Getting Started
This document outlines the essential steps to implement the new HPE Aruba Networking Central cloud-based management application for comprehensive monitoring, troubleshooting, and reporting across managed infrastructure.
Table of contents
GreenLake
HPE GreenLake serves as the unified platform to manage and monitor all HPE services, including compute, storage, networking, and data protection. HPE Aruba Networking Central is an application hosted on the GreenLake platform, designed for the management of network and security solutions. To manage network devices effectively with Central, the following prerequisites must be satisfied:
- A GreenLake account must exist with a workspace to which Central has been provisioned.
- All devices to be managed must be in the GreenLake device inventory.
- All devices to be managed must have a device subscription assigned.
- Devices to be managed by Central must be assigned to the appropriate service manager.
Some of these requirements may be addressed automatically when new devices are purchased and associated with an existing customer ID. For detailed steps to address these requirements manually, refer to the GreenLake Platform chapter of the HPE Aruba Networking Validated Solution Guide.
Central
To experience the latest HPE Aruba Networking Central monitoring, troubleshooting, and reporting tools, begin by adding devices to a group and a site using the classic version of the application. Devices not assigned to a site will not appear in the new Central version.
Access the new version of HPE Aruba Networking Central by flipping the “New Central” switch found in the upper right corner of the classic UI.
Enable DPI and Switch Telemetry
To benefit from the full set of capabilities provided by the new version of Central, network devices must have deep packet inspection and telemetry features enabled.
To enable CX switch telemetry, first observe the list of requirements provided on the Pre-requisites for New Central page. Detailed configuration steps for CX swithes are provided on the Configuring Prerequisites for Switch Telemetry page.
To enable application visibility across the campus, refer to:
- Configuring Application Visibility for Switches for details on required CX configuration.
- Configuring Application Visibility for Access Points for details on required AP configuration.
- Configuring Application Visibility for Gateways for details on required gateway configuration.
New Central Site Configuration
In most cases, groups and sites should be configured using the classic Central UI. Devices also must be added to groups and sites this way so they appear in the new Central UI.
Sites and groups created in the classic version of Central are inherited by the new Central environment. A toggle switch option during group creation determines if devices in the group will be configurable in new Central. If this toggle is not enabled, devices can still be monitored, but not configured.
Creating groups in the new Central application includes several enhancements for improved operator experience.
Begin by selecting the configuration view from the Network Overview screen after toggling into the new version of Central.
Select the Sites level of the hierarchical menu on the left, then click the Create Site button on the Sites screen.
Note: When permission is granted for the current location to be used through the web browser, the current coordinates are auto-populated into the new site form. If permission is refused, the HPE headquarters coordinates are used as a default.
Enter the site name and location details. Upload an image or logo that is readily associated with the location. Then click Save.
Sites created in new Central can be used for device assignment in classic Central.
Edit an existing site by hovering the mouse cursor on the site table row and clicking the dotted option icon on the right. To delete a site, click the trash can icon.
Sites also can be deleted by clicking the left side checkbox of one or more sites and using the Actions menu on the upper right of the screen.
Note: All devices must be removed from a site before it can be deleted.
Refer to the HPE Aruba Networking Central Online Help for additional details on using sites from new Central.