The product is used for user segmentation, server segmentation, WiFi segmentation, and printer server segmentation.
Teacher at a university with 10,001+ employees
The setup is straightforward and the product is easily deployed
Pros and Cons
- "The most valuable feature of this product is that it is easily deployed."
- "The product can be improved by adding a clear interface."
What is our primary use case?
What is most valuable?
The most valuable feature of this product is that it is easily deployed.
What needs improvement?
The product can be improved by adding a clear interface. You can use the Web Green interface however an interface similar to Cisco Catalyst 29 that allows the user to simply configure the product would be useful.
I would like to see clear interface coverage for older models such as 1930.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using the product for one and a half years.
Buyer's Guide
Aruba Instant
October 2025

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869,785 professionals have used our research since 2012.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The product is stable. There has been no need for reconfiguration or re-setup.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The product is scalable. It has the ability to connect to other sites.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We previously used Cisco Catalyst 29.
How was the initial setup?
It was a straightforward setup.
I built a duplicate network on the product that allowed me to replace all the Cisco equipment by simply unplugging the cables from Cisco and plugging them into the new product. The total setup time was about 15 days.
What about the implementation team?
The implementation was done in-house.
What other advice do I have?
I give the product a nine out of ten.
The product comes with all the necessary technical documentation for support. Only one person is required for maintenance.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.

Administrator at Eurotel S.r.l.
Reliable, easy to expand, and helps improve functionality
Pros and Cons
- "You don't have to deal with licenses."
- "It is a software characteristic, and it is during the reboot. During the startup of the AP, the AP tells you that you are using the wrong password. However, I have realized that this is not true."
What is our primary use case?
We primarily use the solution for our wireless network.
How has it helped my organization?
It has improved the functionality of our company. It is quite handy.
What is most valuable?
Aruba Instant is very useful. Even if you just have one device you can create a larger network with just a few configurations.
You don't have to deal with licenses.
What needs improvement?
There is one particular thing that I see that needs improvement. It is a software characteristic, and it is during the reboot. During the startup of the AP, the AP tells you that you are using the wrong password. However, I have realized that this is not true. The AP sees that it's not ready to get the login, and it replies you wrote a wrong password, yet that is not true. The real issue is that the AP is not ready. You get the right login, if you wait five minutes with the same password, it will work. The login is successful. This "wrong password" message should be "Wait, the AP is rebooting."
For how long have I used the solution?
I've used the solution for one year.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is relatively stable. We had some bugs on some occasions, however, after you are configured, the system is quite stable. It doesn't crash or freeze.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The product can scale. It is definitely good. You just have to add a similar AP sourcing the same version and same model. My wireless networks are quite small, so I don't have more than 100 APs.
The amount of people using it under us is 300 people.
We are integrators, so in the next month, we are going to install some other instant systems.
How are customer service and support?
I've dealt with technical support. How well the response is depends. In general, I feel good with the support and with the professionality and their ability as well. The one thing that I want to be improved is the engineers.
They have to read the entire description. I usually write all of the parameters, for example, the version, my devices, and a description of my infrastructure. And then I received an email, "Please, tell me the version. Please, add a particular file." Yet when I open a case, I add this information from the beginning. They just have to read and get the information. I'd estimate that in at least 50% of the cases, the technicians do not read the notes I send at all.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup depends on the configuration that the user wants. The instant infrastructure is relatively straightforward, however, it depends on the environment - including what kind of antenna you have to use if you have an external antenna. The web configuration is quite straightforward depending on the configuration.
We only need three or four people for the installation and the configuration. Once it depends on the environment.
What about the implementation team?
My company is a system integrator, so we install devices.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
It's not easy for me to talk about the cost since I am a technician. I'd rate it a two out of five in terms of affordability. It's more on the expensive side. There might be some extra costs involved depending on the infrastructure.
What other advice do I have?
We are an integrator, and we have many customers. Then we have a partnership with the distributors, with the sellers.
We work with Aruba devices and Aruba Access Points and Switches. We work with Access Point using Instant Infrastructure, Wireless Controller, or Aruba Central.
There is some confusion about using the website due to the integration with HP. Sometimes you have to go to the HP website and sometimes to Aruba. Also, now, there is the integration with HP GreenLake and you have to log in to an HPE website and then go to the Aruba portal, which is quite confusing. This confuses me. There are too many portals, and it just jumps from one to the other. It's not so handy.
I'd rate the solution eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Buyer's Guide
Aruba Instant
October 2025

Learn what your peers think about Aruba Instant. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: October 2025.
869,785 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Sistem Administrator at a media company with 1,001-5,000 employees
A satisfactory solution with a straightforward setup
Pros and Cons
- "The solution is stable, and we are satisfied."
- "There is an issue with flooding to the Aruba access point on the ports."
