Page 1
DATA SHEET
ARUBA 300 SERIES  
ACCESS POINTS
Entry-level 802.11ac Wave 2 Access Points 
The entry-level Aruba 300 Series Wave 2 access 
points deliver high performance and superb user 
experience for medium density environments. 
Featuring 3x3:3SS MU-MIMO capability, Aruba 
advanced ClientMatch radio management, and 
integrated Aruba Beacons, the 300 Series enables 
an all wireless digital work environment in a cost-
eective manner.
With a maximum concurrent data rate of 1,300 Mbps in 
the 5GHz band and 400 Mbps in the 2.4GHz band (for an 
aggregate peak data rate of 1.7Gbps), the entry-level 300 
Series brings an always-on wireless network experience with 
the performance required for enterprises. It is ideal for cost-
sensitive medium density environments across verticals.  
The high performance 802.11ac 300 Series supports multi-
user MIMO (MU-MIMO) and 3 spatial streams (3SS). It 
provides simultaneous data transmission to multiple devices 
(up to two), maximizing data throughput and improving 
network eciency.
The 300 Series includes the enhanced ClientMatch 
technology that extends the client steering technology 
with MU-MIMO client awareness. It automatically identies 
MU-MIMO capable mobile devices and steers those devices 
to the closest MU-MIMO capable Aruba access point. By 
grouping MU-MIMO capable mobile devices together, 
the network starts taking advantage of the simultaneous 
transmission to these devices, increasing its overall capacity. 
These dynamic roaming policies that are based on device 
types, help customers achieve the best WLAN performance 
in a mixed device environment during the technology 
transition period.
The 300 Series also has an integrated Bluetooth Aruba Beacon 
that simplies the remote management of a network of large-
scale battery-powered Aruba Beacons while also providing 
advanced location and indoor waynding, and proximity-based 
push notication capabilities. It enables businesses to leverage 
mobility context to develop applications that will deliver an 
enhanced user experience and increase the value of the 
wireless network for organizations.
UNIQUE BENEFITS
• Dual Radio 802.11ac Access Point with Multi-User MIMO 
 - Supports up to 1,300 Mbps in the 5GHz band (with  
3SS/VHT80 clients) and up to 400 Mbps in the 2.4GHz 
band (with 2SS/VHT40 clients).
• Built-in Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE) radio 
 - Enables location-based services with BLE-enabled  
mobile devices receiving signals from multiple Aruba 
Beacons at the same time.
 - Enables management of your deployment of battery- 
powered Aruba Beacons.
• Advanced Cellular Coexistence (ACC)  
 - Minimizes interference from 3G/4G cellular networks,  
distributed antenna systems and commercial small 
cell/femtocell equipment. Quality of service for unied 
communication apps. 
• Quality of service for Unied Communication apps 
 - Supports priority handling and policy enforcement for  
unied communication apps, including Microsoft Skype 
for Business with encrypted videoconferencing, voice, 
chat and desktop sharing.
• RF Management 
 - Adaptive Radio Management (ARM) technology automatically  
assigns channel and power settings, provides airtime 
fairness, and ensures that APs stay clear of all sources of RF 
interference to deliver reliable, high-performance WLANs.
 
 
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DATA SHEET 
ARUBA 300 SERIES ACCESS POINTS
 - The Aruba 300 Series APs can be congured to provide  
part-time or dedicated air monitoring for spectrum analysis 
and wireless intrusion protection, VPN tunnels to extend 
remote locations to corporate resources, and wireless mesh 
connections where Ethernet drops are not available.
• Intelligent app visibility and control 
 - AppRF technology leverages deep packet inspection to  
classify and block, prioritize or limit bandwidth for over 
2,500 enterprise apps or groups of apps.
• Security 
 - Integrated wireless intrusion protection oers threat  
protection and mitigation, and eliminates the need for 
separate RF sensors and security appliances.
 - IP reputation and security services identify, classify,  
and block malicious les, URLs and IPs, providing 
comprehensive protection against advanced online threats.
 - Integrated Trusted Platform Module (TPM) for secure  
storage of credentials and keys.
• Intelligent Power Monitoring (IPM): 
 - Enables the AP to continuously monitor and report  
its actual power consumption and optionally make 
autonomous decisions to disable certain capabilities.
 - For the 300 Series APs, the IPM power-save feature applies  
when the unit is powered by an 802.3af PoE source. By 
default, the USB interface will be the rst feature to turn 
o if AP power consumption exceeds the available power 
budget. In rare cases it may be necessary to take additional 
power saving measures, but in most cases, the 300 Series 
APs will operate in unrestricted mode.
CHOOSE YOUR OPERATING MODE
Aruba 300 Series APs oer a choice of operating modes to 
meet your unique management and deployment requirements.
