As enterprises grapple with rapid technological evolution, managing network infrastructure upgrades has become a strategic imperative. Huawei’s End-of-Marketing (EOM) and End-of-Sale (EOS) announcements for switches, routers, firewalls, and WLAN devices signal critical transition points for IT teams. Understanding these lifecycle milestones is essential to avoid costly disruptions, ensure compliance, and plan for seamless modernization. This article decodes Huawei’s EOM/EOS framework, offering actionable insights for network architects, procurement managers, and compliance officers navigating this complex landscape.
The Critical Importance of EOM/EOS Awareness
Huawei’s EOM/EOS timelines dictate when specific products are phased out of the market or discontinued. For enterprises relying on Huawei infrastructure, missing these deadlines can lead to:
- Compliance Risks: Using unsupported hardware may violate regulatory standards (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA).
- Security Vulnerabilities: End-of-life devices often lack critical patches for newly discovered threats.
- Integration Headaches: Newer systems may not interoperate with legacy EOM/EOS products.
Take the example of Huawei’s aging S5700 series switches. Their EOS in 2023 forced many enterprises to migrate to newer models like the CloudEngine 6800 series, requiring costly rewiring and staff retraining. Proactive planning is the only way to mitigate such disruptions.
Huawei EOM/EOS Product Categories: A Strategic Breakdown
1. Switches: From Campus Cores to Data Centers
Huawei’s Catalyst-like Catalyst 9200 and CloudEngine series dominate enterprise switching. The Catalyst 9200 reached EOS in 2024, pushing customers toward cloud-managed alternatives. Meanwhile, the CloudEngine 8800 remains a flagship for hyperscale data centers, with EOM scheduled for 2027.
Key Transition Challenges:
- Backward Compatibility: Ensuring newer switches integrate with legacy SDN frameworks.
- Skill Gaps: Newer models require familiarity with AI-driven management tools.
2. Routers: Securing Branch and Core Networks
The AR6100 series routers, widely used in branch offices, entered EOM in 2023. Enterprises must now adopt the AR6500 series, which integrates SD-WAN and Zero Trust Architecture. For example, a multinational retailer replaced AR6100s with AR6500s to enforce granular access controls across 500+ locations.
3. Firewalls: Evolving Threat Landscapes
Huawei’s USG6000 series firewalls reached EOS in 2025, necessitating upgrades to the USG6700 series with built-in AI threat detection. Financial institutions, in particular, face pressure to migrate due to heightened regulatory scrutiny.
4. WLAN: The Shift to Wi-Fi 7
With the EOS of Huawei’s AirEngine 5760-10 (Wi-Fi 6) in 2026, organizations must adopt Wi-Fi 7-ready solutions like the AirEngine 8770. Educational institutions, already struggling with dense device connectivity, now prioritize vendors offering phased migration support.
Navigating EOM/EOS: A Case Study in Risk Mitigation
A European logistics company faced a critical challenge when Huawei’s AR161 series routers (used in 200+ warehouses) hit EOS in 2024. Their IT team executed a three-phase strategy:
- Audit & Prioritization: Mapped devices by criticality and compliance requirements.
- Phased Replacement: Deployed AR6700 series routers in high-priority sites first.
- Staff Training: Partnered with Huawei for hands-on workshops on new management interfaces.
Result? Downtime decreased by 70%, and operational efficiency improved via automation features in the newer routers.
Image description: A Gantt chart illustrating EOM/EOS dates for Huawei switches, routers, firewalls, and WLAN devices from 2023 to 2027, with recommended upgrade paths.
Hidden Costs of Ignoring EOM/EOS Timelines
Many organizations underestimate the downstream impact of continuing to use EOM/EOS products. For instance:
- Third-Party Integrations: Legacy devices may lack APIs required by modern orchestration platforms.
- Insurance Penalties: Some policies mandate up-to-date security infrastructure to qualify for coverage.
- Resale Value: EOM/EOS equipment depreciates rapidly, complicating asset recovery during audits.
A utility company in Asia learned this lesson the hard way after using an EOS firewall for two years post-EOS. A zero-day exploit bypassed its outdated threat database, resulting in a $2M regulatory fine.
Actionable Strategies for EOM/EOS Transitions
- Adopt a Lifecycle Dashboard: Use tools like Huawei’s eSight to track device health and lifecycle stages.
- Engage with Partners Early: Leverage Huawei’s channel partners for bulk upgrade discounts.
- Test in Non-Critical Environments: Pilot new devices in labs before full-scale deployment.
- Budget for Training: Allocate resources for certifications like HCIP-Datacom to bridge skill gaps.
Huawei’s EOM/EOS framework isn’t just a product roadmap—it’s a call to action for enterprises to future-proof their networks. Whether upgrading switches to cloud-native models or transitioning to AI-powered firewalls, staying ahead of these timelines ensures resilience, compliance, and scalability. By treating EOM/EOS as a strategic catalyst rather than a compliance checkbox, organizations can turn infrastructure transitions into opportunities for innovation.
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