FAQs

FAQs

• How do I find the part number of a ProLabs compatible solution?
  ProLabs use the same part number scheme as the OEM’s, we have OEM compatible transceivers, direct attach cables and active optical cables.
• Will using ProLabs invalidate my warranty with the Vendor Original Equipment?
  No, using ProLabs will not void any warranty. Vendors cannot stipulate that only their branded parts may be used within their OEM systems in order to retain warranty.
• Will a ProLabs transceiver impact performance?
  No - ProLabs transceivers are built to the same high standards as the OEM’s own transceivers and will not impact the host systems’ performance. MSA standards insure that all transceivers adhere to defined specifications.
• I need a quote and sample of the required products
  We can provide a fully comprehensive quote and supply demo products if required.
• What warranty does ProLabs provide?
  All of our transceivers are fully covered by a lifetime warranty, so any failure will be replaced (please refer to terms and conditions). Click here to view our warranty document
• What transceivers can ProLabs provide?
  ProLabs can provide a full range of transceiver types - including SFP, SFP+, CFP, XFP, QSFP+, QSFP28, DACs and AOCs. Tranceivers can be coded to the specific requirements of the host switch.
• Why should I choose a ProLabs compatible transceiver over the OEM’s own tranceivers?
  ProLabs can provide transceivers with the same performance and quality as the OEM transceivers at a much lower cost and can also offer a complete connectivity solution allowing ProLabs to be your single source.
• Can ProLabs provide other transceiver types initially not supported by the OEM vendor?
  Yes, ProLabs provide specific transceiver types that the OEM vendor doesn’t promote. SFP+, 10BASE-T, SFP+ DWDM Tunable are some of the examples.
• Do you have a multi-code version?
  Yes, ProLabs provide multi-code transceivers which can be plugged into different OEM vendor platforms. It drastically reduces the stock inventory in terms of quantity and amount of SKU’s.
• Do your transceivers support DOM functionality?
  Yes, all optical transceivers support DOM (digital optical monitoring) functionality.
• Are your optics TAA Compliant?
  Yes, ProLabs offers optics that are TAA Compliant. For our official statement, click here.
• What are the most frequently reported quality issues from other third-party suppliers?

  Based on studies, quality issues most frequently found are related to reliability, compatibility, and interoperability. Coding is reported as the biggest issue with optics reading as the wrong part and receiving messages of “unsupported data”. This can cause network delays and system reboots, taking up critical time and possibly needing a system engineer to triage.

  We understand the importance of quality and take measured steps in our manufacturing and testing processes. Our optics are coded and tested in its intended environment so that it functions 100% the same as an OEM version. Compatibility is key to ensure a seamless connection with no downtime.

• What happens if an optic is not coded correctly?

  Miscoding a transceiver can have a number of unintended and costly side effects. Sometimes the effects are minor, such as a nice to have feature not being supported. Other times, the OEM switch won’t recognize the part as even compatible, thus rendering the port unusable until the transceiver is swapped out or recoded.

  A rare but potentially devastating case is that the EEPROM can be missing password protection, leading to data corruption if an OEM switch accidentally overwrites part of the pre-installed coding. In turn, this breaks the transceiver, requiring replacement before that port is usable again. Any power surges or failures requires your infrastructure’s hardware to reboot, meaning poorly coded transceivers all run the risk of bringing down mission critical networks in this way or worse.

  All of these headaches are avoided by understanding end user needs and coding a product that avoids these pitfalls, which is exactly the value that our vast end user experience allows us to add to our transceivers that sets us a cut above other competitors.

• What happens to the optic when there are revisions or updates to the OEM software?

  Other suppliers’ optics may work out-of-the box, but revisions and changes to software can cause the parts to ultimately fail. We are constantly researching firmware upgrades and implementing them to maintain an up to date database. Our in-house coding facility programs all our parts to standard OEM specs as well as creating unique, one-of-a-kind coding for customized networking solutions. With over 20 years of coding knowledge and experience we have refined a database of compatible programming that is unrivaled. Additionally, our proprietary Data Traveler System™ tracks and serializes every part to make sure it has gone through the proper coding and testing required. From keeping our lab systems up to date with the latest software, to a pre-code hardware inspection, we create a solution that is guaranteed for long lasting compatibility and performance.

