Used Networking Equipment: Debunking the Misconceptions

Over the years, the market for refurbished IT hardware has grown tremendously. Enterprises are constantly searching for new ways to lower their carbon impact, increase cost savings, and extend the lifespan of their technology. This is where purchasing used assets (e.g., server, storage, voice equipment, networking hardware, etc.) outperforms purchasing new equipment for its IT infrastructure. Other factors influencing the popularity of refurbished IT equipment include improved aftermarket warranties, adaptable third-party maintenance (TPM) contracts, and outstanding customer service.

While used IT hardware offers many benefits to businesses, companies must conduct thorough research to ensure that they purchase hardware that delivers optimal performance, increases overall efficiency, and successfully fulfills their autonomous business requirements. It's also critical for businesses to work with a dependable, skilled, and reputable vendor for high-quality IT hardware, enhanced replacement warranties, and significant savings.

Overview of Used Networking Equipment

Refurbished IT assets are used IT products brought to their original factory settings by replacing worn-out or crucial components. These products have been certified, thoroughly evaluated, and are backed by an extended third-party maintenance warranty. As more businesses become willing to implement green IT practices, the market for refurbished IT assets is expanding. Companies emphasize investing in refurbished products to maintain environmental sustainability, improve agility, and perhaps reduce capital expenditures.

Is New Equipment Always Preferable?

Buying new IT equipment boils down to two significant aspects: functionality and long-term dependability.

Buying new ensures you'll get the most up-to-date technology, which is critical in a fast-changing profession like IT. When the typical hardware investment is expected to be obsolete in 4-5 years, investing in the best today means you'll be able to utilize it for years longer.

As a result, new hardware almost always comes with an extended warranty and support services. While many respected suppliers will now refurbish older gear and provide their own warranties, you will not be able to obtain support from the manufacturer when purchasing used hardware. This is especially true for new technologies, as there may be a learning curve involved.

It's also worth noting that new equipment will retain its value for a more extended period, enhancing your profits if you decide to trade it in for your next update. A corporation that purchases new gear is essentially investing in its future. While the initial expenses are much more significant, the increased reliability and extended lifespan frequently result in a better ROI.

Used Networking Equipment has Its Own Advantages.

The apparent reason for purchasing used network equipment is the capital outlay, as used systems might cost half as much - or even less - than new hardware. However, there are several other advantages in favor of buying used that are frequently overlooked:

Faster implementation:

New hardware is typically produced to specification or at the very least pre-configured by your vendor. This often adds a 2-6 week delivery lead time, but used hardware is frequently accessible for same-day installation. If you need network hardware real quick, go for certified refurbished.

Lower learning curve:

Recognized hardware and technologies require less training, lowering the possibility of your IT personnel making an implementation error.

Existing system compatibility:

Purchasing one piece of new network hardware necessitates the purchase of additional hardware that is compatible with it. Used hardware, or certified refurbished hardware, allows you to replace a single piece of equipment without triggering a chain reaction of enhancements.

If solving present-day problems is more important than future estimates, certified refurbished hardware is definitely the preferable alternative. That's not to say that future preparation isn't essential, but sometimes you don't have the luxury of dealing with years away problems at the current moment.

Furthermore, even the largest telecommunications companies do not use entirely new hardware. If Verizon and AT&T are comfortable using certified refurbished hardware in their backbone network, your company will likely be!

Common Misconceptions among IT professionals about Used Networking Equipment Debunked with Facts.

When it comes to telecom network hardware, buying brand new equipment isn't always the right approach. We hope to demystify common myths about purchasing refurbished telecom network equipment and offer you more confidence in pursuing a more environmentally responsible course.

Myth #01

Buying used telecom network equipment means compromising on quality.

CXtec pledges to never offer parts in poor condition as a respected secondary market reseller. Every unit of old telecom network equipment undergoes a rigorous refurbishment phase, ensuring that you will never get inferior equipment from our company. We also assure you that our used telecom network equipment is as similar to brand new as possible, and most of the time, you won't be able to tell the difference.

