There are surely more than 7 ways to say “used router,” but these terms are the most frequently used (and sometimes confused).
The modifier here is “used.” Some are legit substitutes and others
are poor representations or marketing puffery. Not just used for routers
and switches, you will encounter these descriptors in the server and
storage markets as well.
- Used Router (the classic)
Cut and dry. A router was previously owned for any period of time,
unpackaged and powered on. Perhaps it was used just once or maybe for
years, but either way it qualifies as “used.” Marketers will sometimes
pump these up as “barely,” “slightly” or “gently used.” - Refurbished Router (or refurb)
Often thrown around freely as a substitute for “used” (we’re guilty). In
truth, only about 2% of the “used routers” that we ship are actually
“refurbished.” The difference is that “refurbished” routers have been
damaged and then fixed, while the used ones probably just tested as
working and maybe needed some light dusting and cleaning. - Remanufactured Router (reman)
Offered by manufacturers such as Cisco who re-badge used equipment for
resale. Also referred to as “factory refurbished.” Warranties are often
refreshed, but pricing can be quite high. - Remarketed Router
This is a broader term than “used.” A remarketed router may have been
used or even unused. It has been sold at least once in the past before
its resale. - Gray Market Router (a blatant misuse)
A FUD
term sometimes thrown around by new resellers when referring to used
equipment. The gray market has to do with leaks in the global supply
chain of new hardware. Used equipment has nothing to do with the gray market. - Pre-Owned Router
Marketing puffery that’s just a bit too reminiscent of used car sales for my taste. - Off-Lease Router
Leasing companies are a huge supplier to the used hardware market as
they need to dispose of millions in used equipment per year. Asset
Recovery companies and resellers like Vibrant purchase and remarket this
hardware used. With that said, this term sometimes is thrown around as a
general phrase when it doesn’t apply to the unique situation.