Cisco SMARTnet - Extended Service - Service

Protect your Cisco network with a robust, predictable support plan that minimizes downtime and maximizes device performance. Cisco SMARTnet Extended Service is designed for organizations that rely on Cisco hardware for critical operations, offering 8x5 technical support with Next Business Day (NBD) parts exchange and a combination of physical parts and electronic service. This extended coverage helps you manage risk, control total cost of ownership, and accelerate issue resolution by providing access to Cisco’s engineering expertise, proactive notices, and streamlined service delivery. The electronic service subtype further simplifies asset tracking and service provisioning, enabling IT teams to catalog, monitor, and renew coverage with greater ease while maintaining alignment with asset management best practices. With SMARTnet Extended Service, your network is backed by consistent, enterprise-grade support that scales with your business needs while keeping operational costs predictable and manageable.

• Predictable total cost of ownership - With a consolidated service contract that covers hardware support, software guidance, and ongoing access to Cisco engineering resources, budgeting becomes more accurate. No surprise charges or hidden fees mean you can forecast annual support expenses with confidence, aligning maintenance spend with operational needs and strategic priorities.
• 8x5 technical support with Next Business Day exchange - Access expert Cisco engineers during standard business hours and benefit from a rapid replacement workflow. Next Business Day exchange minimizes downtime for critical devices, enabling faster restoration of services and preserving network availability across campuses, data centers, and remote locations.
• Parts and service coverage includes physical parts and electronic service - The program encompasses replacement parts for covered devices and electronic service support to facilitate remote diagnostics, guidance, and problem resolution. This dual approach accelerates repairs, reduces on-site visits, and ensures that both tangible components and digital support are coordinated for a smooth restoration process.
• Proactive maintenance, firmware guidance, and timely updates - Beyond reactive support, SMARTnet Extended Service offers proactive communications, software notices, and best-practice recommendations to optimize configurations and firmware levels. Staying ahead of potential issues lowers risk, improves security posture, and helps maintain peak device performance over time.
• Asset management optimization and renewal simplification - A centralized view of covered devices supports easy tracking of entitlements, expirations, and renewal timelines. The streamlined renewal process reduces administrative overhead, ensures continuous protection, and simplifies lifecycle management for large fleets of Cisco devices.

Technical Details of Cisco SMARTnet - Extended Service - Service

• Service type: Extended Service
• Coverage window: 8x5
• Response and replacement: Next Business Day (NBD) Exchange
• Parts included: Physical parts and Electronic service
• Replacement service: Included to resolve problems quickly and restore operations

How to install Cisco SMARTnet - Extended Service - Service

• Step 1 – Verify eligibility and collect device identifiers - Confirm which Cisco devices will be covered and gather serial numbers, model names, and SKUs to ensure accurate registration in your support profile.
• Step 2 – Choose a purchase path - Engage with a Cisco partner or sign up through the Cisco support portal to initiate coverage. Provide organization details and the list of devices to be included in SMARTnet.
• Step 3 – Provide asset details for activation - Include necessary identifiers (UPC or SKU where applicable) to align coverage with your asset registry and expedite service activation.
• Step 4 – Review service terms and activate - Confirm the 8x5 coverage, Next Business Day exchange, and parts scope. Activate the contract and set up notification preferences for updates and renewals.
• Step 5 – Manage and monitor coverage - Use the Cisco support portal or your partner’s dashboard to monitor entitlements, track expirations, and schedule renewals to avoid coverage gaps.

Frequently asked questions

• What is Cisco SMARTnet Extended Service?

  SMARTnet Extended Service is a vendor-backed support program that provides hardware replacement, access to Cisco engineering expertise, and ongoing maintenance guidance for Cisco devices. It is designed to minimize downtime, optimize performance, and offer predictable cost management through a consolidated service contract.

• What does 8x5 x Next Business Day mean?

  8x5 indicates coverage during business hours on five days per week. Next Business Day exchange means that, after a service request is opened, a replacement part or device is provided by the next business day to help restore operations as quickly as possible.

• What is included in the service?

  The package includes hardware replacement parts, electronic service support, and access to Cisco engineers during coverage hours. It also includes proactive notices, firmware guidance, and renewal assistance to help maintain optimal network performance.

• How do I activate or renew SMARTnet?

  Activation is typically completed through a Cisco partner or the official support portal. Renewals can be scheduled in advance to ensure continuous protection, and alerts can be set to notify you before coverage expires.

• Is SMARTnet suitable for all Cisco devices?

  SMARTnet coverage is available for a wide range of Cisco hardware and software. Eligibility depends on device model, location, and existing contracts. Contact a Cisco representative or partner to confirm compatibility and obtain a tailored quote.