What is our primary use case?
Our company has about 25 access points, and they integrate Aruba Instant. We have authentication integrated with Windows in the main controller for each employee. We also have a guest net portal.
What is most valuable?
We like that we can assign our employees based on authentication over Windows in the main controller. We couldn't do that with Cisco, so we switched to Aruba for that feature. Other solutions have end of life for devices, but Aruba does not. Cisco becomes completely useless at the end of life.
What needs improvement?
There is an issue with flooding to the Aruba access point on the ports. The flooding comes from the file transfer, but the two hosts that do the file transfers are on wire, not a wireless connection. So it's strange that we can see that graphic on the access point. We still don't know what is causing the issue. It may be a setting in Aruba, but we don't know. So we are trying to resolve the issue first before contacting technical support.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using this solution for about three years, and I believe we're using version 8.0.9.2. It is deployed on-premises.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Apart from some of the issues we are currently facing, the solution is stable, and we are satisfied.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It is a scalable solution, and we have about 120 users and clients connected to wireless daily and management of the networks are done within by company.
How are customer service and support?
We have not contacted technical support before.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was straightforward, and the deployment was completed in-house.
What was our ROI?
We have a return on investment.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We did not evaluate other solutions before choosing Aruba Instant. We attended a presentation by Aruba, spoke with some Aruba engineers and then decided to try the solution.
What other advice do I have?
I rate this solution a nine out of ten, and I would recommend this solution to others.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Arquitecto de Infraestructura y Networking at Teuno
It's simple to deploy and use
Pros and Cons
- "It's a good solution for small businesses because it's easy to figure out. It's simple to set Aruba up in any configuration, like link aggregation or static loads. It's suitable for less complicated configurations, whereas Cisco devices are bigger and more difficult to implement."
- "My biggest problem with Aruba Instant was the DHCP implementation. The DHCP server needs to ping an IP address to connect to the internet. In some cases, we don't have a DHCP server in the network, and it was really a problem."
What is our primary use case?
I designed a data center for a client, and we used Aruba to develop all the solutions.
What is most valuable?
Aruba Instant is simple to deploy and use.
What needs improvement?
My biggest problem with Aruba Instant was the DHCP implementation. The DHCP server needs to ping an IP address to connect to the internet. In some cases, we don't have a DHCP server in the network, and it was really a problem.
Aruba should also add the ability to configure the stack. There is a series in many switches. I don't remember the series that permits this type of configuration, but I think that the stacking configuration will be an advantage for switches that are critical in the business section.
How are customer service and support?
I work with Aruba technical support to deliver the product to our clients. We have to work after hours, nights, and weekends.
How was the initial setup?
Implementing Aruba Instant is straightforward. You can configure it with Aruba's web browser interface or a cell phone app from the App Store or Google Store.
It's a good solution for small businesses because it's easy to figure out. It's simple to set Aruba up in any configuration, like link aggregation or static loads. It's suitable for less complicated configurations, whereas Cisco devices are bigger and more difficult to implement.
What other advice do I have?
I rate Aruba Instant eight out of 10.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
IT Consultant - co-owner at Resotem
Has a user friendly interface and is stable, scalable, and easy to install
Pros and Cons
- "The installation is very simple. We've limited the security feature, which I found valuable, and that allows two separate networks, one for the company and one for a guest network. During installation, it is very easy at that point to divide it."
- "The only issue we've had is getting equipment supplies. The availability of the APs that I want to use has been an issue. It took almost two months to get them the first time. I've ordered a few more for another client, and they're still on back order. It has been over a month now."
What is our primary use case?
Our clients use it as a Wi-Fi access point.
What is most valuable?
The installation is very simple.
We've limited the security feature, which I found valuable, and that allows two separate networks, one for the company and one for a guest network. During installation, it is very easy at that point to divide it.
The connection to it through the interface is nice and easy, and everything can be done through the interface.
What needs improvement?
The only issue we've had is getting equipment supplies. The availability of the APs that I want to use has been an issue. It took almost two months to get them the first time. I've ordered a few more for another client, and they're still on back order. It has been over a month now.
For how long have I used the solution?
We've been working with this solution for about a month and have installed it for two clients so far.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
So far, it's been very stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We deal mostly with small businesses, and for them, I think it's an easy solution with easy deployment and scalability. It is very easily scalable.
We plan to use Aruba Instant as our solution for small businesses.
How are customer service and support?
Technical support was adequate when we did our first installation. We contacted them just to make sure that we were doing it properly, and they were very knowledgeable. It was great.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
One client used a basic ASUS router.
One of the clients switched because their previous solution was done, and the other did so because they were expanding their warehouse and wanted something more.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was straightforward and very simple. The deployment was done in a few hours.
What about the implementation team?
We implemented it ourselves for our clients.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
It's a one time cost, including the upgrades, but you have to pay on a yearly basis if you want support.
