Choosing the Right Refurbished Switches for Your Network

As technology advances and businesses grow, there comes a time when network upgrades become necessary. But, upgrading network switches can be expensive, especially for small to medium-sized companies. This is where refurbished switches come in. Refurbished switches offer a cost-effective alternative to buying brand-new switches. In this post, we'll discuss the following:

• Benefits of refurbished switches,
• Key features to look for,
• How to understand your network requirements,
• How to choose the right refurbished switch provider.

Benefits of Refurbished Switches and Why it's Important to Choose the Right Ones

Refurbished switches are pre-owned network switches that have been restored to their original condition. Buying refurbished switches can save you up to 80% of the cost of a brand-new switch. Also, refurbished switches have the solid warranty and support as new ones. This makes them a reliable alternative for businesses on a budget.

But, choosing the right refurbished switch is essential to avoid potential risks. The quality of refurbished switches can vary widely depending on the provider. Not all refurbished switches are thoroughly tested. So, choosing a reputable provider offering reliable refurbished switches is essential.

Key Features to Look for in Refurbished Switches

When choosing refurbished switches, there are a few key features to consider. First, you need to look for switches that match your network requirements. Second, you must ensure the switches are compatible with your network infrastructure.

Here are some other critical technical features to look for in refurbished switches:

Port Density:

This refers to the number of ports on the switch. You should choose a switch with enough ports to accommodate your network needs.

Speed:

The speed of the switch determines how fast data can be transferred. Look for switches with gigabit or 10-gigabit speeds, depending on your network requirements.

VLAN Support:

Virtual LANs allow you to segment your network into smaller, more manageable subnets. If you need VLAN support, ensure that the refurbished switch you choose offers this feature.

Power over Ethernet:

Power over Ethernet (PoE) allows you to power network devices and access points through the switch. The network devices include IP phones and cameras. If you need PoE support, ensure that the refurbished switch you choose offers this feature.

Managed vs. Unmanaged:

Managed switches offer more advanced features like VLANs, QoS, and traffic shaping. If you need these features, choose a refurbished managed switch. An unmanaged switch may be enough if you only need basic switching capabilities.

Understanding Your Network Requirements

Before you start shopping for refurbished switches, you need to understand your network requirements. Ask yourself the following questions:

• How many users/devices are on your network?
• What applications do you use on your network?
• What is your current network speed, and do you need to upgrade?
• Do you need VLAN support or PoE?
• What is your budget for network upgrades?

Once you understand your network requirements, you can look for refurbished switches that meet your needs.

Choosing the Right Refurbished Switch Provider

Selecting the right refurbished switch provider is crucial. This ensures you get high-quality refurbished switches that meet your network requirements. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a refurbished switch provider:

Reputation:

Look for providers with a good reputation in the industry. Check online reviews and customer feedback to gauge the provider's reliability and quality of service.

Warranty and Support:

Look for providers that offer advance warranties and support for their refurbished switches. Ensure that the warranty covers hardware failures. Also, the provider provides technical support to assist you in case of any issues.

Availability:

Check the availability of the refurbished switches you need. Ensure that the provider has a wide range of refurbished switches in stock to choose from.

Price:

Compare prices of refurbished switches from different providers to ensure you get a good deal. But, don't compromise on quality for the price.

How CXtec Helps you Improve your Network via Refurbished Switches

For companies seeking high-performing refurbished switches with exceptional quality, choosing a vendor offering increased reliability, stability, and return on investment is essential. CXtec is North America's leading secondary-market hardware provider. We have been a reliable and established partner for businesses across diverse industries. With equal2new®, CXtec offers best-in-class, high-quality, and reliable pre-owned equipment. Our refurbished IT equipment is cost-efficient and authentic.

Each customer is also assigned a dedicated account manager for efficient responses to get quick support in case of any inquiries.

Connect with us to know more.