•  Controller-managed mode – When managed by 
Aruba Mobility Controllers, Aruba 300 Series APs 
oer centralized conguration, data encryption, policy 
enforcement and network services, as well as distributed 
and centralized trac forwarding. 
• Aruba Instant mode – In Aruba Instant mode, a single  
AP automatically distributes the network conguration 
to other Instant APs in the WLAN. Simply power-up one 
Instant AP, congure it over the air, and plug in the other 
APs – the entire process takes about ve minutes. If WLAN 
requirements change, a built-in migration path allows 
300 Series Instant APs to become part of a WLAN that is 
managed by a Mobility Controller.
• Remote AP (RAP) for branch deployments. 
• Air monitor (AM) for wireless IDS, rogue detection  
and containment.
•  Spectrum analyzer, dedicated or hybrid, for identifying 
sources of RF interference.
•  Secure enterprise mesh.
For large installations across multiple sites, the Aruba Activate 
service signicantly reduces deployment time by automating 
device provisioning, rmware upgrades, and inventory 
management. With Aruba Activate, Instant APs are factory-
shipped to any site and congure themselves when powered up.
AP-300 SERIES SPECIFICATIONS
• AP-304 (controller-managed) and IAP-304 (Instant): 
 - 802.11ac – 5GHz 3x3 MIMO (1,300 Mbps max rate) and  
2.4GHz 2x2 MIMO (400 Mbps max rate) radios, with 
a total of three dual-band RP-SMA connectors for 
external antennas
• AP-305 (controller-managed) and IAP-305 (Instant): 
 - 802.11ac – 5GHz 3x3 MIMO (1,300 Mbps max rate) and  
2.4GHz 2x2 MIMO (400 Mbps max rate) radios, with a 
total of three integrated omni-directional downtilt dual-
band antennas
WI-FI RADIO SPECIFICATIONS
•  AP type: Indoor, dual radio, 5GHz 802.11ac 3x3 MIMO and 
2.4GHz 802.11n 2x2 MIMO
• Software-congurable dual radio supports 5GHz (Radio 0) 
and 2.4GHz (Radio 1)
•  5GHz: Three spatial stream Single User (SU) MIMO for up 
to 1,300 Mbps wireless data rate to individual 3x3 VHT80 
client devices
•  5GHz: Two spatial stream Multi User (MU) MIMO for up 
to 867 Mbps wireless data rate to up to two (1x1 VHT80) 
MU-MIMO capable client devices simultaneously
•  2.4GHz: Two spatial stream Single User (SU) MIMO for up 
to 400 Mbps wireless data rate to individual 2x2 VHT40 
client devices (300 Mbps for HT40 802.11n client devices)
•  Support for up to 255 associated client devices per radio, 
and up to 16 BSSIDs per radio
• Supported frequency bands (country-specic   
restrictions apply):
 - 2.400 to 2.4835GHz 
 - 5.150 to 5.250GHz 
 - 5.250 to 5.350GHz 
 - 5.470 to 5.725GHz 
 - 5.725 to 5.850GHz 
 
 
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DATA SHEET 
ARUBA 300 SERIES ACCESS POINTS
• Available channels: Dependent on congured   
regulatory domain
•  Dynamic frequency selection (DFS) optimizes the use of 
available RF spectrum
• Supported radio technologies: 
 - 802.11b: Direct-sequence spread-spectrum (DSSS) 
 - 802.11a/g/n/ac: Orthogonal frequency-division  
multiplexing (OFDM)
• Supported modulation types: 
 - 802.11b: BPSK, QPSK, CCK 
 - 802.11a/g/n/ac: BPSK, QPSK, 16-QAM, 64-QAM, 256-QAM 
• Transmit power: Congurable in increments of 0.5 dBm
• Maximum (conducted) transmit power (limited by local  
regulatory requirements):
 - 2.4GHz band: +18 dBm per chain, +21 dBm  
aggregate (2x2)
 - 5GHz band: +18 dBm per chain, +23 dBm  
aggregate (3x3)
 - Note: conducted transmit power levels exclude antenna  
gain. For total (EIRP) transmit power, add antenna gain
•  Advanced Cellular Coexistence (ACC) minimizes 
interference from cellular networks
•  Maximum ratio combining (MRC) for improved 
receiver performance
•  Cyclic delay/shift diversity (CDD/CSD) for improved 
downlink RF performance
•  Short guard interval for 20MHz, 40MHz and 
80MHz channels
•  Space-time block coding (STBC) for increased range and 
improved reception
• Low-density parity check (LDPC) for high-eciency error 
correction and increased throughput
•  Transmit beam-forming (TxBF) for increased signal 
reliability and range
• Supported data rates (Mbps): 
 - 802.11b: 1, 2, 5.5, 11 
 - 802.11a/g: 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54 
 - 802.11n (2.4GHz): 6.5 to 300 (MCS0 to MCS15) 
 - 802.11n (5GHz): 6.5 to 450 (MCS0 to MCS23) 
 - 802.11ac: 6.5 to 1,300 (MCS0 to MCS9, NSS = 1 to 3 for  
VHT20/40/80
• 802.11n high-throughput (HT) support: HT 20/40 
• 802.11ac very high throughput (VHT) support:  
VHT 20/40/80
•  802.11n/ac packet aggregation: A-MPDU, A-MSDU
WI-FI ANTENNAS
•  AP-304/IAP-304: Three RP-SMA connectors for external 
dual band antennas. Worst-case internal loss between 
radio interface and external antenna connectors (due to 
diplexing circuitry): 0.8dB in 2.4GHz and 1.6dB in 5GHz.
