Technology keeps advancing and demanding network infrastructure changes. Behind the scenes though, most companies are still relying upon old-world functioning techniques with already EOL-status Cisco switches. There are still some models that this end-of-life status does not apply to. This implies that even though Cisco has taken away its support and updates for them it is yet feasible to duly support corporates that want to have the maximum outputs for their stored capital. Here is a list of 5 such point-and-shoot EoL-labeled service delivery switches still working well and well poised to do so over the upcoming five years:
1. Cisco Catalyst 3850 Series
End-of-life Date: October 30, 2023
Why It’s Still Viable: For stacking capabilities, high performance Layer 3 routing, and support for Cisco’s Unified Access Data Plane (UADP) ASIC, the Catalyst 3850 instances stand high. With stack bandwidth going to as high as 480 Gbps, it would still give enough serviceability to major enterprise networks if provided with decent maintenance and assistance with customer support plans.
2. Cisco Catalyst 2960-X Series
End-of-life Date: October 31, 2025
Why It’s Still Viable: One with probably the highest share of units sold, this is a small switch that is known for its operational characteristics such as being power efficient, having a high port density, and providing good security. Despite the retirement, one can still count on Catalytic C2960-X to deliver Gigabit Ethernet connection, support the PoE format, and be bundled with the popular software version (LAN Base), thereby making it a feasible choice for those seeking an inexpensive solution for the next couple of years.
3. Cisco Nexus 5500 Series
End-of-life Date: April 30, 2023
Why It’s Still Viable: In leading data centers, the Nexus 5500 Series offers low-latency, high-speed, and FCoE support. Even if the nexus has stopped producing the series, this choice would still serve the enterprise very well for the next phase with its scalability, virtualization capabilities, and 10/40GbE port support.
4. Cisco Catalyst 4500-X Series
End-of-life Date: July 31, 2024
Why It’s Still Viable: Designed for exceptionally high core and aggregation performance, Catalyst 4500-X nevertheless remains an excellent choice for any organization looking to provide a modular, massively scalable, and ultra-resilient switching system. Uplinks-these switches feature 40GbE uplinks, virtual switching system (VSS), and advanced QoS features such that the switches could add much value to enterprise networks for many year
5. Cisco Small Business SG500 Series
End-of-life date: June 30, 2023
Why It’s still Viable: The SG500 series by Cisco, for small businesses, comes with good Layer 3 switching, energy efficiency, and simple-to-manage features. These switches, while reaching EoL, will take the heat and offer good service for those companies that must have reasonably priced and quite operative networking hardware and cannot afford upfront upgrades.
Extending the Life of EOL Cisco Switches
Here, we list some ways or choices to stretch the validity of such switches beyond their EOL-or certainly another five years:
- Firmware: Install the latest upgrades from these switches as they come due before the support runs out.
- Third-Party Maintenance (TPM) Services: One should look for TPM maintainers to have their continuing support and maintenance.
- Equipment Testing: Keep in mind the timely replacement of power supplies and fan parts when some indicate failure to prevent switches from becoming useless.
- Air Conditioning: Take care your premise is ever moderately cold to do away with the otherwise undeniable incidents of overheating.
- Separating Segments of the Network: Use certain newer equipment for the extensive works and serve EoL switches in less critical areas.
Conclusion
Technology keeps moving ahead, with a variety of newer networking solutions constantly inspiring but a section of old boys still providing decent reliability, performance, and scalability to companies unwilling to consider an upgrade just yet. Cisco Catalyst 3850, 2960-X, Nexus 5500, 4500-X, and SG500 series switches will allow substantially strong business continuity to an organization known for its pursuit of longevity. However, enabled strategic deployment and proactive maintenance are required with these switces software defined LAN switches over the next five years.
This is super helpful! We were debating whether to keep our old Cisco 3750s or upgrade. Looks like they still have some life left!