HPE Aruba Targets Retail Edge Computing with IoT Platform

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), the enterprise technology company, has revealed a retail-focused portfolio of networking products through its Aruba division, combining edge computing capabilities with Internet of Things (IoT) security features.

The announcement, made at the National Retail Federation's NRF 2025 conference in New York, centres on HPE Aruba Networking Central, a cloud management platform that processes data from connected devices at retail locations rather than in centralised data centres.

As retailers manage increasing volumes of data from connected devices and operate across multiple sales channels, the demand for processing power at shop locations has increased. 

This means that each connected device presents potential security vulnerabilities that retailers must address.

HPE Aruba Central monitors IoT network performance

The platform introduces AI monitoring for outdoor Wi-Fi networks and IoT device behaviour. It processes information from connected retail equipment including cameras, electronic shelf labels - digital displays that show product prices - and RFID tags, which use radio frequency identification to track inventory.

The system also includes the 750 Series wireless access points, hardware devices that connect to IoT equipment and process their data. These access points handle computing tasks directly at retail locations, reducing the need to transmit information to remote servers.

Having the platform integrated with HPE GreenLake Cloud services enables retailers to manage their technology resources remotely. For retailers with multiple locations, this reduces the requirement for on-site technology support visits.

"Retailers facing challenges in warehousing, inventory control and omnichannel fulfilment need comprehensive and secure connectivity to enable digital modernisation and enhance customer experiences," explains Stuart Strickland, Wireless Chief Technology Officer at HPE Aruba Networking.

HPE launches cellular backup for retail connectivity

The company has also introduced the Aruba Networking 100 Series Cellular Bridge, which maintains network connections through mobile phone networks when fixed-line internet fails.

This technology supports payment processing systems and enables retailers to set up temporary locations.

Also launched is the CX 8325H network switch. Designed for small retail spaces, this hardware connects to HPE's ProLiant DL145 Gen11 server to process data at shop locations.

It also includes features for retailers operating click-and-collect services, with tools to monitor and adjust wireless networks in outdoor areas. When pedestrian traffic interferes with customer transactions, the system modifies transmission settings.

Security challenges drive IoT monitoring

The increase of connected devices in retail environments has inevitably created new security considerations. Each sensor, camera and electronic shelf label represents a potential vulnerability in the network that must be addressed.

Hoping to address these new concerns, HPE Aruba Central advocates for the continuous monitoring of device behaviour and data transmission patterns. With its platform, it can identify unusual activity that might indicate security breaches.

For outdoor retail operations, the system automatically adjusts wireless network settings to maintain connectivity for customer transactions when interference occurs from passing traffic or environmental factors.

To bolster its IoT support, HPE Aruba has recently added new partners to its IoT Operations system. These include Hanshow, which produces electronic shelf labels, and Simbe, which develops autonomous robots for tracking products.

Likewise, it has enlisted VusionGroup, which provides computer vision AI - software that analyses visual information - and Zebra Technologies, which manufactures RFID scanners and environmental sensors.

The company's partner ecosystem focuses on developing retail applications for specific functions including fraud detection through real-time video analysis, inventory management systems, customer movement analytics, and automated pricing updates.

These applications are available through HPE's IoT partner portal, providing retailers with access to integrated solutions for their operations.

Stuart Strickland adds: "HPE's networking solutions bring real-time IoT data processing and AI inferencing closer to the source of data generation to fuel omnichannel shopping strategies that increase revenue."

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