HPE Networking
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Computer networking |
| Predecessor | HP ProCurve, 3Com, Colubris Networks |
| Founded | 1979 |
| Headquarters | Roseville, California , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Parent | Hewlett Packard Enterprise |
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Networking (HPE Networking) serves as the networking product segment of Hewlett Packard Enterprise ("HP"). Since its inception in 1979, HPE Networking and its antecedent entities have been engaged in designing and marketing networking hardware. Presently, it provides networking and switching solutions tailored for small to medium-sized enterprises through its fully owned subsidiary Aruba Networks. Prior to 2015, this unit operated under the name HP Networking.
History
The origins of HP's networking business trace back to 1979 in Roseville, CA, within HP’s Data Systems Division (DSD), initially known as HP ProCurve. Over time, this division underwent multiple rebrandings—including DSD-Roseville, Roseville Networks Division (RND), and Workgroup Networks Division (WND)—before adopting the title ProCurve Networking Business (PNB). The ProCurve brand was officially registered on February 25, 1998.
On August 11, 2008, HP declared its acquisition of Colubris Networks, a company specializing in wireless technologies with a focus on 802.11n; the transaction was finalized on October 1, 2008.
HP revealed plans to purchase 3Com Corporation for $2.7 billion on November 11, 2009, completing the deal by April 2010. Following this acquisition, HP integrated ProCurve and 3Com into a unified entity known as HP Networking.
This consolidated organization consisted of:
- HP ProCurve – headquartered in Roseville, CA; responsible for switch and wireless product development with worldwide sales.
- 3Com – located in Marlborough, MA; managing international sales excluding China.
- H3C Technologies Co., Ltd. – a division of 3Com based in Hangzhou, China; focusing on switches, routers, telephony, and wireless offerings within the Chinese market.
- TippingPoint – another 3Com division situated in Austin, TX; specializing in network security and intrusion prevention systems with global distribution.
In May 2015, UNIS acquired a majority stake of 51% in H3C for $2.3 billion.
On May 19, 2015, HP completed its acquisition of Aruba Networks, bringing all networking operations under the Aruba Networking brand.
In January 2024, Juniper Networks agreed to be acquired by HPE for an estimated $14 billion; this acquisition was finalized on July 2, 2025.
By May 2024, HPE announced that UNIS would expand its ownership in H3C by an additional 30%, valued at $2.1 billion.
Network architecture
Network architecture refers to the structural design of an organization's network infrastructure encompassing communication hardware, network layouts and topologies, both physical and wireless connectivity methods, cabling systems, device categories, alongside software policies and protocols. Conventional three-tier hierarchical frameworks provide redundancy but may lack efficiency in virtualized settings. The HP FlexNetwork Architecture employs a streamlined flat topology aimed at boosting flexibility while accommodating virtualization, convergence, and automation demands.
The HP FlexNetwork Architecture delivers an integrated networking solution spanning data centers, campus environments, and branch offices through a consistent yet cost-efficient structure. It is organized into four main product families: FlexFabric designed for converged data center networks; FlexCampus which unifies wired and wireless infrastructures; FlexBranch targeting branch office connectivity and security; and Flex Management that includes the HP Intelligent Management Center (IMC) for centralized administration.
HP’s Intelligent Resilient Framework (IRF) is a software-based virtualization technology developed to facilitate swift failover recovery within the FlexNetwork ecosystem and enhance vMotion efficiency in VMware environments.
Software-defined networking
The emphasis on virtualization within enterprise data center networking has propelled automation and streamlined operations, aligning network management more closely with organizational objectives and allowing swift adaptation to changing demand patterns. The evolution of application traffic, expansion of data center capacities, and increased reliance on cloud offloading have collectively driven the growing adoption of software-defined networking (SDN) solutions.
In 2007, Hewlett-Packard collaborated with Stanford University to create Ethane, an early prototype that laid the groundwork for the open-source OpenFlow protocol, a cornerstone of SDN technology. HP is among the founding members of the Open Networking Foundation, a nonprofit organization formed in 2011 to advance SDN initiatives and oversee OpenFlow standards.
Further contributing to the SDN ecosystem, HP played a key role in establishing the OpenDaylight Project in 2013 under the Linux Foundation's umbrella. This initiative fosters open development of SDN and Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) technologies alongside industry leaders such as Cisco, IBM, Microsoft, and VMware.
By leveraging OpenFlow's open standards, SDN reduces dependency on specific vendors while promising enhanced efficiency and reliability for data center infrastructures. At the heart of SDN architecture lies the controller, which orchestrates flow management through protocols like OpenFlow and acts as an intermediary between network applications and hardware devices. In 2012, HP introduced its Virtual Application Networks (VAN) SDN controller as a software solution. Complementing this, the HP SDN Manager application provides administrators with tools to configure and oversee policies across SDN-enabled switches and controllers.
