Cisco Wireless Enterprise WLAN, Access Points und Controller Maintenance
side by side.

Cisco Aironet · classic access points

Aironet 1600/1700 · 2600/2700 · 3500/3600/3700 · 3800/4800 · 1800 series (Mobility Express) · Outdoor 1530/1550/1570 — multiple generations EoL announced or reached

Cisco Catalyst Wireless · current Wi-Fi 6/6E AP generation

Catalyst 9105AX · 9115AX · 9117AX · 9120AX · 9124AX · 9130AX · 9136 (Wi-Fi 6E) · 9162/9164/9166 — IOS-XE-based platform, successor to the Aironet line

Wireless Controllers · aggregation and management

Catalyst 9800-CL (cloud) · 9800-L · 9800-40 · 9800-80 · older AireOS controllers like WLC 5520, 8540, 3504, 2504 — maintenance also during migration to the 9800 line

Cisco Meraki · cloud-managed

Meraki MR series (access points) · MX series (security & SD-WAN appliances) · MS series (cloud-managed switches) · MV cameras · MT sensors — hardware maintenance separate from cloud dashboard subscription

EoL/EoSL status of Cisco wireless generations

Smart Net Total Care (SNTc) bundles hardware replacement, TAC access and software updates into one Cisco package. For pure hardware replacement — which is the absolute majority case in WLAN — you're forced to also pay for TAC and update components rarely used in many WLAN setups. We separate these layers: we handle hardware maintenance at 30 to 60 percent lower cost, TAC and update needs can still be covered selectively via Cisco Smart Licensing — only where genuinely needed.

For Aironet generations that Cisco has already moved into End-of-Life or End-of-Support status — Aironet 1600, 2600, 3500 and 3600 have been in this phase for years — SNTc is either no longer renewed or only at disproportionate terms. With Meraki the mechanics differ: hardware maintenance is anchored in Meraki's lifetime hardware refresh model, but once the initial license expires, refresh processes often become complex and expensive. TPM offers a predictable, cheaper alternative for pure hardware-defect coverage here.

The full OEM-vs-TPM matrix (spare parts, SLA tiers, language, sub-outsourcing, compliance docs, reporting) is the same for every Cisco line — see the Cisco battle card.

BAIT/MaRisk documentation package, DORA Art. 28 contract template, ISO 27001 and GDPR-compliant media handling apply identically to every Cisco line — details on the Cisco battle card.

Same four steps for every Cisco line: inventory → fixed-price quote in 48 h → contract (BAIT/MaRisk/DORA hooks) → hand-over with spare-parts provisioning. Details on the Cisco battle card.

Which Cisco wireless platforms do you service?

We service the complete Cisco Wireless stack: Aironet Access Points (1600 to 4800 series plus outdoor lines 1530/1550/1570), Catalyst 9100 AP series with Wi-Fi 6 and 6E (9105AX to 9166), Wireless Controllers (Catalyst 9800-CL/-L/-40/-80 plus older AireOS controllers like WLC 2504, 5508, 5520, 3504, 8540) and the complete Meraki platform (MR APs, MX security appliances, MS switches, MV cameras, MT sensors).

What does TPM cost compared to Smart Net Total Care?

In the DACH mid-market we typically see 30 to 60 percent savings vs. Smart Net Total Care for wireless hardware. For EoL Aironets like 2600 or 3600 up to 70 percent. Example: for 80 Aironet 1830 APs with WLC 5520 at 8×5×NBD, TechCare is roughly 55–60% below Cisco SNTc. Savings increase noticeably once the generation moves to EoL status.

Do we lose TAC access and software updates when switching to TPM?

Yes, that's the calculation dividing line. Smart Net Total Care bundles hardware replacement, TAC access and software updates. TPM only replaces the hardware portion. If you still need TAC access or software updates, you can selectively cover those via Cisco Smart Licensing or individual Cisco service contracts — typically only for the controllers, not every single AP. In sum that's significantly cheaper than a full SNTc contract.

How does maintenance work for Meraki, given the hardware is directly cloud-connected?

With Meraki, the hardware layer is clearly separated from the cloud subscription. On hardware failure we replace the device — the customer then re-claims the replacement in the Meraki dashboard, and configuration is automatically restored via dashboard. The cloud subscription, lifetime hardware refresh claims and the dashboard itself continue contractually with Cisco unchanged. We address only the hardware layer — particularly relevant for fleets whose initial license is expiring and the refresh process gets complex.

Can you service Aironet APs that Cisco has already announced End-of-Life?

Yes, this is even one of our core areas in the wireless segment. Aironet 1600, 2600, 3500 and 3600 have been in EoL/EoSL for years, Aironet 1700/2700/3700 currently reaches EoSL, Aironet 1800/2800/3800 is approaching EoL. Cisco either no longer offers SNTc renewal for these generations or only at significantly higher terms. We continue maintenance with OEM original parts, even past OEM EoSL.

What happens on a wireless controller failure — they're central, after all?

Wireless controllers are the most critical component in the Cisco Wireless stack. For controllers we generally recommend 24×7×4 SLA with guaranteed 4-hour onsite response and ideally a cold spare in stock or a redundant controller pair. For the Catalyst 9800 line and older AireOS controllers (WLC 5520, 8540, 3504) we keep OEM replacement units. On swap the controller configuration is restored from backup — typically operational within 30 minutes.