Major Update & New Features: HPE Networking Instant On 1840 and 1940 Series

SMBs are growing faster than ever. Teams are increasingly adopting AI-centric applications, customers and visitors use AI on mobile devices, and operations rely more on connected devices—from access points and security cameras to point-of-sale systems, collaboration tools, and smart building technologies. As these tools and systems evolve, legacy networks struggle to meet bandwidth demands. Networks must now enable businesses to operate securely, efficiently, and with confidence.

We are pleased to introduce two new products for HPE Networking's Instant On Switching line: the Instant On Switch Series 1940 and the Instant On Pro Series 1840. Together, these switches expand choices for customers and community members, helping organizations align their network infrastructure with current workflows and future growth plans.

Better wired infrastructure for modern SMBs

Every enterprise has unique networking needs. Some organizations are preparing for high-bandwidth applications, dense user environments, multi-site operations, or demanding wireless deployments. Others require reliable gigabit access, practical PoE capacity, and simple management to keep daily operations running smoothly. The Instant On Switch 1940 and 1840 series delivers on these needs with simplicity, security, and value—meeting customer expectations for Instant On.

Both series are managed via the HPE Instant On Cloud portal, mobile app, or local web interface, offering flexible wired network deployment, monitoring, and management. Importantly, these devices have no hidden subscription or licensing fees, enabling organizations to plan with confidence and reduce total cost of ownership.

Meet the Instant On 1940 series

The Instant On Switch 1940 series is built for growing businesses that demand higher performance, flexibility, and scalability. It features Layer 2+ intelligent managed switching, HPE Smart Rate Multi-Gig capabilities (2.5G, 5G, and 10G), 10G fiber uplinks, and select high-budget PoE models (up to 600W) — all designed to support rapidly expanding network traffic.

For customers deploying next-generation wireless access points, high-resolution surveillance, smart building devices, or AI-driven applications, the 1940 switch offers a practical path to higher bandwidth and expanded PoE budgets without adding unnecessary operational overhead. Built-in static routing optimizes local traffic flows, while advanced security features—including access control, traffic segmentation, and TPM 2.0 hardware-level attestation—secure the network edge.

In short, the 1940 series is designed for customers ready to move beyond basic connectivity and build AI-ready, cloud-managed wired infrastructure for high-performance business operations.

Meet the Instant On 1840 series

The Instant Switch series 1840 delivers a reliable and cost-effective Gigabit access layer for SMBs, designed for everyday operations. Ideal for offices, retail stores, cafes, clinics, and other environments that require dependable wired connections, practical PoE, and intuitive management.

With Layer 2 Gigabit switching, PoE support up to 4 on select models, dedicated uplink options, and built-in security features, the 1840 switch helps customers connect devices that keep their business running. Designed to support critical infrastructure such as wireless access points, phones, cameras, door locks, back-office workstations, and point-of-sale systems—all while keeping deployment and ongoing management simple.

For enterprises seeking the right scale, reliable uptime, high value, and no ongoing licensing fees, 1840 switches deliver the simplicity and reliability Instant On is known for.

Primary Use Cases

Instant Open Series 1940

• High-performance wireless environment: Supports next-generation access points and bandwidth-intensive applications, featuring multi-gigabit connectivity, high-speed uplinks, and PoE options.

• Scale your multi-device business: Connect more users, cameras, phones, and smart devices across offices, clinics, schools, and hotels with advanced segmentation and traffic control.

Instant Open Series 1840

• Everyday Business Connectivity: Reliable 1G access for workstations, printers, access points, and POS systems in small offices, retail stores, and cafés.

• Simple PoE deployment: Power key devices like phones, cameras, door locks, and access points while keeping installation and management simple.

More new content is available on the HPE Networking Instant On Cloud Portal 3.4.1

Instant On 1840 and 1940 Switch Exclusive Features

• Fast PoE: Supplies power to connected PoE devices during switch startup. Benefits include earlier recovery of access points, IP phones, cameras, and access control systems after a power outage, helping to minimize downtime.

• Always-on PoE: Keeps supported PoE devices powered during switch reboots or when applying certain updates. Use case: Critical endpoints such as cameras, phones, access points, and badge readers remain powered during planned maintenance.

• Additional benefits of 1840 year Instant Events: 1840 switches support RADIUS, port security, and access control lists (ACLs) — features not available on the previous 1830 series. RADIUS provides centralized authentication, port security restricts devices connected via ports, and ACLs define rules to allow or block traffic.

QoS configuration update for all Instant On users

For all Instant On users, Cloud Portal 3.4.1 has enhanced the Quality of Service (QoS) configuration experience, allowing administrators to more clearly prioritize critical business traffic. Administrators can now set network (SSID/VLAN) priorities based on their needs, rather than being limited to the default values in Instant On Cloud Portal. For example, if you operate a boutique hotel with separate guest and staff networks where guest traffic is typically set to "Low" priority by default, the latest QoS update enables admins to prioritize guest traffic above staff traffic, ensuring a better guest experience. For deployments using Instant On Security Gateways, upload and download speeds for individual networks can be throttled independently of total bandwidth limits.

Adjusting WAN Load Balancing in Secure Gateway Deployment

For deployments with HPE Networking Instant On Security Gateways and multi-WAN connections, version 3.4.1 allows administrators to adjust WAN load balancing behavior with a simple slider. These enhancements support more balanced connectivity for small businesses—such as those with dual ISPs, branch offices, or sites requiring internet resilience—while maintaining the simple cloud management experience Instant On customers expect.