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Practical guides for people buying network hardware in Australia. How to read Cisco part codes, what changes when a product goes end of life, when refurbished is the right call, and how to pick the right cable or transceiver. Written by the team who source and test this gear every day.
Finding the right firewall is not always as simple as ordering the latest model from your IT provider or distributor. The unit you need may be on extended back order, or already past its end of sale date. XS Network...
Not sure what you need?
Send us the part code, the port count, or just the problem. We will come back with options across new, refurbished and end of life stock.
TL;DR: Cisco desk phones are not plug-and-play devices for a normal phone line. They are VoIP phones that must be compatible with your phone system. Check compatibility with your service...
Cisco SG250/SG350 reached end-of-sale on 30 October 2021. Their successors were Cisco Business CBS250/CBS350. Today the recommended path is Catalyst 1200 and Catalyst 1300. These “Catalyst” models are SMB-class, GUI-first,...
Looking to upgrade your IT infrastructure without breaking the budget? At XS Network Tech, we make it easy to buy used Cisco switches, refurbished servers, routers, and optics that deliver...
When ordering Cisco network equipment, you may notice an "=" sign in some part codes. For many, this little symbol can be confusing. Does it indicate a different version of...
Third-party maintenance (TPM) contracts offer flexible, cost-effective alternatives to OEM support like Cisco SmartNet. With local Australian service, extended EOL coverage, and up to 50% cost savings, XS Network Tech...
Buying used or refurbished network hardware is one of the most effective ways to reduce e-waste, lower carbon emissions, and support a sustainable circular economy. At XS Network Tech, we...
Compatible equipment refers to third-party hardware designed to work seamlessly with major networking brands at a lower cost. At XS Network Tech, our Blue Cable Co® transceivers are fully compatible...
The best fibre cable for your transceiver depends on distance, speed, and compatibility. Use OM4 multimode cables for short-range, high-speed links and OS1 singlemode cables for long-distance connections. All Blue...
100% copper Ethernet cables offer stronger conductivity, higher data speeds, and full PoE support — while cheap CCA (Copper-Clad Aluminium) cables cause signal loss, overheating, and often fail Australian compliance...
The best SFP transceiver depends on your network’s compatibility, performance, and budget. Cisco, Meraki, Aruba, and Juniper SFPs offer guaranteed OEM support, while Blue Cable Co® SFPs from XS Net...
Most Cisco Industrial Ethernet (IE) switches require DC power, but whether you need a separate power supply depends on your setup. This guide explains when a Cisco IE switch can...