For IT managers, network engineers, and procurement teams, understanding the Cisco switch end-of-support list is essential to maintain a secure and reliable network. Cisco products follow a multi-stage lifecycle, including End-of-Sale (EoS) and End-of-Service-Life (EOSL, also called Last Date of Support, LDoS).
In industry practice, End-of-Life (EOL) often refers to the entire phase-out process of a product, while EOSL is the final date Cisco provides support or service. According to Cisco’s official End-of-Life & End-of-Sale bulletins (Cisco.com) and Router-Switch’s updated EOS/EOL page (Router-Switch.com), monitoring these dates ensures proactive planning and budget optimization.
Key Cisco switch series and their support timelines are summarized below. The table focuses on End-of-Sale and Last Date of Support (EOSL), which are the critical dates for operational planning.
Part 2: How to Check Cisco Switch End-of-Support Dates
Official Cisco Announcements: Visit Cisco’s "End-of-Sale and End-of-Life Products" section for authoritative EoS and EOSL dates. Subscribe to notifications to receive updates automatically.
Third-Party EOSL Libraries: Use sources like Park Place Technologies EOSL Library or Router-Switch.com for consolidated, searchable EOSL lists.
Device CLI Verification: Identify your device model and serial number via: show version show inventory Then cross-reference with official or third-party EOSL lists.
Part 3: Recommended Replacement Options
When a Cisco switch nears EOSL, plan your replacement to maintain network performance, security, and vendor support:
Catalyst Series → Catalyst 9200, 9300, 9500 Series
Nexus Series → Nexus 3000, 5000, 7000, 9000 Series
Meraki Series → Latest MS or MX models
For pricing and availability of replacement models such as Catalyst 9200 or Nexus 9300, refer to the Router-Switch online catalog. Third-party maintenance providers can extend support for some hardware beyond Cisco’s EOSL, offering a cost-effective option for budget-sensitive deployments.
Part 4: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How to check end-of-life Cisco switch?
Check Cisco’s official EoS/EOL bulletins or Router-Switch’s EOS/EOL page. Identify the switch model via CLI (show version) and confirm EOSL dates.
Q2: What is Cisco's end of life?
EOL refers to the overall lifecycle phase-out of a product, including End-of-Sale (EoS) and End-of-Service-Life (EOSL). EOSL is the final date for support.
Q3: What is the lifespan of a Cisco switch?
Cisco does not define a fixed lifespan. Each model has its own EOSL date. For example, Catalyst 2960X → 2027-10-31, Nexus 3548-X → 2027-01-31.
Q4: Is the Cisco 9300 end of life?
Catalyst 9300: Still supported and listed in Router-Switch’s catalog.
Nexus 9300: Some early modules (e.g., 93128TX) reached EOSL in 2022–2023. Check model-specific EOSL for accurate info.
Q5: Where to find official Cisco EoS/EoL announcements?
Cisco publishes them on its website. Router-Switch.com provides a convenient aggregated view with direct links.
Q6: What should I do after a Cisco switch reaches EOSL?
Consider upgrading to newer Cisco models or using third-party maintenance. Ensure continuity, security, and access to latest software features.
Conclusion
Monitoring the Cisco switch end-of-support list is critical for proactive network management. By understanding Cisco switch lifecycle, EoS, and EOSL dates, IT professionals can avoid risks, optimize budgets, and ensure uninterrupted operations. For detailed EOS/EOL listings and replacement options, visit Router-Switch.com, your resource for legit Cisco hardware and end-of-support insights.
