Simplify Your Office Network with HPE

Introduction

Office networks have never been busier - with video calls, smart devices and background apps all running simultaneously. Our current systems may not be keeping up, but the HPE Instant On range is a network solution that can be adapted to suit your office, whether you’re a start-up business looking to improve connectivity or a growing company looking to upgrade your hardware. Instant On is tailored for SMBs (small-medium sized businesses) as you don’t need any subscriptions or hardware controllers, allowing you to scale your network as your business grows.

With integrated Smart Mesh technology, this means expanding your network to grow with you couldn’t be easier: new access points can join the network with minimal setup as they detect and mesh automatically. HPE’s Instant On range is designed to keep your network running at the fastest speeds while ensuring your systems stay secure at no extra cost. Unlike other manufacturers, with Instant On, you don’t have to pay to separate employee and guest traffic or block specific sites due to the built-in security features. The range includes gateways, access points and switches that can match your office needs:

Gateways

SG1004

An affordable gateway solution for smaller offices, such as branches or start-up businesses is the SG1004. This gateway supports up to 100 users so is a great fit for SMBs where a larger, more expensive gateway is overkill, and won’t be fully utilised. 

Small businesses are unfortunately a common target for cyber attacks, by using HPE Instant On’s secure gateways, these risks are mitigated. With integrated Intrusion Detection and Prevention (IDS/IPS) and a traffic blocking firewall, your information remains safe and secure.

The SG1004 also features the ability to have a Site-to-Site VPN as well as a Client VPN, enabling remote workers to securely access company data.

Within smaller offices, a dedicated IT team just isn’t feasible - or most of the time even necessary - that's why this gateway is ideal as it’s easy-to-use and simple to set up.

SG2505P

HPE’s SG2505P is a Secure Gateway designed for medium sized offices, enabling secure networking and flexible connectivity. Highly-suited for offices without large dedicated networking teams, this model allows for easier management with powerful yet straightforward features.

Monitoring and troubleshooting can all be handled within the cloud portal, keeping it all in one place, ensuring the systems are easy-to-use and don’t require IT teams on site. Helping this product remain affordable, thanks to its easy setup and maintenance!

Supporting up to 300 users, this model provides security for networks using intensive firewalls, creating a barrier between trusted internal networks and untrusted external networks. It acts as the first line of defence in your network and maintains optimal internet speed whilst ensuring high-level security. 

Like the SG1004, this gateway also allows for remote access to company systems and data due to featuring the capacity for both a Site-to-Site VPN and a Client VPN. What stands out most, is the SG2505P’s PoE-Out capabilities, meaning it can supply VoIP phones, security cameras and even access points - a rare feature in gateways.

Access Points

The AP22 is a WiFi 6 access point engineered to deliver affordable, business-grade WiFi for high performance small businesses. This model is designed to meet the growing needs of smaller organisations, providing WiFi when and where you need it. This access point can expand your network to hard-to-wire-areas and works on eliminating spotty connectivity. This is especially important for small businesses as losing connectivity during meetings with customers/clients can have a negative impact. The AP22 reduces set up complexity with easy deployment and management, meaning an extensive networking team is not required. 

An alternative model for more demanding office spaces is the AP32. This access point has an additional dedicated 6GHz band which offers wider, cleaner channels, allowing multiple high-usage devices to work in unison - such as laptops in video calls. This third band also reduces interference between users, meaning a smoother connection for all. The AP32 is ideal for a growing business thanks to its extra band and larger capacity. 

HPE also offers the AP22D as an option too, a versatile desk-mounted access point that brings added flexibility to your network setup. This means that you can easily extend coverage or fill dead spots without having to mount anything to your ceiling. Its accessible placement makes the AP22D easier to troubleshoot, adjust or replace without disrupting the workplace. Plus, its built in Ethernet ports make connectivity and expansion effortless. All models recommend a max amount of 75 active devices connected at once, so small offices should have no troubles! 

	AP22	AP32	AP22D
Number of active devices:	75	75	75
Max data rates:	1774 Mbps	1774 Mbps	1774 Mbps
Radios:	2.4 GHz 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6); 5 GHz 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6)	2.4 GHz 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6); 5 GHz 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6)	2.4 GHz 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6); 5 GHz 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6)
Power:	PoE in: 802.3af, 10.1W (PoE), or 8.8W (DC)	PoE in: 802.3at/802.3bt, 51W (PoE), or 50W (DC)	PoE in: 802.3at/802.3bt, PoE out: 2x15W (PoE 802.3af)

Switches

The HPE Instant On Switch Series 1430 is geared towards small office environments, with a simple plug-and-play deployment. These switches, such as the 1430 8-Port PoE Unmanaged Switch and the 1430 16-Port PoE Unmanaged Switch, help connect and share common resources such as access points or printers without complicated network configurations using Layer 2 gigabit Ethernet switching capabilities. This series is great for small office spaces thanks to its small footprint and fanless design, meaning they can be placed almost anywhere and don’t take up valuable space. The 1430 series switches are an easy-to-use, reliable networking solution for smaller offices or start-up businesses.

Another excellent option is the HPE Instant On Switch Series 1830 - a smart-managed, entry-level solution for small businesses looking to keep up with evolving network demands with a cost-effective wired infrastructure. With Layer 2 capabilities, PoE support and gigabit connectivity, this switch series, including the 1830 8-Port Switch with 65 PoE and the 1830 12-Port PoE/SFP Switch, delivers performance and flexibility without the complexity or high costs of enterprise-grade hardware. 

HPE also offers an even better model for growing companies, the HPE Instant On Switch Series 1960. If your business is progressing quickly, these switches is designed to grow with you: with even more support for high-demand networks, the opportunity for PoE support, and advanced features. Unlike the 1430, this series is smart-managed, meaning you can control and monitor even more of your network but without the need for a technical network engineer. Depending on your needs, the 1960 can come with 8, 12, 24 or 48 ports.

Conclusion:

By integrating HPE’s Instant On products in your network, your office can achieve faster speeds and handle heavier network loads without interference or cyber security risks. These plug and play devices ensure that setup is straightforward, reducing maintenance costs and eliminating the need for specialised IT departments or professional network engineers. This ensures that the already affordable Instant On range remains budget friendly - vital for start ups and growing businesses looking to scale whilst keeping costs low.