AddOn Networks achieves NEBS Level 3 Certification
Tustin, California, US November 26 2019 - Third-party compatible optical transceivers offer network operators an alternative to proprietary Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) connectivity - but with an overwhelming number of third-party suppliers worldwide, operators need to recognize the importance of compatible transceiver test methods, advised Patrick Beard, Chief Technology Officer at AddOn Networks.
Testing is the first step to ensuring quality across programming and hardware. The compatibles industry uses several common test methods for quality control but now operators need to look for the differentiating factors in testing to ensure the quality is not being sacrificed to save costs, highlighted Beard.
“Quality claims are easy to express, but in today’s global marketplace they are even harder to prove,” said Beard. “At AddOn, we pride ourselves on the high-quality assurance of our products which is why we have invested heavily in our state-of-the-art testing facility and continue to invest in independent testing to offer the channel market third-party optical components that far exceed the recommended standards of quality.”
AddOn Networks has recently completed the Network Equipment Building System (NEBS) compliance test through global industry leader in quality assurance testing Intertek. The company’s SFP, XFP and QSFP transceivers have undergone NEBS testing criteria for standards GR-63-CORE and GR-1089-CORE, which saw them being tested in extremities to ensure that they can resist maximal temperature, vibration and humidity. The test also measured and validated improved space planning, simplified installation and increased energy efficiency.
NEBS compliance refers to the conformance of a network product to the requirements of the NEBS standard. Compliance to this standard indicates that a network product or telecommunications equipment performs at its optimum capacity.
“Through our longstanding commitment to our customers, it was important to invest in the most thorough and stringent testing methods that certify our products as safe and reliable,” added Beard. “This sets us apart from other suppliers in the channel market and allows us to drive partner and public confidence in our end to end network infrastructure solutions.”
Reviewing hardware data sheets is the simple part of evaluating third-party compatible optics. All optical transceivers are manufactured to the same Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) specifications, emphasized Beard. Understanding how third-party compatible suppliers control quality is important in making an informed decision and operators need to invest in suppliers who ensure performance at optimum capacity through rigorous testing.
The combination of rapid network expansion and ever-increasing network demands will continue to drive forward third-party compatible optical transceivers and disrupt the channel market. Complete testing of optical transceivers is not common due to the high investment in capital equipment and skilled labor needed, but as demands continue to evolve, enhanced testing will become more crucial, concluded Beard.
In addition to being NEBS compliant, most of AddOn Networks product lines, including optical transceivers and high speed cabling, are also MSA, TAA, and RoHS compliant. All of AddOn Networks’ products are rigorously tested and coded in its global, state-of-the-art facilities to ensure the highest levels of performance with 100% application testing in end-use conditions.
About AddOn Networks
Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Tustin, California, AddOn Networks is the world’s largest independent manufacturer of compatible transceivers and high-speed cabling. Filling a critical gap in the transceiver ecosystem by offering an alternative to big-name OEMS, Add-on’s transceivers go through a rigorous, finely tuned testing process, resulting in products with the industry’s lowest failure rate.