Why is Cisco router flash so expensive?

I

imported_700_up

New member
My teacher said that the flash memory in the Cisco routers is really expensive and that all it is is a 32 MB compact flash card. How come Cisco charges so much for them? What would happen if you just used a cheap compact flash card instead of one from Cisco?
 
They charge so much because they can. Cisco will sometimes claim that if you use a non-Cisco card, this invalidates your warranty or service contract, despite the fact that this is illegal in the United States (under Magnuson-Moss, but Cisco could argue their extended service isn't really a warranty). Compatible flash cards are available for somewhat lower prices, but they're still much more expensive than generic flash. That's likely due to the smaller demand.
 
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