The honest Cisco maintenance alternative
Cisco sells support as SmartNet Total Care (SNTC) for hardware RMA and TAC, with software entitlement handled separately through a Software Support Service or DNA licensing. It is effective, but priced at OEM list and capped at the platform’s Last Date of Support.
Servnet replaces the hardware side as independent third-party maintenance — advance spares, on-site engineering and per-device SLAs — for up to 40% less, continuing for years past LDoS. We are transparent about what stays with Cisco (IOS/NX-OS updates, security patches, TAC), and help you keep only the software entitlement you genuinely need.
Cisco SmartNet vs Servnet Maintenance
| Attribute | Cisco SmartNet | Servnet TPM ✓ |
|---|---|---|
| Covered platforms | Cisco only | Catalyst, Nexus, ISR/ASR + mixed estate |
| Hardware replacement | RMA via SmartNet contract | UK spares — NBD · 4-hour · same-day |
| Post-LDoS coverage | Ends at Last Date of Support | Continues for years beyond Cisco LDoS |
| IOS / NX-OS updates | Included with SWSS / DNA | Advised — keep Cisco software where needed |
| Account management | Partner / TAC routing | Named UK account manager |
| Annual cost | SmartNet list price + uplift | Up to 40% less on hardware support |
Cisco Platforms We Maintain
Current campus and data-centre kit through to platforms already past Cisco LDoS.
Explore Networking Across Servnet
Maintain, refresh or migrate your network — wired, wireless and SD-WAN.
Cisco SmartNet Alternative — FAQs
For hardware support, yes. Servnet provides independent third-party maintenance for Cisco network hardware — fault diagnosis, advance replacement parts from UK stock, and on-site engineering — covering the same outcomes as SmartNet/SNTC hardware coverage at typically 30–40% less. The honest distinction is software: Cisco IOS-XE/NX-OS feature updates, PSIRT security patches and TAC software cases require a Cisco software entitlement (SWSS/DNA). We advise on the right split for your estate.
LDoS is the final milestone in Cisco’s end-of-life policy — typically around five years after End-of-Sale — after which Cisco provides no support, RMAs or fixes for that platform. SmartNet cannot be renewed beyond it. Servnet continues hardware maintenance past LDoS using certified spares, which is the most common reason organisations move Cisco kit to third-party maintenance.
Catalyst campus switches (9200–9600 and legacy 3850/3750/2960), Nexus 9000/7000/3000 data-centre switches, ISR and ASR routers, MDS fibre-channel SAN directors, and UCS C-/B-Series compute with Fabric Interconnects. Legacy platforms already past Cisco LDoS are fully supportable.
Software updates, PSIRT security advisories and TAC software support are delivered by Cisco under a software subscription (SWSS) or DNA licensing — third-party maintenance does not replace those. Many organisations run a stable, certified IOS image after LDoS and keep Servnet purely for hardware, adding Cisco software only where security or compliance requires it. We will map the right approach with you.
Yes. Servnet holds Cisco spares in UK stock and ships advance replacements to meet your SLA — NBD, 4-hour or same-day — with on-site engineering available. Whole-unit and line-card replacements are covered, including on platforms Cisco no longer supports.
Hardware maintenance is typically 30–40% below equivalent SmartNet list price, with the largest savings on ageing or post-LDoS estate. Send your Cisco inventory and current SmartNet contract for a like-for-like comparison within one business day.
Compare Your Cisco SmartNet Costs
Send us your Cisco inventory and current SmartNet contract — we’ll return a like-for-like Servnet hardware-maintenance comparison within one business day.