HPE R0X40C 48-Port 1GbE Class 6 PoE + 4x50G SFP56 Switch Module

Overview

The HPE Aruba Networking CX 6400 48-port 1GbE Class 6 PoE and 4-port SFP56 v2 Module (R0X40C) is a line-card module designed for the Aruba CX 6400 modular chassis — a platform built for enterprise distribution and aggregation deployments where port density, PoE delivery, and high-speed uplinks need to coexist in a single slot. If your project calls for powering a dense floor of IP cameras, wireless access points, or VoIP endpoints while maintaining fast uplinks to the core, this module is worth a close look.

The 52-port total interface count breaks down as 48x 1000BASE-T copper ports delivering Class 6 PoE, and 4x 50GBASE-X SFP56 uplink ports for high-bandwidth spine connectivity. That uplink bandwidth matters: four 50G ports give you up to 200Gbps of uplink headroom — meaningful when dozens of PoE devices are generating sustained traffic into a collapsed core or data center spine.

Key Features

• 48x 1GbE Class 6 PoE Copper Ports: Class 6 PoE supports higher per-port power budgets than standard 802.3at (PoE+), making this module appropriate for devices that draw beyond the 30W PoE+ ceiling — such as multi-radio Wi-Fi 6E access points or pan-tilt-zoom cameras with integrated heaters. Verify chassis-level power supply capacity before populating all 48 ports at full Class 6 draw.
• 4x 50GBASE-X SFP56 Uplinks: The SFP56 uplink ports connect to a 50G or 100G-capable spine or core switch via standard SFP56 transceivers. Running 50G uplinks from a 1G access module is the right ratio for aggregation designs — you avoid uplink saturation even under heavy concurrent PoE device traffic.
• 52-Port Total Density in One Module Slot: Consolidating 48 access ports plus 4 uplinks into a single CX 6400 module slot keeps your chassis slots available for additional line cards or redundant management modules, which matters when you're scaling out a mid-size enterprise campus or building a high-density distribution closet.
• Modular Chassis Architecture: As a module for the HPE Aruba networking CX 6400 chassis, the R0X40C benefits from chassis-level redundancy features — shared power and cooling rather than per-switch infrastructure. This reduces the number of power supply units and fans you need to manage compared to deploying equivalent access-layer switches in a stack.
• v2 Revision: The "v2" designation indicates a hardware revision over the original module — confirm with your procurement team that any spare-parts inventory or replacement modules align to the same revision to avoid compatibility mismatches within the chassis.

Integration & Compatibility

The R0X40C is a line-card module and is not a standalone device — it requires an HPE Aruba CX 6400 chassis to operate. Power delivery to connected PoE devices depends on the chassis power supply configuration; chassis power supplies must be sized to support the aggregate PoE draw of all installed modules. Uplink connectivity via the 4x SFP56 ports requires compatible SFP56 transceivers (sold separately) matched to your fiber or DAC infrastructure. For a complete PoE switch deployment, pair this module with an appropriately sized chassis PSU and structured cabling that meets Cat5e or better for 1GbE PoE endpoints. Review the network infrastructure planning guide for aggregation-layer sizing recommendations before specifying chassis and module counts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What chassis does the HPE R0X40C require?

A: The R0X40C is a line-card module designed for the HPE Aruba Networking CX 6400 modular chassis. It is not a standalone switch and cannot operate independently.

Q: What is Class 6 PoE and how does it differ from PoE+?

A: Class 6 PoE (defined under IEEE 802.3bt) supports higher per-port power delivery than PoE+ (802.3at, which caps at 30W). Class 6 is suited for high-draw devices such as multi-radio Wi-Fi 6E access points and PTZ cameras with integrated heating elements. The exact per-port wattage ceiling depends on the chassis power supply configuration.

Q: How many total ports does the R0X40C provide?

A: The R0X40C provides 52 total ports: 48x 1000BASE-T copper ports with Class 6 PoE, and 4x 50GBASE-X SFP56 uplink ports.

Q: What transceivers do the SFP56 uplink ports require?

A: The 4x uplink ports use the 50GBASE-X SFP56 interface type. Compatible SFP56 transceivers or direct-attach cables (DAC) are required and are sold separately. Verify transceiver compatibility with HPE Aruba's supported transceiver list for the CX 6400 platform.

Q: What is the weight of the R0X40C module?

A: The R0X40C module weighs 3.2 kg (approximately 7.1 lbs).

Marty Allison

The R0X40C is the module I'd specify when a campus distribution closet needs to power a mixed floor of high-draw devices — specifically because Class 6 PoE pushes past the 30W PoE+ ceiling that trips up deployments with Wi-Fi 6E APs or PTZ cameras running integrated heaters. The 48x 1GbE copper density in a single CX 6400 slot is efficient real estate management for a mid-size enterprise.

Technical Highlights:

• 4x 50GBASE-X SFP56 Uplinks: Four 50G uplinks from a 48-port 1G access module is a strong uplink ratio — you're unlikely to saturate the uplinks even under high concurrent PoE device load, which is the failure mode that bites under-specified distribution switches.
• 52 Total Interfaces Per Module Slot: Getting 48 access ports plus 4 uplinks from one chassis slot means remaining slots stay available for additional line cards or redundant supervisor modules — important for scaling a CX 6400 chassis without hitting slot contention early.
• Class 6 PoE on All 48 Copper Ports: Class 6 support is not universal across 1GbE access modules; specifying this module future-proofs the closet against devices that exceed 30W, rather than forcing a module swap mid-lifecycle.

Deployment Considerations:

• The R0X40C is a dependent module — it has no function outside a CX 6400 chassis. Verify chassis availability and power supply sizing before procurement; chassis PSUs must be configured to support the aggregate PoE draw across all installed modules at peak load.
• SFP56 transceivers are not included and must be specified separately; confirm transceiver compatibility against HPE Aruba's validated transceiver list for this platform before ordering fiber or DAC runs.

This module is the right fit for enterprise distribution closets in mid-to-large campus deployments running high-density PoE endpoints — particularly buildings where the device mix includes Wi-Fi 6E infrastructure or camera systems that push past standard PoE+ limits.