Upcoming Cisco ISR 4351 EOL dates
- November 6, 2024 – End of routine failure analysis, end of new service attachment
- August 31, 2025 – End of software maintenance releases and bug fixes
- February 5, 2028 – End of service contract renewal
- November 30, 2028 – Last date of support.
Cisco 4351 EOL replacement options
The Cisco Catalyst C8300
Cisco recommends replacing the 4351 with the Catalyst C8300, but this platform does not go far enough to improve upon the limitations of the EOL model. For instance, both the ISR 4351 and the Catalyst C8300 replacement models are 2RU devices, making them too large for some branch and edge deployment use cases where space is limited. Additionally, while both platforms integrate with some of Cisco’s third-party partners (like ThousandEyes), Cisco is a closed ecosystem that may not support all the management, automation, and security tools needed to support an enterprise branch. Additionally, Cisco’s DNA software may not be able to control mixed-vendor infrastructure, leaving critical coverage gaps.
The Nodegrid Net SR (NSR)
ZPE Systems offers a range of enterprise branch network management solutions called Nodegrid that serve as an upgrade to Cisco 4351 EOL models. In particular, the Nodegrid Net Services Router (NSR) makes an ideal 4351 replacement due to its modular design, which can be extended with expansion modules for functionality like edge compute, PoE, USB OCP debug, and third-generation (or Gen 3) out-of-band management. Gen 3 OOB allows teams to deploy third-party automation and orchestration workflows over the OOB network to streamline branch provisioning, management, and recovery. Gen 3 OOB ensures 24/7 remote access to branch infrastructure even during network outages, provides a safe environment to recover from ransomware and other breaches, and keeps resource-intensive management workflows from bogging down the production network.
All Nodegrid solutions are completely vendor-neutral, integrating with or even directly hosting third-party software and extending complete visibility and control to legacy and mixed-vendor infrastructure. Nodegrid is essentially a branch-in-a-box, allowing companies to deploy infrastructure automation, network orchestration, branch security, and more on a single device that’s 1RU or smaller. Plus, this entire toolkit is available on an isolated, out-of-band network, ensuring remote teams have 24/7 access to keep business operating even during outages and ransomware attacks for superior network resilience.
Ready to replace your Cisco 4351 EOL solutions?
Nodegrid delivers vendor-neutral, branch-in-a-box solutions that streamline remote infrastructure management while improving network resilience. See our Cisco 4351 EOL replacement SKUs below or contact ZPE Systems for help choosing the right Nodegrid solution for your business. Contact us