The True Cost of Network Upgrades: Replace or Maintain?

Every IT manager faces the same dilemma at some point: Is it time to replace aging network hardware, or should you invest in keeping it running? It’s a question that doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer.

In my 25 years of working with network hardware, I’ve seen both sides of the coin. Some companies jump the gun and replace perfectly functional hardware, racking up unnecessary costs. Others hang on too long, risking performance issues and downtime. The key is understanding the true costs—both direct and hidden—so you can make the right decision for your business.

The Real Costs of Network Upgrades

When considering a network upgrade, it’s important to look beyond just the price tag of new hardware. There are several layers of costs to factor in:

• Direct Costs: This includes the price of the hardware itself, new licenses, and any additional components needed for installation. Labor for configuring and deploying the new system also adds up quickly.

• Indirect Costs: You may need to train your team on new technology, deal with downtime during installation, or even troubleshoot compatibility issues with existing hardware.

Anecdotally, I once worked with a customer who wanted to replace an entire switch stack simply because the hardware was "old." They hadn’t considered the downtime, labor, and financial strain involved in a replacement. After some honest conversations, they realized their current setup still met their needs.

For businesses exploring network hardware solutions, Edgeium offers a wide selection of top-quality new and pre-owned network hardware designed to fit your needs.

When Upgrades Make Sense

There are situations where upgrading is not only logical but necessary to keep your business running efficiently. These are the key scenarios where a replacement may be your best bet:

1. Business-Driven Needs: If your network can’t handle increased bandwidth, higher port speeds, or new applications, it’s time to upgrade.
2. End-of-Support Equipment: OEMs eventually stop supporting older hardware, leaving you without security updates or replacement parts. In some cases, and within certain parts of the network, an upgrade may make sense, but alternative solutions like Edgeium’s CovrEDGE™ can often bridge the gap without the need for a full replacement.
3. Future Growth: If your current infrastructure doesn’t align with your organization’s future goals, planning an upgrade now can save headaches later.

To support these upgrades, Edgeium provides a robust network hardware inventory featuring both new and pre-owned options to help you find the right solutions for your business.

The Case for Maintaining Existing Hardware

In many cases, maintaining your existing hardware is the smarter, more cost-effective choice. Here’s why:

1. Extending Hardware Life: Networking hardware is built to last, with an average Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) of over 19 years. If your equipment is still performing well, there’s no need to replace it prematurely.
2. Third-Party Maintenance: Solutions like Edgeium’s CovrEDGE™ offer an affordable, flexible alternative to OEM support, letting you keep your hardware running for years beyond its OEM warranty.
3. Circular Economy Benefits: By maintaining and reusing your hardware, you reduce e-waste and lower environmental impact—a win for your business and the planet.

I once worked with a customer who was hesitant about third-party maintenance but gave it a try after weighing the costs of a full replacement. The result? They saved over $100,000 and extended the life of their equipment by five years.

Questions to Ask Before Making a Decision

Not sure whether to replace or maintain? Here are four key questions to guide your decision:

1. Does your current hardware meet your business needs, or are performance issues starting to impact operations?
2. Are there upcoming growth plans or technology requirements that your current network can’t support?
3. Have you accounted for hidden costs like downtime, labor, and training?
4. Can third-party maintenance or upgrades to specific components solve the problem without replacing everything?

Make Smarter Decisions for Your Network

When it comes to network upgrades, there’s no universal solution. The best decision depends on your specific needs, long-term goals, and budget constraints. Whether you choose to replace or maintain, understanding the true costs is critical.

At Edgeium, we specialize in helping businesses like yours make smarter network decisions. From pre-owned hardware to flexible maintenance plans like CovrEDGE™, we’re here to optimize your investment and keep your network running smoothly.

Ready to explore your options? Let’s connect and find the right solution for your network challenges.