Welcome to www.linknewnet.com.

New Promotion

-8%
Cisco N3K-C3172PQ-Z8
$750 $690
-40%
Cisco Nexus 9000 Series Switch N9K-C9332D-GX2B
$38000 $22800
-38%
Cisco Switch Catalyst 9500 Series C9500-40X-A
$4000 $2500
-49%
Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series Switch C9300-24T-A
$1750 $900
-31%
Cisco MDS 9200 Series Switch DS-C9250I-K9
$1600 $1100

Your DS-X9706-FAB3 Warranty Expired—Now What?
Jun 11 , 2025 39

Your DS-X9706-FAB3 Warranty Expired—Now What?

DS-X9706-FAB3


When the warranty on your Cisco DS-X9706-FAB3 fabric module expires, do you simply hope for the best? Or do you take proactive steps to ensure your network stays operational without costly downtime?

Unlike consumer electronics, enterprise hardware like the DS-X9706-FAB3 powers mission-critical SAN (Storage Area Network) environments. A sudden failure could mean hours of downtime, data loss, or even compliance violations. So, what are your options when the manufacturer’s coverage ends?


Option 1: Renew Cisco’s Extended Warranty (If Still Eligible)

Cisco typically offers Service Contract Renewal (SCR) for MDS 9000 series switches, including the DS-X9706-FAB3.

Service TierCoverageTypical Cost (Annual)
Basic (8x5 NBD)Next-business-day replacement800–1,200
Enhanced (24x7 4h)4-hour critical response1,500–2,500
Premium (Smart Net)Firmware updates + TAC support2,000–3,500

Pros:
✔ Direct Cisco support ensures genuine parts and certified technicians.
Firmware updates included in higher tiers.
No compatibility risks—guaranteed to work with your MDS chassis.

Cons:
Expensive—costs can exceed 10-15% of the module’s original price per year.
Limited eligibility—if the product is too old, Cisco may refuse renewal.


Option 2: Third-Party Maintenance (TPM) Providers

If Cisco no longer supports your DS-X9706-FAB3, companies like Curvature, Park Place Technologies, or Service Express offer alternative coverage.

What’s Included?

  • Hardware replacement (refurbished or equivalent)

  • Onsite technician dispatch (varies by SLA)

  • Basic troubleshooting (but no Cisco TAC access)

Pros:
Cheaper than Cisco—often 30-50% less for similar SLAs.
Flexible contracts—monthly or annual terms available.

Cons:
No firmware updates—security patches may be unavailable.
Refurbished parts—may have shorter lifespans than OEM replacements.


Option 3: Self-Maintenance & Spare Inventory

If you’re comfortable with in-house IT management, you can:

  1. Buy a spare DS-X9706-FAB3 (used or refurbished).

  2. Monitor hardware health using:

    • Cisco CLI commands (show module, show environment)

    • SNMP monitoring tools (SolarWinds, PRTG)

  3. Swap modules manually if failure occurs.

Pros:
No recurring costs—pay once for a backup unit.
Full control—no waiting for vendor support.

Cons:
No technical support—you diagnose and fix issues alone.
Compatibility risks—used modules may have hidden defects.


Option 4: Upgrade to a Newer Model

If your DS-X9706-FAB3 is aging out (EoL/EoS), consider:

  • Cisco MDS 9700 Series (e.g., DS-X97-24K9)

  • Nexus 9000 SAN switches (if migrating to NVMe-oF)

Pros:
Modern features (32G/64G Fibre Channel, NVMe support).
New warranty included (typically 3-5 years).

Cons:
High upfront cost—new fabric modules start at $15,000+.
Migration complexity—may require reconfiguring zoning and VSANs.


Final Verdict: Which Path Should You Take?

ScenarioRecommended Action
Budget is tightThird-party maintenance (TPM)
Need Cisco firmwareRenew warranty (if possible)
IT team is skilledSelf-maintain + spare unit
Hardware is obsoleteUpgrade to a newer model

Don’t Wait Until It Fails—Plan Ahead

An expired warranty doesn’t have to mean unplanned downtime. Whether you renew coverage, switch to third-party support, or upgrade, the key is acting before disaster strikes.


Related Blogs

WhatsApp
Quote
Contact
Top