Cisco SMARTnet Extended Service

Experience reliable, proactive support for your Cisco infrastructure with Cisco SMARTnet Extended Service. This comprehensive service plan delivers 8 x 5 coverage with Next Business Day exchanges, covering parts and both physical and electronic support. It’s designed to minimize downtime, accelerate problem resolution, and safeguard your investment with a streamlined, responsive support framework.

Cisco SMARTnet Extended Service provides peace of mind for IT teams managing mission-critical networks. With access to Cisco's Technical Assistance Center (TAC), hardware replacement options, and a robust parts catalog, you can keep business operations running smoothly even when hardware or software issues arise. The electronic service component emphasizes fast, digital pathways to case creation and status updates, enabling your team to stay informed throughout the resolution process. This combination of hands-on replacement, rapid access to expert guidance, and streamlined service delivery helps organizations maintain peak performance, reduce incident duration, and protect against costly outages.

• Fast, reliable support during business hours: 8 x 5 coverage provides access to Cisco technical experts when you need them most, helping you diagnose and resolve complex network issues efficiently.
• Next Business Day hardware exchange: When a hardware fault is identified, a replacement unit or parts are shipped by the next business day to minimize downtime and keep your network online.
• Parts included for rapid repair: Comprehensive parts coverage ensures the necessary components are available to restore devices quickly, reducing mean time to repair (MTTR).
• Physical and electronic support channels: The service combines on-site or remote assistance with electronic access to resources, case management, and ongoing technical guidance to keep your environments protected.
• Enhanced client service through electronic sub-type: Electronic service options offer prioritized access, faster case handling, and a streamlined experience for complex or ongoing support needs.

Technical Details of Cisco SMARTnet Extended Service

• Service Type: Extended Service
• Coverage: 8 x 5 x Next Business Day - Exchange - Parts - Physical, Electronic
• Replacement Service: Included
• Support Sub Type: Electronic service with enhanced client service
• Included Resources: Parts; Physical and Electronic support

How to install Cisco SMARTnet Extended Service

Activation of Cisco SMARTnet Extended Service does not require hardware installation. To enroll the service for your devices, work with your Cisco account representative or your preferred Cisco partner. Gather your device information, including serial numbers and SKUs, purchase details, and the specific Cisco products covered under the contract. Enroll the devices in the SMARTnet plan through the Cisco support portal or via your appointed account manager. Once enrolled, you will have access to Cisco TAC, software updates (where applicable to your devices), and the hardware replacement process under the defined 8 x 5 Next Business Day terms. If you are migrating from a different support contract, coordinate activation to avoid coverage gaps, and update asset records to reflect the new SMARTnet coverage. Regularly review the contract terms to ensure ongoing eligibility and understand how renewal affects coverage and response times.

Frequently asked questions

• What is Cisco SMARTnet Extended Service? A enterprise-grade support contract that provides hardware replacement, access to Cisco’s Technical Assistance Center, and electronic support resources for Cisco devices, designed to minimize downtime and maximize network availability.
• What does 8 x 5 coverage mean? Coverage during standard business hours (typically Monday through Friday, excluding holidays) with support available within those times. It does not imply 24/7 coverage unless stated in a specific plan variant.
• What is included in the Next Business Day exchange? If a covered device fails or experiences a hardware fault, Cisco will arrange for a replacement component or device to be shipped the next business day to restore service as quickly as possible.
• How do I activate or enroll in the service? Work with your Cisco account manager or partner to attach the SMARTnet Extended Service to the relevant devices using their serial numbers or SKUs. Activation is typically done through the Cisco support portal or via contract documentation provided by Cisco.
• Does the service include software updates? In most SMARTnet plans, customers gain access to necessary software updates and resources as part of the service, subject to product eligibility and applicable license terms. Verify the exact software coverage for your device family when enrolling.
• Which devices are covered? The service coverages apply to Cisco devices listed under the contract. It is best to confirm the exact device scope with your account manager or partner during enrollment.
• What are the benefits of the electronic service sub-type? Enhanced client service through electronic channels typically provides faster case creation, status updates, and easier access to support resources, improving the overall response experience.