Get the Help and Supports!

This help center can answer your questions about customer services, products tech support, network issues.
Select a topic to get started.

ICT Tech Savings Week

2025 MEGA SALE | In-Stock & Budget-Friendly for Every Project

Shop Now

Why Are Cisco Switches More Expensive Than HP (Aruba) Switches? Understanding the Value Gap

Selene Gong

For network engineers, IT administrators, and procurement leads, the price difference between Cisco and HP (Aruba) switches is often a point of curiosity—and sometimes frustration. While Cisco hardware can carry a significant upfront premium compared to HP (Aruba), this gap reflects more than just the cost of the physical switch. Understanding the technical, operational, and support factors behind the pricing helps organizations make informed decisions and avoid surprises in total cost of ownership.

Part 1: Overview of Cisco and HP Switch Pricing

The primary reason Cisco switches are more expensive is rooted in their hardware design, software ecosystem, and global support infrastructure. Cisco invests heavily in proprietary ASICs, integrated software features, and worldwide support services, all of which aim to reduce downtime and increase network reliability. HP (Aruba), on the other hand, often uses merchant silicon and offers inclusive Layer 3 features, making their switches more cost-effective upfront for mid-market deployments.

Part 2: Hardware and Software Differences

Hardware architecture and software licensing are major drivers of cost:

Proprietary ASICs vs. Merchant Silicon: Cisco develops proprietary ASICs, such as Silicon One, which allow advanced features and deeper integration. HP (Aruba) primarily uses standardized merchant silicon like Broadcom chips, reducing R&D and production costs.
Software Licensing: Cisco's Smart Licensing model may involve recurring subscriptions to unlock full functionality and management platforms like DNA Center. HP typically provides Layer 3 features without additional software costs.

Part 3: Support and Warranty Differences

Support models are another factor affecting price:

Cisco SMARTnet: Offers 24/7 TAC support, rapid replacement, and global logistics. Essential for mission-critical environments where downtime has high financial impact.
HP Limited Lifetime Warranty: Includes next-business-day hardware replacement and software updates, designed to provide long-term value for mid-market or budget-sensitive deployments.

Part 4: Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Considerations

While Cisco switches have a higher upfront cost, the five-year TCO may shrink when accounting for maintenance, labor, and energy savings. Cisco's intelligent network features aim to reduce downtime, prevent security incidents, and simplify operations. HP/Aruba solutions can offer lower initial costs and TCO for certain deployments, especially when budget and simplicity are prioritized.

Part 5: Verified Sources and Procurement Guidance

For organizations sourcing switches, verified resellers can help mitigate risks related to counterfeit or gray-market equipment. Router-switch.com provides:

100% original Cisco, HP (Aruba), and other major brand switches with full S/N verification.
All devices sourced from authorized distribution channels and project surplus collection.
Three-year RS Care support, including remote diagnostics, technical consultation, software upgrades, and replacement with genuine parts.
Multiple regional warehouses for secondary inspection to ensure hardware, packaging, and accessories meet original manufacturer standards.
Access to original manufacturer warranty such as Cisco SmartNet, if separately purchased.

Part 6: Strategic Decision-Making

Choosing between Cisco and HP depends on deployment needs:

Opt for Cisco if the environment is mission-critical, requiring advanced security, end-to-end integration, and a certified team familiar with Cisco IOS and DNA Center.
Opt for HP (Aruba) if budget constraints dominate and the network requires stability, ease of deployment, and predictable ROI without complex licensing.

FAQ: Cisco vs. HP Switching

Q1.Why are Cisco switches so expensive?

The cost reflects proprietary ASIC development, advanced network features like TrustSec and ACI, and a global support and logistics network designed to minimize downtime and operational risks.

Q2.Who is Cisco's biggest competitor?

HP (Aruba) is a major competitor in campus networking, while Arista Networks competes strongly in high-speed data center switching.

Q3.Why are managed switches more expensive than unmanaged switches?

Managed switches allow VLAN configuration, traffic monitoring, and security policy implementation, requiring more complex hardware and software than plug-and-play unmanaged switches.

Q4.What is the difference between a Cisco server and an HP server?

Cisco UCS servers integrate closely with the network fabric for easier management in virtualized environments, while HP ProLiant servers are general-purpose enterprise servers focused on high performance and reliability.