BlogInfrastructure & networking
When to replace switches and routers
By Vicky Ogola, Senior ICT Consultant 1 min read
Network equipment rarely fails dramatically. End of support, missing security updates and capacity limits are the real signals.
Switches and routers often run for many years without obvious trouble, which makes it easy to forget about them until they become the weakest point in the network.
Signs it is time
- **End of support:** the manufacturer no longer releases firmware or security fixes.
- **Missing features:** no VLAN support, no PoE for new access points or cameras, no management interface.
- **Capacity:** links regularly saturated, or 100 Mb/s ports where users now need gigabit or faster.
- **Reliability:** unexplained restarts or failing ports.
Plan replacements, don't wait for failure
Keep an inventory with purchase dates and support status, and budget for replacing equipment before support ends. Replacing a core switch during an outage costs more and takes longer.
Buy for the next few years
Consider growth in users, Wi-Fi access points and cameras, and the PoE power they will need. Choose managed equipment so the network can be monitored and segmented.
Retire safely
Wipe configurations before disposal — they can contain passwords and network details.
Planning a refresh? We supply and install network equipment and design the network it belongs to.
About the author
Vicky Ogola
Senior ICT Consultant
Vicky Ogola writes about network design, connectivity, data centres and the infrastructure that business systems depend on.