EOL MS Switches

[Richard-Tapp]

I need to replace a few MS switches, but will probably go past the actuall EOL date.

They are licensed, so will we just lose support on these once they go past EOL, but carry on working ?

[Brash]

It depends on the switch and which date you're looking at.

The EOS (End of Sale) date just means you can't buy the switch anymore. If I remember correctly you can still buy licenses up until the EOST (End of Support) date in which the device is no longer officially supported.

Usually at that point, support will be on a best effort basis with no availability for RMA's.

The device will typically (but not guaranteed) continue working as long as it has a valid license.

https://documentation.meraki.com/General_Administration/Other_Topics/Meraki_End-of-Life_(EOL)_Produc...

[cmr]

If they have a license then yes, they will continue to operate (without guarantees, but you should be fine).  You cannot renew licences once they go end of sale so make sure you are covered for the period required.

Of course you should replace them as soon as you can once they go end of support. 

[FeliA]

Hi @Richard-Tapp,

Brash and cmr pretty much covered it! This Product End-of-Life (EOL) Policy page is another great reference 🙂

A product's EOL (End-of-Life) and EOST (End-of-Support) date are basically equivalents and reference the same date. When the device reaches EOL/EOST, the product's lifetime warranty period also ends (if it's a product covered by a lifetime warranty, which MS switches are.) Additionally, the device is no longer affirmatively supported by Cisco Meraki (please still feel free to open a Meraki Technical Support case on these devices if needed, but please be aware that this support will be on a best case effort basis and not guaranteed.)

After the EOL/ EOST date, the changes that may occur will include the following:

• Cisco Meraki cannot guarantee that legacy hardware products will be able to connect to the management software indefinitely following the EOST Date;
• Cisco Meraki Technical Support may no longer troubleshoot the legacy hardware products;
• Cisco Meraki may no longer issue firmware updates or patches for the legacy products; and
• New software features available for the management software may not be compatible with the legacy hardware functionality or with the firmware running on the legacy hardware.

Best, 
Feli