Virtualize Your Network

Aruba's Virtual Branch Networking (VBN) solutions provide a simpler, more secure, and lower cost means of networking branch offices, clinics, SOHOs, stores and telecommuters. Traditional remote networking solutions replicate routing, switching, firewall, and other services at each remote location. Managing and controlling user access to network services, applications, and resources requires proliferating ports, subnets, and VLANs - effectively creating multiple networks at each site. This is costly and complex to deploy and maintain:

  • IT has to replicate a complex network infrastructure in hundreds of locations;
  • Remote VPN users lack full network services like printing, voice, collaboration;
  • IT has to use costly private networks to deliver appropriate security;
  • Port-centric management tools give IT no visibility to users.

User access to network services, applications, and resources is governed by IT-defined policies that are disseminated network-wide. This results in a more uniform and secure user experience, regardless of where the network is accessed.

Virtual Branch Networking

Whether supporting branch offices of one user or one hundred users, Aruba's VBN solution delivers full-service networking without compromises. As the head-end component of the VBN solution, datacenter-based Aruba controllers handle all complex configuration, management, software updates, authentication, intrusion detection, and remote site termination tasks. Branch office network services are virtualized in the data center controllers and then extended over any public or private IP network to low-cost Remote Access Points (RAPs) and Branch Office Controllers (BOCs) that provide secure connectivity and services to end users. The entire system is managed by the AirWave Management Platform, which provides visibility and control of remote networks for IT staff.

The VBN solution includes the following products:

For more information about this exciting announcement, please see the official press announcement.


* Wm. L. Hahn and Nhat Pham, Dataquest Insight: Global Telecommunications Market Take, December 2008, 19 December 2008, Gartner, Inc.