The price is in the middle in comparison to that of competitors' products.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We looked mainly at Ruckus, but Aruba Instant On's interface was nice and user friendly as well.
What other advice do I have?
Aruba Instant On is a good solution for small businesses. I would rate it at eight on a scale from one to ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Public Cloud
If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?
Other
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Sr. Manager-Sales at Infracomm Solutions Limited
Useful management, high performance, and helpful support
Pros and Cons
- "The most valuable features of Aruba Instant are management and performance."
- "Aruba Instant can improve by increasing the gigabit range of the switch or by adding additional management features and tools. It can be helpful."
What is our primary use case?
We use a mixture of deployment models. Sometimes it's hybrid, on-premise, or on the cloud.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable features of Aruba Instant are management and performance.
What needs improvement?
Aruba Instant can improve by increasing the gigabit range of the switch or by adding additional management features and tools. It can be helpful.
In a future release, there could be some improvements in the dashboards. At this time dashboards are only available with a wizard.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have used Aruba Instant within the last 12 months.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I have found Aruba Instant to be stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Aruba Instant is scalable.
How are customer service and support?
Technical support is perfectly fine because we have an in-house team that is comfortable with Aruba Instant. As for Aruba Instant technical support, it is perfect.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I have previously used other solutions, such as SEIM and Cisco. I have found the features in Aruba Instant to be better than in SEIM or Cisco.
How was the initial setup?
Aruba Instant installation was simple.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Some aspect of the price of Aruba Instant is very economical because if the customer is requiring more features the customer needs to pay a higher amount.
What other advice do I have?
I would recommend this solution to others.
I rate Aruba Instant a nine out of ten.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. partner
Improved our organization because there is local accessibility, and the manageability is much easier
Pros and Cons
- "The cost is low, and there is controller-less architecture."
- "I think they're missing roadmaps to the partners and the customers. They're releasing the products, but there are no quick updates to the partners and the customers."
What is our primary use case?
We prefer to use this solution for smaller organizations.
For private customers, generally we prefer a private cloud. If it's a government-based company, like central government and government-based companies, they prefer on-prem.
There are six people using this solution in our environment.
How has it helped my organization?
It has improved our organization because it's local management, and the access point has the same ability to have controller functionality. Obviously, one is the price. There is local accessibility, and the manageability is much easier.
What is most valuable?
The cost is low, and there is controller-less architecture.
What needs improvement?
I think they're missing roadmaps to the partners and the customers. They're releasing the products, but there are no quick updates to the partners and the customers.
They need to communicate better with the partners when it comes to training.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have used this solution for about six years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is stable.
How are customer service and support?
Technical support was good.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We used a different solution and switched because of a customer requirement, not a specific technical reason. Some customers ask for Aruba.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was easy. Deployment takes a day. We used five or six people for deployment.
What was our ROI?
We saw ROI from this solution.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The cost was affordable.
What other advice do I have?
I would rate this solution 8 out of 10.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Hybrid Cloud
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. partner
Senior Consultant Network at a computer software company with 1,001-5,000 employees
Fair price, works very well, and is perfect for customers with many small sites
Pros and Cons
- "I can implement it at small sites, and I can also implement it at mid-sized locations. It is very flexible. It is really nice and useful for customers who have many small sites."
- "It is good as it is. If anything, its reporting could be improved."
What is our primary use case?
We propose it to our customers for Wireless LAN. Internally, in our company, we use Cisco.
We have many customers, and we implement wireless systems with Aruba, Cisco, and Extreme. There are many customers that use Instant Cluster, and we have customers that use it on-premise. It depends on the people working at the customer side.
What is most valuable?
It is very cheap. I can use the access points without an additional license.
I can implement it at small sites, and I can also implement it at mid-sized locations. It is very flexible. It is really nice and useful for customers who have many small sites.
What needs improvement?
It is good as it is. If anything, its reporting could be improved.
At the moment, I don't see any new features that we really need.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using this solution for about eight years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It is very stable. It works very well.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It is scalable.
How are customer service and support?
I don't know about their support. It is working fine, and I have had no problem with it.
If I need any information, I can take the help of the Aruba Community. I have access to all the resources on Aruba, and I can search for information if I need to implement things that are not normal and that are not base configuration. I can find everything about Aruba.
How was the initial setup?
It is very easy. I like its setup. It is done in an hour.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
It is not expensive. Its price is fair. You get many features with the normal licensing. If I look at Cisco, it is very expensive if I need similar things.
What other advice do I have?
It is working very well at the moment. I see no problem with it, but it has its own use case. I can't use it everywhere. It is not suitable for a big campus area. I would need a controller-based system such as Aruba Controller.
I would rate it an eight out of 10. It is very good, and I like it.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. partner

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