R2H28A HPE Aruba Networking AP-505 (RW) Dual Radio 4x4 Wi-Fi 5 Wave2 Internal Antennas Campus Access Point

Product image shows a compact indoor access point measuring 160 x 161 x 37 mm with a white plastic enclosure, internal antennas, and subtle LED status indicators. The device features a pre-installed mounting bracket on the back.

What's New

Wi-Fi 5 Wave2 Technology: Delivers high-performance 802.11ac Wave2 wireless connectivity with 4 spatial streams and MU-MIMO support for enhanced multi-user efficiency in medium-density environments.

Dual Radio 4x4 MIMO: Features dual-radio design with 4x4 MIMO on both 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands, providing maximum throughput of 1.2 Gbps on 5 GHz and 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz.

Integrated IoT Radios: Built-in Bluetooth 5.0 and Zigbee (802.15.4) radios enable IoT applications such as asset tracking, location services, and environmental monitoring without additional infrastructure.

Compact Form Factor: Significantly smaller than the 510 Series at 160 x 161 x 37 mm, making it ideal for space-constrained deployments where aesthetics are important.

Energy-Efficient Design: Supports 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet and consumes as little as 8.9W (DC) or 11.0W (PoE) under typical load, reducing operational costs.

Product Overview

The HPE Aruba Networking AP-505 (RW) is a compact, high-performance Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac Wave2) access point from the Aruba 500 Series, designed for medium-density enterprise deployments requiring proven reliability and cost-effective wireless connectivity. With dual-radio 4x4 MIMO technology on both frequency bands, this access point delivers robust performance for campus networks, branch offices, and hospitality environments.

The AP-505 features a dual-radio configuration with 4x4 MIMO providing four spatial streams on both 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands. The 5 GHz radio supports data rates up to 1.2 Gbps (with 2SS HE80 802.11ax client devices), while the 2.4 GHz radio delivers up to 574 Mbps (with 2SS HE40 802.11ax client devices). Each radio supports up to 256 associated client devices, ensuring ample capacity for medium-density environments.

Integrated Bluetooth 5.0 and Zigbee (802.15.4) radios transform the AP-505 into an IoT gateway, supporting applications such as asset tracking, location-based services, and environmental monitoring without requiring separate infrastructure. The compact form factor (160 x 161 x 37 mm) and low-profile design make it ideal for aesthetically sensitive environments where larger access points would be intrusive.

The AP-505 incorporates advanced security features including WPA3, Enhanced Open (OWE), and a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) for credential protection. Management options include HPE Aruba Central for cloud-based oversight or on-premises controllers, with Zero Touch Provisioning enabling rapid deployment. The device carries an impressive MTBF of 1.3 million hours (148 years) at 25°C, ensuring long-term reliability for mission-critical deployments.

Technical Specifications

Key Features

Proven Wi-Fi 5 Wave2 Performance

The AP-505 delivers mature, reliable 802.11ac Wave2 technology with 4x4 MIMO on both bands, providing excellent performance for organizations not yet ready to migrate to Wi-Fi 6. MU-MIMO support enables simultaneous communication with multiple clients, improving efficiency in multi-user environments.

Exceptional Reliability

With an MTBF of 1.3 million hours (148 years), the AP-505 offers outstanding long-term reliability for mission-critical deployments. This exceptional longevity reduces total cost of ownership and provides peace of mind for organizations deploying wireless infrastructure in hard-to-reach locations.

Compact and Aesthetic Design

Measuring just 160 x 161 x 37 mm, the AP-505 is significantly smaller than many enterprise access points, making it ideal for aesthetically sensitive environments such as executive offices, conference rooms, and hospitality venues where discreet deployment is essential.

IoT-Ready Platform

Integrated Bluetooth 5.0 and Zigbee radios enable a wide range of IoT applications without additional infrastructure. The USB 2.0 port (capable of sourcing up to 5W) can power external sensors or gateways, further extending IoT capabilities.

Energy-Efficient Operation

Supporting 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet and consuming as little as 8.9W (DC) under typical load, the AP-505 minimizes operational costs. Deep sleep mode reduces consumption to just 1.7W (DC) during periods of low activity, further enhancing energy savings.

Dynamic Segmentation

Policy Enforcement Firewall (PEF) dynamically assigns and enforces consistent security policies based on user identity and device type, eliminating complex VLAN and ACL management while ensuring traffic isolation and protection.

Flexible Deployment Options

The AP-505 supports both DC power and PoE (802.3af/at), with Intelligent Power Monitoring (IPM) that can dynamically apply feature restrictions based on available PoE budget. The pre-installed mounting bracket simplifies installation with optional kits for various mounting scenarios.

Railway Certification

The AP-505 carries EN 50155 certification for railway applications, making it suitable for deployment in trains, stations, and transportation hubs where vibration, shock, and temperature extremes are concerns.

Deployment Scenarios

Cost-Conscious Enterprise Deployments

Ideal for organizations seeking proven, reliable wireless performance at a lower price point than Wi-Fi 6 alternatives. The AP-505 delivers excellent throughput and capacity for most business applications without the premium cost of newer technology.

Executive Offices and Meeting Rooms

The compact form factor and low-profile design make the AP-505 perfect for executive suites and small meeting rooms where aesthetics matter. The device blends seamlessly with interior design while providing robust wireless coverage.

Hospitality Venues

Hotels, restaurants, and boutique venues benefit from the AP-505's discreet appearance and reliable performance. Integrated Bluetooth enables location-based services for guest engagement, while guest Wi-Fi remains secure through Dynamic Segmentation.

Railway and Transportation Hubs

With EN 50155 certification, the AP-505 is qualified for deployment in trains, stations, and transportation facilities where vibration, temperature extremes, and challenging environmental conditions are common.

Small to Medium Branch Offices

Perfect for branch locations with 50-200 employees requiring reliable wireless for daily operations. The 256-client capacity per radio ensures ample capacity for typical branch office device densities.

Educational Classrooms

K-12 schools and university classrooms benefit from the AP-505's reliable performance and competitive pricing, enabling cost-effective deployment across multiple learning spaces while maintaining consistent wireless access for students.