Aruba's VisualRF Plan 8.0 is a standalone, free-to-use Windows and Mac application designed for offline wireless network planning. It allows you to import floor plans, place virtual access points (APs), and simulate RF coverage before actual hardware deployment. Download Instructions
While the standalone planner was a popular tool, it is important to note that it has largely been integrated into larger platforms since 2019. To obtain version 8.0, follow these steps:
Log in to the Portal: Visit the Aruba Support Portal (ASP) or the HPE Networking Support Portal. You will need an active support account.
Navigate to Software: Head to the "Download Software" section and look for AirWave > VisualRF Plan.
Select Version 8.0: Look for the installer specifically labeled for version 8.0. Installation Requirements
Before installing, ensure your system meets these minimum specifications:
Windows: 2 GHz dual-core CPU, 4 GB RAM, and 250 MB of hard drive space.
Mac: OS X 10.6.8 or later, 4 GB RAM, and 4 GB of hard drive space. Key Features & Usage
Standalone Planning: Create site plans without requiring a live connection to an AirWave server.
Floor Plan Import: Supports standard image formats and improved AutoCAD (.dwg) file imports in version 8.0.
Bill of Materials (BOM): Generate a report of the necessary equipment for your planned deployment.
Integration: Plans created in the standalone tool can be exported and then imported into Aruba AirWave or Aruba Central for live management. Critical Note on Availability
As of late 2019, HPE Aruba shifted the development of VisualRF tools into its core management platforms, Aruba Central and AirWave. If you cannot find the standalone download on the support portal, it is likely because the feature is now accessed directly through the web UI of these management suites. VisualRF Plan 8.0 Release Notes | PDF - Scribd
For more information on VisualRF Plan, refer to the Aruba AirWave 8.2 User Guide. * Installing VisualRF Plan 8.0. VisualRF Plan 8. About VisualRF Plan - HPE Aruba Networking
VisualRF Plan 8.0 was a popular standalone wireless planning tool from Aruba Networks (now HPE Aruba Networking), designed to help engineers visualize and simulate RF coverage. Current Availability of VisualRF Plan 8.0 visualrf plan 8.0 download
As of 2019, Aruba discontinued VisualRF Plan 8.0 as a separate, downloadable software product. It is no longer officially available for standalone download from the Aruba Support Portal . Today, the VisualRF engine is integrated directly into: Aruba AirWave: The on-premises network management suite. Aruba Central: The cloud-based management platform.
For standalone predictive wireless planning, HPE Aruba Networking now officially recommends using third-party industry-standard tools like Ekahau AI Pro. Key Features of VisualRF Plan 8.0
When it was active, version 8.0 introduced several significant updates to the planning workflow: VisualRF Plan 8.0 Release Notes | PDF | Computers - Scribd
For more information on VisualRF Plan, refer to the Aruba AirWave 8.2 User Guide. * Installing VisualRF Plan 8.0. VisualRF Plan 8.
VisualRF Plan 8.0 Installation Guide | PDF | Computers - Scribd
Here’s a concise write-up on “VisualRF Plan 8.0 Download”, written for a network administrator or IT professional looking to access this specific version of the wireless planning tool.
Once you have downloaded the installer, keep these tips in mind for a smooth setup:
To run VisualRF Plan 8.0 effectively, your host machine must meet these specs:
| Component | Minimum | Recommended | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | CPU | 2 cores @ 2.0 GHz | 4 cores @ 2.5 GHz+ | | RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB (for large maps > 200 APs) | | Storage | 120 GB HDD | 240 GB SSD (faster map loading) | | OS for VM Host | Windows Server 2016, Ubuntu 18.04, or ESXi 6.5 | Ubuntu 20.04 or ESXi 7.0 | | Client Browser | Chrome 80+, Firefox 75+ (Flash no longer required) | Chrome latest |
Important: VisualRF Plan 8.0 uses Java applets for some advanced editing. You may need to enable Java in your browser (not recommended for security) or use the native HTML5 viewer.
Introduction VisualRF Plan, a core component of Aerohive (now part of Extreme Networks) HiveManager, is a powerful Wi-Fi planning and heatmapping tool. Version 8.0 represents a specific release in the product’s evolution, offering features like predictive heatmaps, AP placement assistance, and coverage analysis. This write-up provides a practical guide to obtaining VisualRF Plan 8.0.
