What to Do with Your Old Cisco Switches and Routers

When it comes time to upgrade your network, you may be wondering about what to do with your old Cisco networking equipment. IT hardware is expensive, and with the speed of advancement in networking technology, thousands of dollars of investment never seems to go as far as it should. When it comes time to update your equipment, your business must make a decision about what to do with equipment you are replacing. With a responsible IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) plan, your business may be able to get more value out of its Cisco switches and routers while staying green and meeting regulatory compliance.

Despite no longer being on the cutting edge, your old Cisco gear can still hold significant value. Instead of letting units gather dust—or worse, end up in landfills—you can sell your equipment to a secondary market reseller like CentricsIT and recover some of that value through:

1. Cash Return: Receive a direct cash offer for your used hardware, recovering part of your initial investment.
2. Credit System: Get credit towards your next equipment purchase.
3. Consignment Agreement: If you’re not in a hurry and wish to maximize returns, consider a consignment agreement where your equipment is sold over time, often fetching a higher price.

It’s common for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) like Cisco to have trade-in programs. While these might seem like a convenient option, here’s a crucial fact to consider: even if Cisco offers trade-in credit, the value you receive from a specialized secondary market reseller, like CentricsIT, is often significantly higher. Any credit you received from Cisco could only be used on new Cisco equipment, giving you less flexibility and limited options. We have extensive expertise in evaluating, refurbishing, and remarketing IT equipment, ensuring that you get the best possible return on your old assets.

Data security is paramount, especially with devices that have been in your network and might contain sensitive information. While there are numerous online guides detailing how to reset or wipe a Cisco switch, the truth is, only a certified IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) provider like CentricsIT can guarantee data wiping adhering to the leading cybersecurity standards. Our rigorous processes ensure that no data remnants are left behind, shielding your organization from potential security breaches and ensuring compliance with global data protection regulations.