HPE unveiled new connectivity and high-performance edge computing technologies to help retailers modernize their efforts to improve customer experience and operational efficiencies.
At the NRF 2025 Retail’s Big Show , HPE Aruba Networking showcased its networking portfolio suitable for in-store installations and demonstrated reliable and secure connectivity, a key element of retail modernization across the back office, warehouse, store and curbside*1.
HPE showcased new solutions to enable fast and secure deployment in retail and distribution environments and improve performance for real-time applications and workloads at the edge. The expanded portfolio includes:
- The HPE Aruba Networking 100 Series Cellular Bridge easily deploys primary or backup WAN access to ensure connectivity when fiber or broadband WAN lines are unavailable or fail. By leveraging wireless access rather than fiber optic access, the Cellular Bridge increases resiliency for mission-critical services such as credit card processing. It can also be rapidly deployed in concession stands, event venues, and other locations where the time and expense of installing broadband WAN cabling is not feasible.
- The HPE Aruba Networking CX 8325H is a store-friendly, half-width 18-port switch that fits into compact spaces, has low power and cooling requirements, and connects to HPE ProLiant DL145 Gen 11 servers for edge computing .
- HPE Aruba Networking 750 Series Campus Access Points secure, process and deliver IoT data in real time to power AI retail applications.
- New HPE Aruba Networking Central AI Insights improves outdoor Wi-Fi network performance, helps optimize curbside operations, and detects anomalous IoT behavior that could indicate a potential security breach.
In retail, IoT devices can be a target for hackers as they are the most vulnerable entry point. To protect against intrusions and malware, HPE Aruba Networking access points are designed to provide a secure connectivity platform for the growing number of IoT devices at the network edge. IoT devices include cameras, shelf labels, RFID labels, energy sensors, motion sensors, and more. To protect against security breaches caused by IoT devices, HPE Aruba Networking Central AI Insights also detects anomalies in uploads and downloads from IoT devices that may indicate an intrusion.
“Aruba Networking is a game changer,” said Stuart Strickland, chief wireless technology officer, Aruba Networking, HPE.
“Challenged by warehousing, inventory management and omnichannel delivery, retailers need comprehensive, secure connectivity to enable digital modernization and improve customer experiences. HPE networking solutions bring real-time IoT data processing and AI inference closer to where the data is generated, supporting omnichannel shopping strategies that drive sales.”
Like many industries, retail is struggling with a lack of IT resources. With stores, warehouses and back offices geographically distributed, organizations need to reduce the number of visits and time required by IT staff to manage increasingly complex networks. The new solutions announced today extend HPE Aruba Networking private 5G and Wi-Fi solutions and integrate with HPE’s edge computing portfolio, including HPE GreenLake Cloud and HPE ProLiant DL145 Gen11 servers, to facilitate remote management across on-premise, cloud and edge computing resources.
Expanded IoT Operations dashboard and IoT partner portal
HPE is extending the HPE Aruba Networking Central IoT Operations dashboard to enable retail customers to leverage third-party applications from HPE partners to enhance access point capabilities and improve visibility into IoT applications at the edge.
At NRF, HPE also showcased its extensive ecosystem of business solutions from new and existing partners . Solutions available through the HPE IoT Partner Portal to help build retail applications include real-time video for fraud detection, inventory management and promotions, location analytics, and price optimization. HPE has the largest IoT partner ecosystem for retail, and exhibitors at NRF included:
- Hansho w: To facilitate store management, we developed highly interactive Electronic Shelf Labels (ESLs), which enhance the shopping experience for consumers.
- Simbe : Known for its IoT platform featuring the world’s first autonomous item-scanning robot, which tracks product location, stock levels and price accuracy.
- SOLUM : Provides digital shelf labels, electronic signage and smart facility solutions.
- Vusion Group: Provides solutions including computer vision AI, IoT asset management, electronic shelf labels, and digital displays.
- Zebra Technologies : Provides hardware, software and services that support omnichannel retail, including wearable devices, RFID scanners, barcode printers, environmental sensors and intelligent cabinets.
SOURCE: PR TIMES