Important Prerequisites Before searching for the download, note that VisualRF Plan is not typically sold or downloaded as a standalone application for version 8.0. Instead, it operates as:
How to Obtain VisualRF 8.0
Option 1: HiveManager Classic (On-Premises) If you hold a valid support contract for Aerohive/Extreme’s on-premises HiveManager version 8.0: Aruba's VisualRF Plan 8
.ova or .zip file, deploy it on VMware or KVM, and access VisualRF Plan via the web UI.Option 2: HiveManager NG (Cloud)
Option 3: Legacy Standalone Client (Not for 8.0)
VisualRF_Plan_8.0.exe or .dmg file outside of Extreme Networks, it is likely unofficial, unsupported, or a security risk. Only use downloads from the official portal.Step-by-Step Download Instructions (For HiveManager Classic v8.0)
Legal & Support Notice
Troubleshooting: Common “Download Not Found” Issues
Conclusion Obtaining VisualRF Plan 8.0 requires either downloading the HiveManager Classic 8.0 virtual appliance (via an active support account) or using the cloud-based HiveManager NG. There is no standalone download for VisualRF Plan 8.0. Always source software directly from Extreme Networks to ensure compatibility, security, and licensing compliance.
VisualRF Plan 8.0 is a standalone RF planning tool from Aruba (an HPE company) used to design and simulate wireless network coverage. While it was previously available as a separate download, it is now primarily integrated into Aruba AirWave and Aruba Central. Key Features of VisualRF Plan 8.0
This version introduced several critical updates to the wireless planning workflow:
Multi-Platform Support: Version 8.0 expanded its reach by adding support for Mac OS X (10.6.8 or later) alongside Windows.
AutoCAD Integration: It resolved previous issues with importing .dwg files, allowing for more seamless transitions from architectural blueprints to RF heatmaps.
Bill of Materials (BOM): Automatically generates a list of required access points (APs) and equipment based on your simulated floor plan.
Wall Material Simulation: Users can draw walls and assign specific materials (e.g., concrete, drywall, glass) to accurately predict signal attenuation.
No License Required: VisualRF Plan remains free for users with a valid Aruba Support portal account. How to Download VisualRF Plan 8.0
As of late 2019, Aruba discontinued VisualRF Plan as a standalone public product. However, users with existing support contracts can still access it through official channels: Aruba Support Portal: Log in to the Aruba Support Portal. Prerequisites:
Navigation: Go to Download Software > AirWave > VisualRF Plan.
Alternative: Current users of Aruba AirWave can access the VisualRF module directly within their management console. Minimum System Requirements
To ensure stable performance during RF simulations, your machine should meet these specifications:
Step 1: Deploy the OVA
Import HiveManager-VM-6.9r1a.ova into your hypervisor. Allocate at least 2 vCPUs.
Step 2: Initial Boot & Network Setup
The VM will boot to a console prompt. Log in as admin (default password: aerohive). Run the setup script to assign your static IP, gateway, and DNS.
Step 3: Access the Web UI
From a Windows/Linux machine on the same network, open a browser to https://[your-HM-IP]:8080 (or default port 443). Ignore SSL certificate warnings.
Step 4: Navigate to VisualRF
Log in to HiveManager (default: admin / admin123). Go to Monitor > VisualRF. If this is your first time, the system will prompt you to upload a license file.
Step 5: License Activation
VisualRF Plan 8.0 requires a valid license key. If you don’t have one, you cannot download the software legally. Contact Extreme Networks licensing at legacy-licensing@extremenetworks.com with your product serial number.
Step 6: Upload Floor Plans
Click Add Floor > Upload image (PNG/JPEG) or CAD (DWG). Calibrate the scale (e.g., 100 ft = 150 pixels).
Step 7: Simulate & Save
Drag AP models (e.g., AP250, AP122) onto the map. Click Simulate to generate heatmaps. Use File > Export Plan to save your .vrf project file.
Given that VisualRF Plan 8.0 is nearly 6 years old, Extreme Networks strongly recommends migrating to ExtremeCloud IQ (formerly HiveManager NG). Here is how the new platform compares:
| Feature | VisualRF Plan 8.0 | ExtremeCloud IQ (current) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Deployment | On-prem VM | Cloud/SaaS or on-prem (Connect) | | Updates | Manual (end-of-life as of 2023) | Automatic continuous delivery | | AI Co-pilot | No | Yes (auto-AP placement, channel optimization) | | Client-based simulation | Predictive only | Predictive + actual client telemetry | | Cost | Perpetual license (legacy) | Subscription (monthly/yearly) |
If you can switch: Request a trial of ExtremeCloud IQ – it includes a modern VisualRF module that imports 8.0 project files.
