If you’re wondering “When does my F5 expire?” (whether it’s hardware, software or virtual) you’re not alone. Many people run into critical lifecycle milestones without realising it, putting performance, security, and compliance at risk.
In this blog, we’ll explain how to check if your F5 BIG-IP system is still supported, why support matters, and why upgrading to rSeries or newer virtual editions ensures access to the latest software and features.
Why Lifecycle Status Matters
When your F5 hardware or software hits a lifecycle milestone like End of Software Support (EoSS) or End of Technical Support (EoTS), critical services stop;
- No more security patches
- No bug or stability fixes
- No escalation to engineering
- No new features or compatibility with future versions
This can leave you exposed to vulnerabilities or compatibility issues, especially if you’re running older hardware like VIPRION, standard series appliances, or out-of-date BIG-IP versions.
Two Lifecycles, One Problem
It’s important to understand that F5 hardware and software lifecycles are independent. You could be running software that is out of support even if your hardware still has an active support contract.
For example:
- Your iSeries appliance may still be eligible for RMA.
- But if it’s running a version of BIG-IP that has reached its EoSD (End of Software Development), F5 will no longer provide fixes or assistance.
This is why keeping both hardware and software current is essential.
“It’s important to understand that F5 hardware and software lifecycles are independent. You could be running software that is out of support even if your hardware still has an active support contract.”
How to check if your F5 is still supported
| Hardware | 01/01/2024 | 31/12/2025 | 31/12/2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
iSeries | End Of Sale | End of New Software Support Supported Software: 17.5.x 17.1.x RMA | End of Software Support Supported Software: NONE RMA only |
rSeries | Supported Software: 2x.x BIG-IP Next 17.5.x 17.1.x RMA | Supported Software: 2x.x BIG-IP Next 17.5.x 17.1.x (EoTS 31.03.2027) RMA | |
| Virtual Edition | 01/01/2024 | 31/12/2025 | 31/12/2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
V18 | End Of Sale | Supported Software: 17.5.x 17.1.x | End of Technical Support |
V23 | Supported Software: 20.x – 23.x BIG-IP Next 17.5.x 17.1.x (EoTS 31/03/2027) | Supported Software: 20.x – 23.x BIG-IP Next | |
There are two key resources
- F5 Product Lifecycle Policy (K4309)
Lists critical dates for your hardware including End of Sale (EoS), End of Software Support (EoSS), and End of Technical Support (EoTS). - F5 Hardware/Software Compatibility Matrix (K9476)
Shows which versions of BIG-IP software are supported on your specific hardware model.
If your hardware has reached EoNSS (End of New Software Support), no new software versions will be tested or validated for that device.
“If your hardware has reached EoNSS (End of New Software Support), no new software versions will be tested or validated for that device.”
Typical Support Timeframes
- Hardware EoSS: Usually 3 years after the End of Sale
- Hardware EoTS: Typically 4 years after EoSS
- Software Standard Support:
- 15 months for Major Releases (e.g. 17.0.0)
- 4–5 years for Long-Term Stability Releases (e.g. 17.1.x, 17.5.x)
Final Tip: Don’t Wait for Your Maintenance to Expire
F5 allows one final year of Extended Support but only if you renew before the current agreement ends. After the EoTS date, support is permanently unavailable.
If your hardware or software is close to EoSS or EoTS, contact FullProxy now to plan an upgrade path that ensures continuity, compliance, and performance.
Not sure where your F5 stands?
We’ll help you check your support status and create a clear, low-disruption upgrade plan tailored to you. Drop us an email today!
