How To Choose?
According to the optical transceiver industry report, optical module needs will keep increasing, SFP transceiver market is going to reach 11,145 Million USD by 2026. Reasons are higher bandwidth applications, faster broadband speeds, growing online video content, more mobile internet users, and so on.
While what should we choose from Third-Party vs OEM Optical Transceivers? This article will help you make the call.
What Is The Difference Between Third-Party And OEM Optical Transceivers?
Definition
OEM optical transceiver is provided and branded by original equipment manufacturers, like Cisco, Huawei, Juniper, Arista, etc.
Third-party optical transceivers are provided by other vendors instead of the OEMs.
Quality
After being aware of the definitions, here goes the common question, is the OEM optical transceiver of better quality?
Many OEMs don’t produce optical transceivers by themselves. They got suppliers to produce, and do code and label with OEM brands. Just like Finisar is Cisco’s supplier. In this case, Finisar is a third-party vendor.
Third-party optical transceivers are fully compliant with MSA(Multi-Source Agreement) standards and specifications are the same, just without the OEM branding.
Price
There is a four to ten times price difference between third-party and OEM optical transceivers. But why if the qualities are the same?
The reason is that you are paying for the brand.
Lead time
OEM optical transceivers’ lead time usually takes weeks or months. Especially when you got more than two brands of equipment.
Third-party optical transceivers are more flexible, always with stock, one type of optical module can be coded with different brands to fulfill clients’ requests.
Warranty
I believe equipment’s warranty is one of the reasons why you are afraid of using third-party transceivers.
After checking big brands’ warranty policy, they state the same description, support service will not be available if the equipment is damaged by third-party optical transceivers. But the truth is third-party transceivers will not damage the equipment.
For optical module warranty, OEMs optical transceiver warranty is one year, and most third-party transceiver warranty is over three years.
Conclusion
If the brand name is not needed, a third-party optical transceiver will be the better choice.
- Cost-effective(four to ten times cheaper)
- Same quality(MSA standards)
- Compatible with OEM equipment
- Flexible and shorter lead time
- Longer warranty.
Last but not least, find a reliable supplier.
If any questions or comments related to Third-Party vs OEM Optical Transceivers, reach us freely.
