Network switch time between replacement

Question

How often do you roll out new network switches/ how often are the older ones replaced?

score 2 · Accepted Answer · answered Nov 09 '09 at 23:17

I replace switches:

When they fail
When I need switches that support a new capability (1gb, PoE)

I rarely get rid of old working switches, but frequently they get moved into less critical roles. The switches at the core are the ones where you usually need new features or capabilities.

score 1 · Answer 2 · answered Nov 09 '09 at 23:34

1

Replace when they fail
New features
When the model is EOL or when vendor no longer supports device

Most manufactures support a EOL device for a few more years and depends on your support contracts!

answered Nov 09 '09 at 23:34

xeon

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Having a pool of cold spares can be cheap insurance to allow you to continue using EOL switches even after the manufacturer has decided (by way of ending support) that you should replace them. – Evan Anderson Nov 09 '09 at 23:51
+1 We have a lot of switches probably pushing a decade old that we really have absolutely no reason to replace. – sclarson Nov 10 '09 at 01:37
+1 Evan's suggestion of keeping cold spares. – Nic Nov 10 '09 at 03:58

score 0 · Answer 3 · edited Sep 29 '10 at 06:58

0

In a very critical enviroment that would result in loosing a lot of money when the switch fails like in our enviroment (millions). We replace them every ten years.

edited Sep 29 '10 at 06:58

splattne

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answered Sep 23 '10 at 01:22

Network switch time between replacement

3 Answers3