In 2013, HP launched its SDN Developer Kit along with an SDN App Store integrated with VMware NSX technology. This platform enables users to explore and acquire certified SDN applications compatible with the HP VAN SDN Controller.
By 2014, HP's portfolio included more than fifty switch models supporting OpenFlow, featuring the FlexFabric 7900 series specifically designed for optimal SDN deployment. The FlexFabric 12900 series was recognized with SearchNetworking's Network Innovation Award in 2013 due to its support for standards-based TRILL protocol alongside SDN capabilities.
HP’s Virtual Cloud Networking (VCN) SDN application offers integration with OpenStack-based cloud environments such as HP Helion. This solution bridges cloud infrastructure with the HP VAN SDN controller, streamlining transitions from traditional networks to cloud-native architectures.
Mobility/BYOD/WLAN
The concept of mobility and bring your own device (BYOD) refers to employees utilizing their personal mobile devices, including laptops, tablet computers, and smartphones, to perform work tasks, thereby boosting both efficiency and employee satisfaction. Connectivity for these devices throughout office environments is facilitated by both wired and wireless network infrastructures.
Conventional IT setups typically require separate management systems for wired and wireless networks. To address this, HP provides a consolidated BYOD solution incorporating an SDN security application that enables real-time threat monitoring while streamlining operational processes, potentially lowering expenses by as much as 38 percent. The HP IMC Smart Connect system integrates mobile network access control to oversee enterprise device connectivity and supports device management platforms such as Citrix XenMobile and MobileIron.
In 2014, HP renamed its SDN BYOD security offering from Sentinel to Network Protector, which functions on top of the HP SDN VAN Controller platform.
Heavy use of mobile devices—particularly activities like file downloads or streaming rich media—can significantly strain corporate bandwidth. To address this challenge, organizations frequently establish separate guest networks governed by stringent network access control (NAC) policies that restrict access to specific websites.
Beyond the VAN SDN controller, HP delivers SDN solutions designed to alleviate network congestion and accommodate mobile voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), video conferencing, and other rich media services. Additionally, HP provides a cloud-based, pay-as-you-go service model tailored for small to medium-sized enterprises and geographically dispersed offices. The HP Cloud Managed Network Wireless LAN service allows management of wireless infrastructure without the need for on-site controllers, operating exclusively with HP 300 series Cloud-Managed access points. These access points preserve local wireless network functionality even when cloud connectivity is interrupted, ensuring uninterrupted business operations.
The HP 870 Unified Wired-WLAN Appliance integrates wired and wireless network management into a single platform, supporting up to 30,000 communication endpoints. Meanwhile, the HP 850 model accommodates up to 10,000 endpoints.
Network virtualization
Network virtualization involves partitioning available bandwidth into multiple independent channels that are dynamically allocated to devices or servers. It consolidates hardware and software network functions into one software-driven administrative framework, enabling automated network management along with centralized control over files, images, applications, and directories from a unified interface. This approach improves network performance by enhancing speed, flexibility, scalability, and dependability.
This technology also permits running several operating systems and applications concurrently on a single server, forming an essential component of cloud computing infrastructure.
During HP Discover in June 2014, HP unveiled the Virtual Cloud Networking (VCN) SDN Application—a multitenant network virtualization service designed for KVM and VMware ESX multi-hypervisor data centers. Scheduled for release in fall 2014, it integrates with HP Helion OpenStack as an advanced OpenStack module. Centrally managed virtual networks based on VLAN or VXLAN protocols ensure tenant isolation within shared environments.
The HP VAN Resource Automation Manager expedites deployment of network services by enhancing provisioning precision and enforcing policy-driven resource allocation across the network. HP’s IRF software virtualization technology links multiple devices through physical IRF ports, combining them into a single distributed device that simplifies switch configuration and management tasks. IRF supports horizontal scaling that reduces the number of network hops and incorporates technologies such as Shortest Path Bridging (SPB) and transparent interconnection of lots of links (TRILL).
Unified communications
Unified communications (UC) solutions combine various real-time enterprise communication channels—such as instant messaging, desktop sharing, and telephony—with asynchronous services including unified messaging that integrates voicemail, e-mail, SMS, and fax. These UC platforms empower administrators to streamline the management of these communication methods. Notably, the HP Network Optimizer SDN Application for Microsoft Lync improves voice quality for Lync users and was honored with a NetEvents Cloud Innovation award in 2014 for its enterprise SDN capabilities.
Networking professional services
To align network infrastructures with organizational objectives, companies engage networking professional services. HP Trusted Network Transformation facilitates private cloud adoption by providing workshops, advisory sessions, network evaluations, and architectural design support centered on network virtualization and software-defined networking (SDN).
