When you look for used Cisco, what you really need to confirm is rarely “is there stock” but three things: the unit’s actual condition, who is responsible if something fails, and whether the licences originally attached to the machine carry over. Our quote sets these three out first, so gaps do not surface only after delivery.
Infraplus Solutions Limited supplies enterprise network equipment and solutions in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area: new, refurbished and used Cisco／Juniper／Huawei, compatible optics, sourcing and inspection, logistics, installation and setup, warranty, plus ITAD clearance and certification lab environments. This page covers only the used Cisco line.
What this page does not do: a model list
Model lists anyone can copy; condition and liability boundaries cannot. This page focuses on four things: how condition is graded, how far inspection goes, how warranty works, and where licence risk sits. For the overall buying method, see the Hong Kong enterprise network equipment and used Cisco／Juniper guide.
Used, refurbished and new: where the price gap comes from
For the same PID, prices can differ widely; the reason is usually not the brand but condition, age, licence state and supply chain.
| Condition | What it usually is | What you ask | Our warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| New | Sealed or complete packaging, with OEM warranty | PID, warranty start date, whether already registered | Under OEM warranty (generally one year, subject to OEM terms) |
| Refurbished | Previously used, tested and cleaned: cleaned, fan／power／port checked, parts replaced where needed | What was replaced, OEM or compatible parts | Generally 3–6 months |
| Used | Removed from production network or room, functional; appearance and accessories may differ | Removal source, years in use, whether accessories are complete | Generally 3–6 months |
| Parts unit | Only your specified function is warranted; for parts or test use | Whether you accept this scope explicitly | Per individual quote agreement |
We do not suggest buying used gear with a “new price” mindset, nor asking for OEM-level support at a used price. The boundary is written on the quote; that beats any verbal assurance.
Common procurement scope
Switches: Catalyst and Nexus
From access layer to data centre: still-serving older platforms such as Catalyst 2960／3560／3750, newer access platforms such as Catalyst 9200／9300, and data-centre Nexus 3000／9000 series. For older platforms, confirm EOL／EOS status and whether firmware is still obtainable first; that matters more than price.
Routers: ISR and ASR
Branch and edge commonly use the ISR series, plus the ASR series. Beyond the chassis, routers often need interface modules, power and memory; stating these up front when requesting a quote saves several rounds.
Firewalls and wireless
ASA／Firepower-class firewall gear, plus enterprise wireless controllers and APs. This group is most sensitive to licence and firmware version; state the features you need when asking for a quote, do not look at hardware only.
Modules, power, fans and cables
Switch and router power supplies, fans, expansion modules, rack accessories and DAC cables are often where used procurement actually stalls. Missing one power supply and the whole unit is unusable — so we list accessories item by item on the quote.
Compatible optics
OEM optics are expensive; compatible modules are a common saving, but compatibility depends on model, speed and firmware. Our compatible optics can be paired with used Cisco chassis; detail on the compatible optics page.
Inspection: six things we do between quote and dispatch
- Identity check: PID, serial, firmware version and chassis label matched item by item to the quote.
- Appearance and structure: panel, ports, fans, power bays, chassis and handles. Units with obvious impact or water damage are not shipped as normal stock.
- Power-on and ports: boot, POST, port links and indicators; switches checked port by port, routers and firewalls checked for basic startup and interfaces.
- Optics and cables: insert modules or DAC at your specified speed for link testing; your specified model works too.
- Setup and data: clear the previous holder’s setup and passwords, reflash firmware where needed, and confirm no residual accounts remain.
- Pre-dispatch recheck: power on once more before shipping, count accessories, pack by transport method.
Form of inspection record
We do not preset a “standard test report”. How far inspection goes, whether photos or video are taken, and whether per-port records are kept are written into the order at quoting stage and followed through. That way the record you receive matches the questions you actually care about.
Warranty: how the 3–6 months work
- Used and refurbished gear generally carry 3–6 months; the actual months are written on the quote, not promised verbally.
- Warranty start date and coverage scope (hardware fault, DOA, freight responsibility) are stated on each quote.
- New gear follows OEM warranty; start and registration follow OEM terms; we do not promise on the OEM’s behalf.
- Compatible optics carry one year.
- We do not offer Lifetime warranty: for used gear, any “lifetime” claim is unrealistic.
Smart Net, licences and export controls
OEM support contracts
Smart Net or other OEM support contracts on used gear are usually bound to the original registered company or contract and may not transfer to your name. We make clear at quoting stage whether this unit carries one and whether it can transfer, rather than leaving you to check.
Software licences
Some features rely on licences, such as advanced features, SD-WAN, wireless controller licences. Whether the licence follows the unit and can still be enabled must be confirmed item by item. If your design depends on a licensed feature, say so when requesting the quote; we reply on the premise that the feature works, not just that “the hardware is fine”.
Export controls
Network gear is subject to export controls and destination restrictions; certain models need extra confirmation. Transactions are governed by Hong Kong law; see the terms of service.
When used makes sense
- Generation transition: new platform undecided; top up same-model units to hold the production network.
- Cold spare and redundancy: a spare with same PID and firmware, without needing OEM support.
- Expansion: the existing network still runs; adding ports beats replacing a whole generation.
- Branch and short-term projects: short lifecycle, not worth new-equipment depreciation.
- Certification lab and training: real CLI and real interfaces needed; used is a reasonable choice.
- PoC and validation: test assumptions on real gear before deciding procurement direction.
Quote process
Six items you provide
- Model and PID (for example C9300-48P, N9K-C93180YC-EX), plus power and fan models.
- Quantity and purpose (production, spare, lab).
- Required interfaces and speed (1G／10G／25G／100G, optical or electrical).
- Firmware version requirement, and whether it must match the existing network.
- Whether licence or OEM support is needed (see previous section).
- Expected lead time and delivery location (Hong Kong／Greater Bay Area).
Sourcing, lead time and logistics
For models not on hand, we source globally: confirm availability first, then report condition and lead time. We do not quote a guaranteed slot — whether it can be obtained and when it arrives follows the confirmed result. Logistics are arranged to your delivery point; cross-border transport and clearance responsibilities are stated up front.
Installation setup and remote-hand
On site we can do racking, basic setup and integration with the existing network; where the room does not allow outside access, we do remote-hand: you are on site, we guide you step by step from remote. Scope and division of labour are on the network engineering outsourcing page.
Where retired gear goes
Retired Cisco／Juniper／Huawei equipment can be valued for buyback or handled through ITAD clearance (including data disposal and asset records). Units with residual used value are quoted directly; those without are disposed of through compliant channels. Detail on the ITAD and buyback page.
Selection notes (no prices or stock)
- Catalyst 2960／3560／3750: still serve in many existing networks; confirm EOL／EOS and firmware availability before buying.
- Catalyst 9200／9300: newer access platforms; watch licence and firmware version binding.
- Nexus 3000／9000: data-centre use; match optics speed, cables and airflow direction.
- Branch routers such as ISR 4331: check whether interface modules and licences are complete.
- Different PIDs in the same series: may differ only in port count, power and fans. Copy the PID accurately and quoting speeds up.
Warranty and licence: new gear follows OEM warranty; used and refurbished gear generally carry 3–6 months; compatible optics one year. Smart Net, OEM support contracts and some software licences on used gear may not be transferable; confirm item by item with us before ordering.