Product Lifecycle Notice - End of Support for Cato Socket Hardware 

Cato Networks announces the End of Support (EOS) for the Socket hardware listed in the table below.

This change is part of Cato Networks’ standard hardware lifecycle and refresh process, designed to ensure customers continue to benefit from secure, high-performance, and fully supported platforms. 

This notice is issued in accordance with the Cato Socket Hardware Refresh Policy. For more information about the policy and what EOS means, see this article: Cato Socket Hardware Refresh Policy.

As part of your subscription renewal process, Cato Networks will advise which Socket models are expected to reach EOS during your subscription term. In such case: 

Cato Networks strongly recommends completing the hardware replacement as soon as possible, and in any event prior to the EOS date, to ensure continued eligibility for SLAs, security updates, optimal performance and operational stability, and ongoing compatibility with future Cato Cloud enhancements. 

Do not hesitate to reach out to your Cato Networks sales, partner, or customer success team if you have any questions regarding this notice or the EOS process.

How do I identify my Socket model? 

In the Cato Management Application, check the Hardware Version column in the Sockets & Accessories page (Account > Sockets & Accessories) to see all the Socket models in the account (e.g. X1500 and X1500B). This column is hidden by default. 

Note: If a hardware version in the Sockets & Accessories page appears without a letter suffix, it corresponds to the A version referenced in this notice. For example, X1500 in the Sockets & Accessories page corresponds to the X1500A model in this notice. 

When and how will the hardware refresh take place? 

As part of your subscription renewal process, Cato Networks will advise which Socket models are expected to reach EOS during your subscription term and will initiate the hardware refresh process. 

Will my Socket stop working on the EOS date? 

Not necessarily. A Socket may continue to operate after the EOS date, however, its software is no longer tested or validated by Cato Networks, and its functionality is no longer guaranteed. 

Will Cato disconnect my Socket once it reaches EOS? 

No. Cato Networks does not proactively disconnect Sockets that have reached EOS. That said, continued operation on unsupported hardware is not guaranteed and may result in service disruption and security risks. 

What happens to Cato Support and SLAs after the EOS date? 

Sites connected using Sockets that are past their EOS date are not covered by Cato Networks SLAs and, in the event of a service failure, are not eligible for service credits. Cato Technical Support will no longer troubleshoot issues attributable to EOS hardware. 

Will I still receive software updates or security patches after EOS? 

Software updates, fixes, compatibility assurances, and security patches may no longer be provided for Socket hardware that has reached EOS. New features and critical CVE fixes may not be compatible with unsupported hardware. 

Am I eligible for replacement hardware if my Socket reaches EOS? 

Yes. Customers with an active subscription are eligible for replacement hardware at no additional charge, in accordance with the Cato Socket Hardware Refresh Policy. 

Who is responsible for replacing the hardware? 

Cato Networks is responsible for initiating the hardware refresh process and shipping the replacement Socket. Customers are responsible for physically replacing and installing the Socket hardware at their sites. 

Does EOS impact Cato Cloud services (for example, security services)? 

No. Cato Cloud services themselves are not impacted by the EOS status of a Socket. However, unsupported hardware may not be compatible with future service enhancements. 

This notice is intended to supplement, and not amend, modify, or extend any existing contractual obligations, including Cato Network’s Service Level Agreement. Any continued use of hardware beyond the applicable EOS date is at the customer’s sole discretion and risk.