CompTIA Network+ (N10-009)Network OperationsHard
A network administrator reviewing vendor documentation notices that a switch model's manufacturer has stopped releasing security patches and firmware updates entirely, though hardware replacement parts are still available for purchase. Which lifecycle stage best describes this switch?
- AEnd-of-support (EOS)
- BEnd-of-sale
- CEnd-of-life (EOL)
- DGeneral availability (GA)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. End-of-support (EOS)
End-of-support (EOS) is the lifecycle milestone at which a vendor stops providing software updates, security patches, and technical support for a product, even though hardware components may still be obtainable.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. End-of-sale only means the vendor no longer sells new units; support may still continue after this milestone.
- C. End-of-life (EOL) is the broader announcement that a product is being phased out, but support may continue for some time afterward.
- D. General availability refers to a product's initial public release, the opposite end of the lifecycle.
Product Lifecycle Milestones
Vendors define stages such as end-of-sale, end-of-life, and end-of-support to communicate when a product will no longer be sold, developed, or supported.
- End-of-sale: no new units sold
- End-of-life: overall phase-out announcement begins
- End-of-support: patches, updates, and technical support permanently stop
Memory trick: Sale stops first, Life winds down, Support ends last.