•  AP-305/IAP-305: Three integrated dual-band downtilt 
omni-directional antennas for 3x3 MIMO with maximum 
antenna gain of 3.9dBi in 2.4GHz and 5.4dBi in 5GHz. 
Built-in antennas are optimized for horizontal ceiling 
mounted orientation of the AP. The downtilt angle for 
maximum gain is roughly 30 degrees.
 - The maximum gain of the combined (summed) antenna  
patterns for all elements operating in the same band is 
5.4dBi in 2.4GHz and 7.6dBi in 5GHz.
OTHER INTERFACES
• One 10/100/1000BASE-T Ethernet network interface (RJ-45) 
 - Auto-sensing link speed and MDI/MDX 
 - 802.3az Energy Ecient Ethernet (EEE) 
• USB 2.0 host interface (Type A connector) 
• Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) radio 
 - Up to 3dBm transmit power (class 2) and -92dBm  
receive sensitivity
 - Integrated antenna with roughly 30 degrees downtilt  
and peak gain of 2.3dBi (AP-304/IAP-304) or 3.4dBi 
(AP-305/IAP-305)
•  Visual indicators (multi-color LEDs): for System and 
Radio status
• Reset button: factory reset (during device power up) 
• Serial console interface (proprietary; optional adapter  
cable available)
•  Kensington security slot
POWER SOURCES AND CONSUMPTION
•  The AP supports direct DC power and Power over 
Ethernet (PoE)
•  When both power sources are available, DC power takes 
priority over PoE
• Power sources are sold separately 
• Direct DC source: 12Vdc nominal, +/- 5% 
 - Interface accepts 2.1/5.5-mm center-positive circular  
plug with 9.5-mm length
•  Power over Ethernet (PoE): 48 Vdc (nominal) 
802.3af/802.3at compliant source
 - Unrestricted functionality with 802.3at PoE 
 
 
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DATA SHEET 
ARUBA 300 SERIES ACCESS POINTS
 - When using IPM, the AP may enter power-save mode  
with reduced functionality when powered by an 802.3af 
PoE source (see details on Intelligent Power Monitoring 
elsewhere in this datasheet)
 - Without IPM, the USB port is disabled when the AP is  
powered by an 802.3af PoE source
•  Maximum (worst-case) power consumption: 13W (PoE) 
or 11W (DC)
 - Excludes power consumed by external USB device (and  
internal overhead); this could add up to 6.5W (PoE) or 
5.5W (DC) for a 5W/1A USB device
•  Maximum (worst-case) power consumption in idle mode: 
3.7W (PoE) or 2.6W (DC)
MOUNTING
• The AP ships with two (white) mounting clips to attach to a  
9/16-inch or 15/16-inch at T-bar drop-tile ceiling
• Several optional mount kits are available to attach the  
AP to a variety of surfaces; see the Ordering Information 
section below for details
MECHANICAL
• Dimensions/weight (unit, excluding mount accessories): 
 - 165mm x 165mm x 38mm 
 - 460g 
• Dimensions/weight (shipping): 
 - 205mm x 205mm x 52mm 
 - 620g 
RELIABILITY
MTBF: 1,116,000hrs (127yrs) at +25C operating temperature
REGULATORY MODEL NUMBERS
• AP-304 and IAP-304: APIN0304 
• AP-305 and IAP-305: APIN0305 
CERTIFICATIONS
• CB Scheme Safety, cTUVus 
• UL2043 plenum rating 
• Wi-Fi Alliance (WFA) certied 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
WARRANTY
• Aruba limited lifetime warranty 
MINIMUM OPERATING SYSTEM  
SOFTWARE VERSIONS
• ArubaOS 6.5.1.0, 8.1.0.0 
• Aruba InstantOS 4.3.1.0 
ENVIRONMENTAL
• Operating: 
 - Temperature: 0° C to +50° C (+32° F to +122° F) 
 - Humidity: 5% to 93% non-condensing 
• Storage and transportation: 
 - Temperature: -40° C to +70° C (-40° F to +158° F) 
REGULATORY
• FCC/Industry of Canada 
• CE Marked 
• R&TTE Directive 1995/5/EC 
• Low Voltage Directive 72/23/EEC 
• EN 300 328 
• EN 301 489 
• EN 301 893 
• UL/IEC/EN 60950 
• EN 60601-1-1, EN60601-1-2 
For more country-specic regulatory information and 
approvals, please see your Aruba representative.
