Cisco SMARTnet - Extended Service - Service

Designed for organizations that depend on steady network performance, Cisco SMARTnet Extended Service delivers a predictable total cost of ownership while maximizing uptime for your Cisco deployments. This 8x5 service with Next Business Day Exchange combines expert hardware support, rapid replacements, and access to Cisco’s global technical ecosystem to keep your environment running smoothly. The physical service sub-type emphasizes hands-on maintenance by qualified technicians, ensuring that hardware faults are resolved quickly and professionally. With SMARTnet Extended Service, you gain operational stability, faster repair times, and the confidence that comes from a trusted, enterprise-grade support program that scales with your network growth.

• Comprehensive 8x5 coverage with Next Business Day hardware exchange minimizes downtime by delivering replacements when you need them most, helping keep mission-critical devices online and workloads on track.
• Fixed, predictable budgeting through a multi-year maintenance contract supports accurate forecasting and reduces the risk of unexpected repair costs, making long-term IT planning easier.
• Physical replacement service delivers hands-on expertise from Cisco-certified technicians, ensuring high-quality handling, precise RMA processing, and secure installation of replacement hardware.
• Designed for reliability in enterprise environments, SMARTnet Extended Service covers a broad range of Cisco devices and supports streamlined escalation through Cisco TAC for fast problem resolution.
• Continual access to product documentation, best practices, and updates (subject to terms) helps your team stay current with security advisories and feature enhancements while maintaining compliance with vendor guidelines.

Technical Details of Cisco SMARTnet - Extended Service - Service

• Service type: Extended Service
• Coverage level: 8x5x Next Business Day Exchange (Physical)
• Delivery model: Replacement-based support with physical hardware exchanges
• Support channels: Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC) access for diagnosis and remediation
• Value-added benefits: Access to software updates and technical documentation (per terms and eligibility)

How to install Cisco SMARTnet - Extended Service - Service

• Step 1 — Verify eligibility and prepare device data: Gather the Cisco device serial numbers, model names, and SKU information for the contracts you’re aligning with SMARTnet, and confirm coverage scope with your reseller or Cisco account team.
• Step 2 — Acquire and activate the contract: Purchase the SMARTnet Extended Service through your authorized Cisco partner, and activate the contract in the Cisco service ecosystem so devices and serials are linked to the service.
• Step 3 — Register devices in the service portal: Add each covered device to the SMARTnet portfolio within the Cisco service portal to ensure you receive timely alerts, entitlement validation, and accurate service level tracking.
• Step 4 — Establish incident and exchange procedures: Define internal escalation paths and establish how you will initiate Next Business Day exchanges with Cisco TAC, including preferred shipping methods and any depot requirements.
• Step 5 — Maintain inventory and deployment readiness: Keep replacement hardware readily available or arranged for depot exchanges as dictated by your deployment, and coordinate with your team to re-seat replacements with minimal disruption to production workloads.

Frequently asked questions

What is included with Cisco SMARTnet Extended Service?

SMARTnet Extended Service provides 8x5 coverage with Next Business Day hardware exchange, access to Cisco TAC for technical support, and ongoing access to software updates and documentation (subject to terms). It is designed to deliver rapid hardware replacement, predictable costs, and professional on-site or depot-based service to keep Cisco networks performing at peak levels.

What does Next Business Day - Exchange mean for my operations?

Next Business Day means that, after a fault is reported and validated by Cisco TAC or your authorized provider, a replacement unit is prepared and shipped to arrive on the next business day. The exchange model accelerates recovery time, reduces downtime, and helps you maintain service levels for critical applications and services.

Which devices are covered under this service?

Coverage applies to Cisco devices supported by the SMARTnet contract you purchase. The exact list of covered models and the applicable terms vary by contract and region, so it’s important to confirm device eligibility with your Cisco partner or account manager when you configure or renew SMARTnet Extended Service.

How do I activate and manage SMARTnet?

Activation typically involves linking your devices to a SMARTnet contract in the Cisco service portal, validating contact details, and ensuring your devices are registered under the appropriate entitlement. Your reseller or Cisco account team can walk you through activation, enrollment, and ongoing management of service levels.

What is meant by a Physical service sub-type?

The Physical service sub-type indicates that service delivery emphasizes tangible hardware handling, including replacement, RMA processing, and on-site or depot-based repairs performed by qualified technicians to restore hardware functionality quickly and securely.

Can SMARTnet be combined with other Cisco support programs?

Yes. SMARTnet Extended Service can be integrated with additional Cisco support options or other vendor services, depending on your architecture and maintenance strategy. Your Cisco partner can design a tailored support plan that aligns with your uptime requirements, hardware mix, and organizational priorities.