• What happens when an optic fails?

  When a part fails or when you experience incompatibility issues - time, money, and resources are spent to find a resolution. With many other suppliers, this means losing several days waiting for a reply, each time a reply is needed.

  Even if the problem is identified, if the part is the issue (mis-shipped, defective, miscoded, or incompatible), you now add transit delays too. Each step of the way, you’re the one losing time, incurring financial costs, and missing opportunities.

  We stand by our 99.98% reliability rating, but in the rare instance of a failure, we will ship a replacement part to you same day as to minimize any operational delays.

• What do you do differently to resolve optic failures?

  Because we are globally based with headquarters in the U.S. and UK, we can respond far faster and more thoroughly to customers who are located worldwide. Whether it's a coding solution, a part correction, or something else, our expert team dives into the issue headfirst with you, resolving it to your satisfaction. We explore the issue with you from a technical perspective, standing behind our product and at your side until your new deployment is fully successful.

  Our world-class customer support and technical teams are available 24hrs a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. With your mission-critical projects at stake, our global field engineers can be deployed on-site to help you resolve any issues. We are real people committed to quality and exceptional customer service (should there be any issues with our products).

• How do you ensure higher compatibility rates than that of your competition?

  Over 20 years we've been working directly with customers to ensure compatibility in over 400 network systems with the industry’s highest reliability rating of 99.98%. Every unit is individually tested for performance and compatibility in one of our world-class lab facilities with the latest networking equipment.

  Other third-party suppliers buy ‘pre-coded’ hardware from manufacturers. These manufacturers specialize in manufacturing the device, and not on programing for compatibility. As they don't interface with the end-client, they are not best equipped to code to your needs. We are different, in that we don’t rely on the manufacturer’s pre-coded parts, we code them ourselves in-house to our clients’ exact specifications. We don’t just make the part--we make the part work.

• Do your transceivers support DOM functionality?
  Yes, absolutely! Digital optical monitoring (DOM) is usually built into transceiver hardware in modern times, but even so, the coding must be correct to be usable if the OEM supports it. We ensure our transceivers are coded to support the full spectrum of functionality offered in current and legacy OEM switches, including DOM functionality.
• How do you ensure that I’m getting the correct part for my system?

  Sampling, testing, and coding are in our DNA. We have a state-of-the-art lab and testing facility in which we’re able to install our transceivers directly into OEM switches to verify that both our hardware and software are fully successful before we ship.

  Coupling this with our proprietary part serialization and tracking system, the Data Traveler System™, and we’re able to quickly guarantee that we’re sending out a product that not only meets but exceeds your expectations every single time.

• Do your transceivers support all functions available on my cutting-edge OEM switches?
  Yes, they most certainly do. We define success differently than the competition. We understand that basic compatibility and passing traffic tests are just the start of what makes a transceiver great, and it shows in how we leverage our two decades of experience to carefully filter, select, and code our products for full compatibility and high efficiency.
• Will using third-party transceivers invalidate my warranty with the vendor OEM?

  Absolutely not. This is a common misconception of third-party optics from any brand that we’re happy to dispel. OEMs must abide legally by the U.S. Sherman Anti-Trust Act, which prohibits them from invalidating your warranty or their support should you use a third-party component with their hardware, nor can they exclusively “tie in” upgrades to their own brand only. In parallel, there are a number of corresponding multi-national laws that protect against OEM anti-competition behavior such as Articles 101 and 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), the UK Competition Act of 1998, and the UK Enterprise Act of 2002, and India’s Competition Act.

  This means that third-party transceivers are capable of supporting the full gamut of features offered, provided they are expertly coded to OEM specifications, while also still carrying your OEM warranty and support period.