 
 
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RF PERFORMANCE TABLE
DATA SHEET 
ARUBA 300 SERIES ACCESS POINTS
Maximum transmit power (dBm) 
per transmit chain
802.11b 2.4GHz
1 Mbps  18.0  -95.0
11 Mbps  18.0  -88.0
802.11g 2.4GHz
6 Mbps  18.0
54 Mbps  18.0  -74.0
802.11n HT20 2.4GHz
MCS0/8
MCS7/15
802.11n HT40 2.4GHz
MCS0/8  18.0  -88.0
MCS7/15  18.0
802.11a 5GHz
6 Mbps  18.0  -92.0
54 Mbps  18.0  -74.0
802.11n HT20 5GHz
MCS0/8/16  18.0  -91.0
MCS7/15/23  18.0  -71.0
802.11n HT40 5GHz
MCS0/8/16  18.0  -88.0
MCS7/15/23  17.0  -68.0
802.11ac VHT20 5GHz (SU-MIMO)
MCS0  18.0  -91.0
MCS8  18.0  -67.0
802.11ac VHT40 5GHz (SU-MIMO)
MCS0  18.0  -88.0
MCS9  17.0  -63.0
802.11ac VHT80 5GHz (SU-MIMO)
MCS0  18.0  -85.0
MCS9  17.0  -58.0
18.0  -91.0
18.0  -71.0
Receiver sensitivity (dBm) 
per receive chain
-92.0
-68.0
Maximum capability of the hardware provided (excluding antenna gain). Maximum transmit power is limited by local regulatory settings.
 
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DATA SHEET 
ARUBA 300 SERIES ACCESS POINTS
ORDERING INFORMATION
Part Number  Description
300 Series Access Points
AP-304  Aruba AP-304 802.11n/ac 2x2:2/3x3:3 MU-MIMO Dual Radio Antenna Connectors AP 
AP-305  Aruba AP-305 802.11n/ac 2x2:2/3x3:3 MU-MIMO Dual Radio Integrated Antenna AP 
AP-304-F1  Aruba AP-304 FIPS/TAA-compliant 802.11n/ac Dual 2x2:2/3x3:3 MU-MIMO Dual Radio Antenna Connectors AP
AP-305-F1  Aruba AP-305 FIPS/TAA-compliant 802.11n/ac Dual 2x2:2/3x3:3 MU-MIMO Dual Radio Integrated Antenna AP
Mounting Spares
AP-220-MNT-C1  Indoor Access Point suspended ceiling rail mount kit (for at rails only, black). Spare for the clips provided  
with the AP.
Mounting Accessories
AP-220-MNT-C2  Indoor Access Point suspended ceiling rail mount kit (for Interlude and Silhouette rail styles only, black). 
Alternate to standard clips provided with AP.
AP-MNT-CM1  Indoor Access Point suspended ceiling rail mount kit (industrial grade, metal). Fits most rail types
AP-220-MNT-W1  Indoor Access Point at-surface mount kit (basic, black) 
AP-220-MNT-W1W  Indoor Access Point at-surface mount kit (basic, white). Mechanically identical to AP-220-MNT-W1 
AP-220-MNT-W3  Indoor Access Point at surface mount kit (box style, secure, low-prole, large). Color: white 
Other Accessories
AP-305-CVR-20  Kit of 20 snap-on covers for AP-305. Plain white, non-glossy, with holes for LED indicators. Color: white
Generic Indoor AP Accessories
AP-AC-12V30B  12V/30W AC-to-DC Desktop Style Power Adapter with Type B DC plug (2.1/5.5/9.5mm circular, 90-degree 
angled). Note: does not include country specic AC power cord (PC-AC-xx).
PD-3501G-AC  15.4W 802.3af PoE midspan injector, 10/100/1000BASE-T Ethernet. Note: does not include country specic  
AC power cord (PC-AC-xx)
PD-9001GR-AC  30W 802.3at PoE midspan injector, 10/100/1000BASE-T Ethernet. Note: does not include country specic  
AC power cord (PC-AC-xx)
Antennas  See info on Aruba website for antenna part numbers
AP-CBL SER  Serial adapter cable for AP console port (proprietary header to DB9 female)
1344 CROSSMAN AVE |  SUNNYVALE, CA 94089
1.844.473.2782 |  T: 1.408.227.4500 |  FAX: 1.408.227.4550 |  INFO@ARUBANETWORKS.COM
www.arubanetworks.com                 DS_AP300Series_092716