by supporting key open standards:
LACP: Supports IEEE 802.3ad Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP), enabling cross-vendor EtherChannel/Port Channel configurations.
STP: Supports IEEE 802.1D (STP), 802.1w (RSTP), and 802.1s (MSTP), ensuring loop prevention and fast convergence alongside Cisco devices.
Additionally, it supports SNMP, SSH, 802.1X, ACLs, RIP, OSPF (access), QoS (802.1p, DiffServ), and LLDP for robust network management and security in mixed environments.
Is the J9729A a good replacement for Cisco access switches?
For many SMBs and branch networks, the J9729A offers an effective alternative to Cisco access switches with:
Pros:
Enterprise-grade PoE+, Layer 2/Layer 3 features, and robust security.
Cost-effective, especially when purchased as a refurbished unit.
Strong standards support ensures stable operation in Cisco-centric environments.
Considerations:
Different management ecosystem (ArubaOS vs. Cisco IOS), which may require training or adjustment.
The Aruba 2920 series is end-of-sale, so plan for future replacement cycles, though refurbished units remain a reliable option.
For advanced Layer 3 routing needs, consider a dedicated routing platform.
Any deployment tips or limitations to consider?
Plan PoE power carefully to match your device needs.
Leverage stacking for simplified management and port expansion.
Use open standards (VLAN, LACP, STP) for seamless Cisco interoperability.
Deploy redundant power supplies for critical environments.
Be aware that 10GbE requires optional expansion modules; it is not native on this model.
Explore our HPE/Aruba switch catalog for additional models and options, or view the HPE J9729A product page for current pricing and availability.
