In ArubaOS 10.x, while heterogeneous clusters are supported, there are specific limitations based on the gateway platforms being combined. A cluster composed of a mix of Aruba 7200 Series and 7000 Series gateways is restricted to a maximum of four nodes. The customer has a total of six gateways (four 7200 Series and two 7000 Series). Since this exceeds the four-node limit for this specific combination, it is not possible to form a single cluster using all six gateways. This is a fundamental design constraint for this type of mixed-platform deployment.

A. This is a general prerequisite for any cluster; all nodes must run the same software version. It is a configurable state, not a fundamental design limitation preventing the use of these specific hardware models.

B. This statement is false. Heterogeneous clusters combining 7200 and 7000 series gateways are supported in ArubaOS 10.x, but with the specific node count limitation described in the correct answer.

C. This describes a performance characteristic of a heterogeneous cluster, where the overall capacity is limited by the least capable member. It does not prevent the formation of the cluster itself.

1. ArubaOS 10.3.0.0 User Guide

Chapter: "Gateway Clustering"

Section: "Cluster Profile". The guide states

"A cluster can have a maximum of 12 gateways of the same platform type (all 7200 Series or all 7000 Series). A heterogeneous cluster of 7200 Series and 7000 Series gateways can have a maximum of 4 gateways." (Reference available via the Aruba Support Portal for registered users).

2. Aruba Campus Gateway Architecture and Sizing Guide

Section: "Gateway Cluster Design". This document outlines the scaling and design rules for gateway clusters

specifying that "A mixed cluster of 7000 and 7200 Series Gateways is limited to 4 members." (Page 12).