Myth #02

Used equipment is not adequately maintained.

Our storage facilities comfortably store thousands of discrete components. We maintain the highest certification standards and manage complex reverse logistics projects for the telecommunications industry. Our workforce has extensive experience managing, de-installing, and transferring sensitive networking equipment. As a result, network infrastructure is handled with the utmost care, both internally and externally.

Myth #03

Buying from the OEM is more convenient and faster.

OEMs are failing to meet their promises of short lead times. Long lead times, in the end, raise the likelihood of network downtime and might exhaust your resources. Fortunately, CXtec offers a solution: we strive to deliver your telecom network equipment quickly. We ship approved orders from our New York warehouses to consumers worldwide at the minimum time probable.

Myth #04

The secondary market = The actual gray market.

The secondary market and the gray market have nothing in common. The gray market is an unofficial market that frequently results in the resale of counterfeit goods. CXtec has anti-counterfeit and anti-unauthorized part detection procedures in place.

Myth #05

You can't get great technical support from pre-owned suppliers.

Major vendors of Used networking equipment provide certified specialists for pre-and post-sale technical assistance. Most of the time, these experts test up to 100 pieces of networking equipment every day, giving them more real-world experience than most OEM technical support staff.

Myth #06

Used IT hardware can't be trusted.

It is critical to ensure the security of your Used network equipment. It is best to avoid purchasing IT hardware that has not been tested and certified. When purchasing refurbished IT hardware, a fair rule of thumb is that it probably is true if the equipment appears too good. This holds for cost, quantity, and other considerations. Using a reputable reseller alleviates those concerns. Also, before making a purchase choice, you should ask your new supplier the following questions:

• What's the process for refurbishing equipment?
• Is equipment ESD protected?
• How is networking or voice equipment tested?
• What are your shipping procedures?
• What steps do you take to ensure equipment isn't counterfeit?
• What's your warranty?
• Do you offer a hardware replacement program?
• How long has your company been in business?
• Do you have testimonials you can share with me?
• Are you certified by any third-party organizations, like ISO?

The answers you receive to these questions will tell you a lot about a vendor:

Questions 1-4 dive deeper into how networking and voice equipment is received, tested, checked, and shipped. If there is no defined process for refurbishing equipment, it's a major red flag.

Questions 5-7 can help you determine if a vendor is willing to stand by their networking and voice equipment quality. Vendors who don't offer a substantial warranty or replacement program and fail to take steps to avoid distributing counterfeit products care more about moving products quickly than providing customers with quality gear.

Questions 8-10 will give you insight into what kind of vendor you're working with. Are they established? How have they treated past customers? Do outside organizations vet them? Being able to answer these questions can help you rest assured that you're working with a legitimate organization.

How Can CXtec Help Unlock Optimal Performance and Maximum Value From Your Refurbished IT Hardware?

Companies can buy high-performing, high-quality Used servers, networking, voice, and storage equipment by picking a solution and vendor that provides a higher return on investment, reliability, and stability. Since 1995, CXtec has been a pioneering and proven partner for enterprises in various industries as the largest secondary-market hardware distributor in North America. Equal2new®, its distinctive brand of certified pre-owned equipment, is the leading choice for authentic, cost-effective, high-quality, and trustworthy refurbished IT equipment.

The program provides several advantages to clients buying Used networking hardware, such as a large inventory of leading brands in stock and ready-to-ship equipment. Companies can save 40 percent to 90 percent off manufacturer list pricing, allowing them to manage their IT spending better. In addition to significant cost savings, equal2new offers an exceptional lifetime warranty with an advance replacement for quick troubleshooting. It offers a 99.51 percent reliability rating to ensure that Used hardware successfully meets manufacturer specifications, and each hardware unit goes through thorough industry-leading testing, reconditioning, and certification process. In addition, each customer is assigned a dedicated project manager to ensure timely response times to inquiries.