Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract of HPE Aruba Networking Switching:
The requirement in this question is to allow IT staff to provision unique pre-shared keys (PSKs) for each IoT device on a single SSID, ensuring that one device’s PSK cannot be used by another. This is the definition of Multi-Pre-Shared Key (MPSK) functionality.
HPE Aruba Networking supports three main MPSK deployment methods:
MPSK with ClearPass – Keys are managed and validated via ClearPass Policy Manager.
MPSK with Cloud Authentication – Keys are generated, stored, and managed natively through Aruba Central Cloud Authentication.
In this scenario, the IT Helpdesk wants a simplified, cloud-based method to generate and manage per-device unique PSKs without needing a ClearPass deployment. This aligns directly with MPSK AES with HPE Aruba Networking Central Cloud Authentication.
Exact Extract from HPE Aruba Networking Switching and Central Documentation:
“MPSK with Cloud Authentication allows administrators to configure a single SSID where each device is assigned a unique PSK. The PSKs are securely stored and validated using Aruba Central’s cloud-based authentication service.”
“Each PSK is tied to a specific client identity. If another device attempts to connect using the same PSK, the authentication will fail.”
“This method simplifies onboarding of IoT and headless devices while maintaining security equivalent to 802.1X.”
Thus, the correct recommendation is MPSK AES with Aruba Central Cloud Authentication, which fully supports per-device key uniqueness, centralized management, and cloud-based authentication—ideal for IoT device onboarding.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:
A. MPSK AES with ClearPass:Valid and secure, but requires an on-prem ClearPass Policy Manager deployment. The question specifies a simpler method for IT Helpdesk to manage keys directly, which Cloud Authentication provides natively.
“ClearPass MPSK requires policy manager integration; Aruba Central Cloud Authentication provides a simpler cloud-native alternative.”
C. MPSK Local:Suitable for small static environments, but not scalable and requires manual key creation on the AP or gateway. Does not allow IT staff to easily generate new keys per device via Central.
“MPSK Local does not support centralized lifecycle management or key revocation.”
D. MPSK AES with MAC Auth:MPSK already handles per-device authentication via unique keys; MAC authentication is unnecessary and less secure.
“MAC authentication is an alternate method for non-802.1X devices but is not required with MPSK.”
References of HPE Aruba Networking Switching Documents or Study Guide:
Aruba Central Cloud Authentication and MPSK Deployment Guide – “Configuring MPSK AES with Cloud Authentication.”
Aruba Wi-Fi 6 and IoT Integration Best Practices Guide – “Securing IoT with Cloud-Managed MPSK.”
ArubaOS 10 WLAN Configuration Guide – “MPSK Modes (Local, ClearPass, Cloud Authentication) and Use Cases.”
