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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Cisco Refresh can be a lower-cost way to buy Cisco hardware with manufacturer remanufacturing, testing, licensing, warranty, and support options. It is not the same as an ordinary used listing: benefits and eligibility depend on the exact product and quoted terms. Compare the total delivered cost, compatibility, lifecycle status, and service entitlement before buying.
What “refurbished Cisco” means
Cisco calls its certified refurbished program Cisco Refresh. Cisco describes its equipment as pre-owned and remanufactured: it screens products for authenticity and remanufacturability, tracks service history, uses genuine Cisco parts in a controlled process, and applies critical hardware and software upgrades before testing and retesting against its specifications. That certification is distinct from a broker or private-party listing that simply uses the word “refurbished.”
Those process details are Cisco’s descriptions of its program, not an independent comparison of failure rates for particular devices. For a purchase decision, the useful distinction is whether the exact unit is sold as Cisco Refresh and what license, warranty, and service terms accompany its SKU.
Five reasons buyers consider Cisco Refresh
1. Manufacturer certification and more purchase assurance
Cisco says only equipment that passes its remanufacturing process may be called Cisco Refresh. Its FAQ says Refresh units have a valid software license and the same warranty and Cisco SMARTnet support options as the equivalent new product. Confirm those terms on the actual quote: a general program description does not establish the entitlement for every model, configuration, or region.
#1 Best Overall
- Product Type- Ethernet Switch
- Total Number of Network Ports- 48
- Form Factor- Rack-mountable
2. Remanufacturing, upgrades, and testing
Cisco says it makes critical engineering changes, uses genuine parts, and thoroughly tests Refresh products. That can offer more process visibility than an informal used sale, where the seller may not provide comparable provenance or test details. Cisco’s statements do not establish an independent failure-rate advantage, so assess the specific equipment and its condition documentation rather than treating certification as a guarantee that it will never fail.
3. Potentially lower total cost
A lower acquisition price can make refurbished hardware attractive, especially when the required configuration is available through Refresh. Cisco promotes competitive pricing and says its program avoids separate inspection and relicensing fees it associates with secondary-market equipment. Its policy page has published a range of 25–75% off original list price; the page is older, and the range is historical guidance—not a current offer, typical saving, or guaranteed discount.
Rank #2
![Cisco Small Business SG300-52-K9 [SRW2048-K9] 52-Port Gigabit Managed Switch (Renewed)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/312SOXS8TyL._SL160_.jpg)
- Cisco Small Business SG300-52 - Switch - L3 - managed - 50 x 10/100/1000 + 2 x combo Gigabit SFP - desktop, rack-mountable
- IPv6 support allows you to move up to the next generation of networking applications and operating systems without an extensive equipment upgrade
- Strong security features include access control lists (ACLs), guest virtual LANs (VLANs), and other advanced security features to tightly control networks
- Quality of service (QoS) prioritizes network traffic to keep critical network applications running at top performance
- Static routing and Layer 3 IP routing between VLANs allows for communicating across VLANs without degrading application performance
Ask for a current, SKU-specific quote and compare the complete cost, not just the hardware line: licensing, support, shipping, and any required accessories can change the economics. Compare against a new unit with equivalent configuration and service coverage.
4. A catalog that includes some end-of-sale products
Cisco’s FAQ describes a catalog of more than 6,500 active and end-of-sale products. That is Cisco’s stated catalog count, not a live inventory figure. Cisco also says end-of-sale Refresh stock has at least one year of TAC support available, but availability and lifecycle status can change. Check the current listing and Cisco’s lifecycle information for the precise model and hardware revision; do not assume a catalog entry means stock is available or that a particular unit meets your deployment’s support horizon.
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Rank #3
- Brand CISCO, Model WS-C3560X-48P-S
- Format Rackmount, Network Management Type Managed, Primary Ports 48 x RJ-45 10/100/1000Base-T PoE LAN, 1 x Type B USB Management, 1 x Type A USB, 1 x RJ-45 Serial Management, 1 x RJ-45 10/100Base-TX Network Management, Primary Port Speed 10/100/1000Mbps.
- VLAN Support Yes, PoE Yes, SNMP Yes, QoS Yes, Layer 2, Product Type: Ethernet Switch, Number of Ports: 48, Fast Ethernet Port: Yes, Gigabit Ethernet Port: Yes, Interfaces/Ports: 48 x RJ-45 10/100/1000Base-T PoE LAN, 1 x Type B USB Management, 1 x Type A USB, 1 x RJ-45 Serial Management, 1 x RJ-45 10/100Base-TX Network Management.
- Forwarding/Filtering Rate: 65.5 Mpps, Switching Throughput: 160 Gbps, Number of Expansion Slots: 1, Expansion Slots: (1 Total) Network Module, Layer Support: 2, Manageable: Yes, Management: Command-line interface (CLI), DHCP, VLAN , QoS, SNMP v1,2c,3, RMON, Standard Memory: 256 MB, Memory Technology: DRAM, Flash Memory: 128 MB.
- Operating System: Cisco IOS Software, Power Description, Power Over Ethernet: Yes, Input Voltage: 110 V AC, 220 V AC, Input Voltage Range: 100 V AC to 240 V AC, Power Source: Power Supply, Dimensions 1.75" Height x 17.50" Width x 18" Depth, Weight 15.65 lb.
5. Warranty and service options backed by Cisco
Cisco says Refresh products have the same warranty and support options as equivalent new products, including limited lifetime warranties where applicable. Warranty coverage and a service contract are different: Cisco’s general warranty FAQ says warranty generally does not include TAC support, software updates, or other service-contract benefits. Verify the warranty duration and exclusions and whether the quote includes or qualifies for the TAC or SMARTnet coverage you need.
How to compare Cisco Refresh with a used listing
Use the same requirements for every seller, then compare the written terms for the exact item:
Rank #4
- LOOKS & WORKS LIKE NEW - This Certified Refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, a minimum 90-day warranty, and may arrive in a generic box.
- Identity and configuration: record the exact model, SKU, hardware configuration, and revision. Confirm compatibility with your network, software, and deployment requirements.
- Source and certification: establish whether the item is Cisco Refresh or third-party used equipment. A marketplace label alone does not establish Cisco certification.
- License: request confirmation of a valid software license and confirm that it applies to the quoted unit.
- Warranty and support: get warranty length and exclusions in writing, and separately verify TAC or SMARTnet eligibility and any service-contract terms.
- Lifecycle: check end-of-sale and last-date-of-support information for the exact model against the time you expect to keep it in service.
- Full price and availability: compare delivered prices, required accessories, current stock, and lead time—not a historical discount or a catalog count.
Cisco directs buyers to its Refresh inventory, sales team, or an authorized partner. For equipment bought on the secondary market, Cisco says proof of a valid software license and inspection may be required before it qualifies for a new support contract. Its policy also says secondary-market equipment is not covered by Cisco’s standard warranty or eligible for a support contract absent applicable conditions. Requirements can depend on the equipment and region, so confirm directly with Cisco before relying on support eligibility.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is refurbished Cisco equipment a fit?
Cisco Refresh is worth comparing when a compatible, available unit meets your support and lifecycle needs at a competitive delivered price. Its manufacturer-described remanufacturing process and support options can reduce some uncertainty compared with an informal used purchase. The decision still turns on the individual SKU: verify compatibility, license, current stock, lifecycle dates, warranty, and service entitlement before treating the price difference as a saving.
Best Value
Cisco also presents reduced resource use and waste as a benefit of its remanufacturing program. No quantified environmental impact is established here, so treat that as a stated program benefit rather than a measured result.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
