AP-515 vs AP-635 vs AP-735: an Aruba upgrade and purchasing guide

Start with the application, not the model number

AP-515, AP-635 and AP-735 belong to the Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 generations respectively. This helps define a shortlist, but does not establish regional availability, permitted bands or compatibility with an existing network. Confirm the complete regional SKU, client capabilities and software architecture before ordering.

Model	Generation	First purchasing question
AP-515	Wi-Fi 6	Is this an expansion, a replacement at an existing location, or a full refresh?
AP-635	Wi-Fi 6E	Do the destination, clients and software support the intended radio deployment?
AP-735	Wi-Fi 7	Have Central licensing and the wired network been included in the budget?

Expanding an existing network

List existing APs, controllers or management accounts, software versions, switch models and power sources. Record the locations and times of poor performance, the affected clients and the business applications involved. Coverage gaps, airtime congestion and a wired bottleneck call for different remedies.

A working network does not automatically need a complete refresh. Check whether a staged expansion or an uplink, power or configuration change addresses the problem. For a refresh, plan mixed-device operation and migration windows; a matching mounting position does not establish a drop-in replacement.

Five checks for a new deployment

1. Clients: supported wireless capabilities, concurrent users and actual applications.
2. Site: floor plans, materials, mounting height and busy areas. Determine AP counts from coverage and capacity design rather than a fixed area-per-AP rule.
3. Power: target operating mode, restricted-power behavior, switch port capability and total PoE budget.
4. Wired network: access speed, cabling, aggregation and the internet connection. Aggregate wireless PHY rates are not measured client throughput.
5. Management: platform support, software version, account ownership and subscription term. The 730 series ordering guide requires Central licensing; include it when evaluating AP-735.

Common questions

Will Wi-Fi 7 speed up every client?

No performance improvement is guaranteed by the AP generation alone. Validate representative clients and applications against the intended bands, software and wired infrastructure before expanding the rollout.

Can I reuse the old PoE switches and brackets?

Check the exact power mode, ports, cabling and mounting compatibility. An AP powering on does not confirm unrestricted operation. Similar enclosures do not establish identical mounting kits or package contents.

Prepare a configuration request

Include the complete SKU, quantity, destination country, management platform and required installation components. Review the network BOM template, or request a comparison quote for these three models.