Cisco Refresh and Cisco Excess are two sales channels for reconditioned hardware that has been refurbished by the manufacturer Cisco itself.
What are the differences between Cisco Refresh and Excess?
Basically, the difference between the two distribution channels is the degree of hardware refurbishment and who is officially allowed to distribute it.
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Cisco Refresh
- as good as new, has been completely remanufactured technically and optically
- may only be officially purchased through an authorised Cisco partner
- Article number ends with "-RF
- comes in original packaging, sealed with Cisco Refresh tape
- including all accessories and documentation
- can be taken under Cisco Smart Net Total Care (SNTC)
Cisco Excess
- refurbished, has been tested for functionality, but may contain signs of use
- may be officially distributed by non-Cisco partners
- Article number ends with "-WS
- usually comes in original packaging, sealed with Cisco Excess tape (but can also be sent in neutral packaging)
- can also arrive without additional accessories and documentation
- can be taken under Cisco Smart Net Total Care (SNTC)
In summary: In opposite to Cisco Refresh, Cisco Excess is not completely refurbished to a mint condition, but "only" tested and relicensed for functionality and can also be delivered in neutral packaging without accessories. Devices from both channels can be taken under a manufacturer maintenance contract.