Cisco EOSL Alert: Key Catalyst and Nexus Switches Will No Longer Be Supported in 2026

2026 is a very important year if your network still has Cisco Catalyst 3850, Catalyst 6880-X, or Nexus 5600/9300 series switches.

Several widely deployed enterprise and data centre switches reach Cisco End of Support (EOSL) between August and October 2025, meaning no hardware support, no software fixes, and increased operational risk.

At Flux IT Hardware, we help organisations plan EOSL refreshes, unlock cashback from legacy equipment, and extend infrastructure life sustainably.

What Is Cisco EOS vs EOSL?

  • EOS (End of Sale): Cisco stops selling the product
  • EOSL (End of Support Life): No TAC support, no bug fixes, no security patches

After EOSL, you’re effectively running unsupported production infrastructure.

Cisco Switches Reaching EOSL in 2025

Catalyst Campus & Core Switches (EOSL: 31 October 2025)

  • Catalyst 3850 Series

  • Catalyst 6880-X

  • Catalyst 6880-X-LE

  • Catalyst 6880-X-16P10G

  • Catalyst 6880-X-LE-16P10G

  • Catalyst 6816-X-LE

  • Catalyst 6824-X-LE-40G

  • Catalyst 6832-X-LE

  • Catalyst 6840-X-LE-40G

These platforms are commonly found in enterprise core, aggregation, and campus networks — especially where 10G/40G uplinks are still in use.

Nexus Data Centre Switches

  • Nexus 93180LC-EX — EOSL: 31 August 2025

  • Nexus 56128P — EOSL: 30 September 2025

  • Nexus 5624Q — EOSL: 30 September 2025

  • Nexus 5648Q — EOSL: 30 September 2025

These models are heavily deployed in leaf-spine and top-of-rack data-centre designs, particularly for 10G / 40G east-west traffic.

Risks of Running Cisco Hardware Beyond EOSL

  • ❌ No Cisco TAC or vendor support

  • ❌ No security or vulnerability patches

  • ❌ Compliance and audit exposure (ISO / cyber insurance)

  • ❌ Higher failure risk with ageing hardware

  • ❌ Emergency replacement costs (always more expensive)

Your Options Before EOSL Hits

1️⃣ Trade-in & Cashback
EOSL doesn’t mean “worthless”. Many of these switches still hold significant resale value.

Flux IT offers:

  • Cash purchase of decommissioned Cisco switches

  • Asset valuation before refresh

  • Secure handling & data centre grade logistics

2️⃣ Refresh with Refurbished Cisco
Reduce CAPEX while staying supported:

  • Certified refurbished Catalyst & Nexus replacements

  • SmartNet-alternative support options

  • Rapid deployment for refresh projects

3️⃣ Sustainable IT Disposal
Avoid scrapping usable equipment:

  • Circular IT model

  • Reduced carbon footprint

  • ESG-friendly reporting for finance & compliance teams

Plan Your Cisco EOSL Approach Right Now

Waiting until EOSL often leads to downtime, panic buying, and exorbitant expenses.

2026 is the year to take action if any of the switches listed above are part of your network.

Speak with Flux IT Hardware regarding: