Cisco SMARTnet Extended Service — 8x5x Next Business Day Exchange

Secure your Cisco investment with Cisco SMARTnet Extended Service. This robust 8x5 coverage with Next Business Day exchange delivers enterprise-grade hardware support, rapid replacement, and direct access to Cisco engineering resources. It’s designed to minimize downtime across data centers, campus networks, and edge locations, delivering predictable budgeting and streamlined contract management. As networks grow more complex, SMARTnet Extended Service provides the reliability, expertise, and coverage depth IT teams rely on to keep critical devices online and performing at peak levels.

• 8x5 coverage with Next Business Day Exchange: Enterprise-grade support during business hours with a rapid replacement window that keeps your mission-critical hardware functioning and your operations moving forward.
• Physical replacement service: A hands-on replacement model that delivers fast, tangible hardware exchanges, backed by Cisco’s experienced field and engineering teams to restore service quickly.
• Access to Cisco TAC and engineering resources: Direct access to Cisco’s Technical Assistance Center during covered hours, helping diagnose complex issues efficiently and reduce downtime.
• Investment protection and reliability: A predictable, renewable service that extends device life, stabilizes maintenance costs, and strengthens network resilience against unexpected faults.
• Simple activation and ongoing management: Streamlined onboarding, easy contract renewal, and centralized asset tracking to ensure continuous protection without administrative overhead.

Technical Details of Cisco SMARTnet Extended Service

• Service Sub Type: Physical
• Coverage: 8x5 business hours
• Response/Delivery: Next Business Day Exchange
• Service Model: Hardware exchange to restore functionality with Cisco support
• Included Resources: Access to Cisco TAC during coverage hours for troubleshooting and guidance
• Eligibility: Cisco networking hardware covered under an active SMARTnet contract

How to install Cisco SMARTnet Extended Service

• Step 1 — Confirm eligibility: Verify that your Cisco devices are covered under an active SMARTnet contract and identify the exact SKUs or serial numbers to ensure accurate coverage mapping.
• Step 2 — Gather device details: Compile essential information such as serial numbers, model names, and current warranty or contract status to streamline activation and future renewals.
• Step 3 — Activate the service: Access your Cisco account or work with your Cisco partner to activate the SMARTnet Extended Service against the applicable devices, ensuring the correct coverage windows are configured.
• Step 4 — Assign coverage to devices: Link the Extended Service to the targeted Cisco hardware so that exchanges and TAC access align with the exact equipment under protection.
• Step 5 — Validate and monitor: Confirm service activation with Cisco and monitor coverage status in your contract dashboard to ensure uninterrupted protection and renewals when due.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is included with Cisco SMARTnet Extended Service?

  A: SMARTnet Extended Service provides 8x5 coverage, Next Business Day hardware replacement (exchange), physical replacement support, access to Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC) during covered hours, and streamlined contract management for eligible Cisco networking hardware.

• Q: How fast is a replacement once a fault is identified?

  A: Replacement is provided as a Next Business Day Exchange, designed to minimize downtime by delivering a replacement unit or component within the next business day after the service request is authorized.

• Q: Which devices are covered under SMARTnet Extended Service?

  A: Coverage applies to Cisco networking hardware that is part of an active SMARTnet contract. Availability and exact inclusions may vary by device and contract terms, so verify eligibility during activation.

• Q: How do I activate and manage the service?

  A: Activation is typically completed through your Cisco account or with a Cisco partner. After activation, you’ll link the service to the specific devices and manage renewals and asset tracking via the contract portal.

• Q: Can SMARTnet Extended Service be transferred to new hardware?

  A: In many cases, SMARTnet contracts can be re-assigned or extended to new eligible hardware as your network evolves. This often requires updating the contract to reflect the new devices and confirming coverage with Cisco or your partner.