Cisco SMARTnet - Extended Service - Service

Cisco SMARTnet Extended Service offers a comprehensive, predictable maintenance solution for your Cisco infrastructure. This service combines 8x5 technical support with Next Business Day hardware exchanges, and provides flexible delivery options through Physical and Electronic sub-types. Designed to keep your network operating at peak performance, SMARTnet helps you manage total cost of ownership by reducing unexpected maintenance surprises and accelerating issue resolution. With direct access to Cisco’s Technical Assistance Center (TAC), online resources, and streamlined escalation paths, your IT team gains faster problem resolution, clearer service visibility, and confidence that critical devices will be serviced promptly when you need it most.

• 8x5 coverage with Next Business Day exchanges ensures rapid response to hardware failures during regular business hours, minimizing downtime for critical network components and keeping business operations on track. This proactive approach reduces the financial impact of outages and supports continuous service delivery for your customers and users.
• Flexible delivery: Physical and Electronic sub-types allow you to choose the most suitable replacement workflow. The Physical sub-type focuses on on-site or rapid in-location hardware replacement, while the Electronic sub-type leverages remote diagnostics and digital fulfillment when appropriate, delivering speed and convenience without compromising quality.
• Parts included and guaranteed availability with hardware replacement services means you won’t be surprised by hidden costs or delays. Replacements come with the necessary spare parts to restore function quickly, so your network comes back online with minimal disruption.
• Predictable total cost of ownership helps budgeting and financial planning by converting unpredictable maintenance expenses into a stable, contracted fee. This clarity supports long-term strategic planning for device refresh cycles, capacity planning, and IT investments without budgetary shocks.
• Direct access to Cisco TAC and trusted support resources provides expert guidance, case routing, and access to knowledge databases to help you diagnose and resolve issues faster. This level of professional support is designed to reduce mean time to repair (MTTR) and improve overall network reliability.

Technical Details of Cisco SMARTnet - Extended Service - Service

• Service type: Extended hardware service combined with proactive maintenance support to keep eligible Cisco devices functioning at optimal performance.
• Coverage window: 8x5 access to technical support with Next Business Day hardware exchange options for eligible failures, designed to minimize downtime during business operations.
• Delivery method: Hardware replacement through Parts included, available in Physical or Electronic sub-types to suit on-site needs or remote support preferences.
• Included support: Access to Cisco TAC for technical guidance, escalation management, and resources to assist with troubleshooting and incident response.
• Platform compatibility: Applies to eligible Cisco devices covered under SMARTnet; verify device eligibility and contract alignment with your Cisco account or reseller.
• Renewal and management: Manage and renew contracts via the Cisco Support Center or through your authorized Cisco partner, with straightforward administration and clear SLAs.

How to Install Cisco SMARTnet - Extended Service - Service

Activating Cisco SMARTnet Extended Service is designed to be straightforward, enabling you to protect your network with minimal downtime and administrative burden. Follow these steps to ensure proper activation and ongoing coverage for your Cisco devices:

• Verify eligibility: Confirm that your Cisco equipment qualifies for SMARTnet coverage and identify the devices you want to include in the service. Gather essential device details such as model, serial number, and location to prepare for deployment.
• Obtain or assign the contract: Secure a SMARTnet contract and link the participating devices to the service profile. This can be done through your Cisco account, a reseller, or your partner channel, depending on your procurement process.
• Register devices: Add device serial numbers, hostnames, and locations to the SMARTnet profile to ensure accurate routing of service requests and faster escalation if needed.
• Plan escalation and maintenance expectations: Align maintenance windows with business operations and establish expectations for replacements, escalations, and notification timing to ensure coordination with your IT teams.
• Initiate support requests: In the event of a hardware issue, contact Cisco TAC or lodge a service request via the Cisco Support Center. Provide the necessary device information, symptoms, and urgency to trigger Next Business Day replacement and access to the appropriate resources.

Frequently asked questions

• What is Cisco SMARTnet Extended Service? It is a hardware-focused support plan that delivers 8x5 access to Cisco TAC, Next Business Day hardware exchange for eligible failures, and ongoing maintenance resources to help minimize downtime and keep your network reliable.
• What does 8x5 Next Business Day Exchange mean? Coverage is available during standard business hours, with hardware replacements arranged for the next business day after a failure is reported, subject to stock, region, and service terms.
• What is included in the Physical vs. Electronic sub-types? The Physical sub-type emphasizes on-site or in-location hardware replacement, while the Electronic sub-type provides remote diagnostics and digital fulfillment where applicable, offering flexibility based on your operational needs.
• How do I renew or extend SMARTnet? Renewal is typically handled through the Cisco Support Center or your authorized reseller/partner, often with reminders before expiration to prevent gaps in coverage.
• Which devices are covered? Eligible Cisco devices under SMARTnet entitlement are supported; confirm device eligibility with your Cisco account administrator or reseller to ensure proper coverage.
• How quickly can I expect a replacement? The goal of Next Business Day service is to have a replacement dispatched by the next business day after issue reporting, depending on availability and location.