Product and technology highlights
Through Aruba Networks, Hewlett Packard Enterprise delivers an extensive range of solutions tailored for business, education, and government sectors.
Products
- Switches: HP offers a variety of switch families including data center core and access switches, blade switches compatible with HP BladeSystem, campus LAN core/distribution/access switches, as well as smart web-managed and unmanaged switches designed for small businesses.
- Network security: The security lineup from HP encompasses intrusion prevention systems, firewalls, centralized management modules, network access control solutions, threat management platforms, and security intelligence services.
- Network management: The HP Intelligent Management Center (IMC) provides comprehensive network monitoring and configuration tools for diverse network environments.
- Wireless LAN (WLAN): HP’s WLAN portfolio features integrated wired-wireless enterprise switches, 802.11ac/n access points, Wired-WLAN modules, wireless controllers, client bridges, Unified Walljacks, wireless adapters, WLAN security offerings, and RF planning utilities.
- Routers: HP routers support branch office deployments (fixed port, modular, virtual), campus networks (modular), and data center environments (modular).
- Transceivers and accessories: This category includes SFP 1G/100M, SFP+ 10G, X2 10G, XFP 10G, GBIC transceivers; cables such as CAT 5e, CX4, direct attach copper, fiber optic; plus adapters, power supplies, interconnect kits, and rack-mount hardware.
Technologies
- Bring your own device (BYOD): HP’s BYOD offerings enable secure connectivity to corporate networks and applications from laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Core solutions include IMC User Access Manager, IMC Endpoint Admission Defense, Intelligent Management Center Standard Software, IMC Smart Connect WLAN, IMC Wireless Services Manager alongside multiple switch series supporting unified wired and wireless networking.
- Dynamic Virtual Private Network (DVPN): HP’s DVPN technology links data centers, campuses, and branch offices utilizing standards-based IPsec VPN encryption. Implementations incorporate the HP 6600 router series, HP MSR routers series, and Intelligent Management Center.
- Software-defined networking: The HP SDN portfolio automates network operations across data centers, campuses, and branch locations. Its ecosystem includes HP Network Protector and Network Optimizer applications for Microsoft Lync plus integrations with third-party vendors. The HP SDN Dev Center offers resources such as the SDN App Store and developer forums to facilitate application development. Infrastructure support comprises over 50 OpenFlow-capable switches like the HP FlexFabric 5930 Series that support Virtual Extensible LAN (VXLAN) overlays. The HP Virtual Cloud Networking (VCN) SDN Application enables multitenant network virtualization across KVM and VMware ESX hypervisors while connecting HP Helion OpenStack with the HP VAN SDN controller.
- Data Center Interconnect (DCI): These services extend multi-tenant private cloud functionalities across multiple data centers.
- HP Unified Wired and Wireless Access: This solution integrates campus networks through routers, SDN applications, switches, IEEE 802.11ac access points, unified wall jacks, and controllers.
- Intelligent Resilient Framework (IRF): HP IRF is a switch virtualization technology that simplifies the architecture and management of Ethernet networks in data center and campus environments.
Training and certification
HP Networking provides training programs covering product knowledge, service skills, and sales techniques. The HP ExpertOne certification framework includes a variety of courses, ranging from beginner levels to advanced Master engineer credentials, spanning technical, sales, and partner-focused pathways. Accelerated certification tracks are available for professionals holding existing credentials from Cisco and other vendors. In 2014, HP introduced eight new role-specific sales certifications tailored for partners, aiming to reduce expenses and simplify training processes while maintaining comprehensive content.
HP AllianceOne Program
Hewlett Packard unveiled the ProCurve Open Network Ecosystem (ONE) Alliance in January 2009, featuring a programmable module that supports partner applications such as IP telephony and network management. This collaborative, multi-vendor initiative was designed to enhance the performance of enterprise-grade applications on ProCurve’s (now HP Networking) infrastructure.
By April 2010, HP consolidated the ProCurve ONE alliance with initiatives from 3Com, Tipping Point, and other HP Enterprise Business divisions to create the HP AllianceOne program. Within this framework, the HP Networking Specialization works closely with partners who develop applications or services that utilize integrated network functionalities to meet business needs.
Support
HP Networking provides a lifetime warranty on selected products, coupled with next-business-day advanced replacement shipments—a distinctive feature that competitors have subsequently adopted for portions of their offerings.
User community
The HP Enterprise Business Community portal serves as a resource hub for HP Networking customers, offering updates, practical advice, opportunities for feedback, and event information through forums and blogs.
Open Networking Foundation
As a founding participant in the Open Networking Foundation established on March 23, 2011, HP Networking joined forces with companies including Google, Microsoft, Yahoo, Verizon, and Deutsche Telekom. This nonprofit organization promotes software-defined networking (SDN) to foster innovation by enabling software-based transformations across telecom networks, wireless systems, and data centers.