When you have a global MPLS network, one decision that you need to make is whether to lease or rent routers from the carrier, or buy/lease them yourselves. Remember, carriers will still manage your network if you own the routers. If you want Cisco routers and decide to procure them yourselves, you need to determine what the SmartNet cost will be. It is noteworthy that routers that are approaching their end of life have dramatically higher SmartNet costs. For instance, compare the 1921 to the 1841.
- Do you want 24×7 support or 8×5 support?
- Do you want a live Cisco engineer to install the replacement router?
I found this handy web site that can help you learn all the costs: http://www.ithsc.com/ciscohardwaremaintenance/SMARTnet_calculator.php
Be sure the select the currency you want for the prices, since the default is UK Pounds Sterling.
