AddOn Dispelling the Myth
Can switching to third-party optics really keep every OEM warranty intact? This one-pager, "Third Party Optics: Dispelling the Myth," shows how AddOn delivers OEM-compatible transceivers and cabling protected by the Sherman Antitrust Act, programmed and tested in-house, and covered by a lifetime warranty. Read the one-pager to see how it works.
Do third-party optics void my OEM warranty?
No. Using AddOn’s third-party optics does not void your OEM warranties or service contracts.
The key protection here is the Sherman Antitrust Act, a U.S. federal law that prevents a manufacturer from:
- Forcing you to buy only their upgrades, or
- Invalidating your warranty or support because you purchased compatible hardware from another vendor.
This law exists to encourage competition and protect customers’ ability to choose cost-effective alternatives. AddOn provides standards-tested products with a lifetime warranty at a fraction of OEM cost, without violating your existing warranty or service plans.
How does AddOn ensure quality and compatibility?
AddOn focuses on in-house control and testing to ensure quality and compatibility:
- In-house programming and testing (US-based): All optics and network cabling are programmed and tested internally. AddOn has invested millions of dollars in a state-of-the-art lab that is continually updated with the newest OEM switches.
- OEM-spec firmware and DOM coding: Network transceivers and direct attach cables are programmed to OEM specifications, with advanced firmware and Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM) coding to closely match OEM functionality.
- Dedicated internal programming team: Instead of buying pre-coded parts from brokers and re-labeling them, AddOn’s own team codes and validates each part, helping you avoid the risks of unverified third-party components.
The result is a set of optics and cables designed to reimagine how you source connectivity—OEM-level functionality, with transparent, standards-based testing behind it.
What makes AddOn different from other third-party vendors?
AddOn differentiates itself in a few practical ways:
- Cost efficiency: You get OEM-quality, tested, and trusted parts at a fraction of the OEM cost, helping you rethink your optics budget without sacrificing performance.
- Reliability and support: Products come with a lifetime warranty and access to industry-leading technical support, giving you long-term coverage and a clear escalation path.
- In-environment testing: When you place an order, AddOn requests details about your network setup and then tests the optics and cables in a matching switch-to-switch environment. This step—often skipped by both other third-party vendors and OEMs—helps ensure each module or cable is ready for your specific deployment.
- Compliance with OEM warranties: Thanks to the Sherman Antitrust Act, using AddOn optics does not void your OEM service agreements or warranties.
Taken together, these factors allow you to reshape your connectivity strategy: lower costs, tested performance in your intended environment, and protection for your existing OEM investments.