GEORGE ASHWIN ADDON NETWORKS
are plugged in. Every transceiver we offer is tested in lab environments that replicate our customers’ actual infrastructure, allowing for faster installation without the need for extensive troubleshooting. These solutions directly address the urgent need to rapidly scale up AI infrastructure without waiting for the longer lead times and installation processes encountered when using larger NEMs. BD Power consumption is becoming a critical constraint for data centres in general. How do your solutions support more energy efficient network designs?
market and ensure that using alternative optics within a network will not void any warranty or service contracts with NEMs. In Europe, for example, the Treaty of Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) means any form of explicit or implicit warranty tie is rendered illegal under Articles 101 and 102. These legislative acts are key to fostering competition within the market, offering operators the freedom to choose components without the fear of being locked-in to specific vendors. In fact, there is evidence that NEMs have begun to accept the role alternative optics have within the market – one leading manufacturer has even been endorsing third-party optics within their sales since 2023. We see AddOn Networks as a trusted partner to these traditional NEMs, so we hope to see this trend accelerate this year.
entire process, but while they could supply switches and servers, the transceivers they required were on a nine-month lead time – which as you would expect, was unacceptable for their needs. Thankfully, it was at this point they started working with AddOn Networks. We were able to do a comprehensive evaluation and qualification process with our hardware for the operator, which resulted in them receiving all components necessary for their project in just eight weeks. Looking ahead, how do you see the role of alternative NEM solutions evolving as AI infrastructure demands continue to grow? BD
Consumption issues will only worsen as AI data centre rollouts increase, but AddOn Networks is
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playing a part when it comes to energy efficiency. This is because we develop solutions that reduce consumption at the physical layer, and enable denser, more sustainable architectures. Our optical solutions are engineered to support AI and ML workloads, but draw less power than traditional NEM hardware, helping operators to lower both IT load and cooling requirements within facilities. A major contributing factor to our success here is our portfolio of linear pluggable optics (LPO) with up to 50% less power usage compared to standard transceivers. This reduction compounds across racks to cut overall energy usage. Our high-density modules – such as 400G and 800G form factors – are also empowering operators to increase bandwidth without expanding their physical footprint, which in turn also reduces their cooling needs. Recently, AddOn Networks has extended network reach to up to 120km in certain product ranges, further boosting efficiency since bandwidth is increased over existing fibre without requiring new, power-intensive cabling or repeaters. By enabling upgrades on existing switches and routers, AddOn is also helping to extend hardware lifecycles, avoiding the energy and cost impact full replacements would ensure.
As the AI ‘bubble’ does not appear to show any sign of bursting just yet, we still expect to see demand
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How does AddOn Networks ensure that optics from various vendors can work together in the
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across all AI infrastructure increase this year and beyond. Yet, with the ongoing supply chain issues – resulting from everything from raw components to geopolitical issues – there will be increased pressure on operators to embrace alternative solutions, especially from those seen as experts in the field like AddOn Networks. Furthermore, spending is likely to increase, and the financial burden on operators will be substantial, so the opportunity to reduce costs through these solutions will become an even more attractive option going forward. They will also need suppliers that have the flexibility to evolve with new market trends – something AddOn Networks is already demonstrating through our latest 1.6T transceivers, and the 3.2T transceivers we expect to launch in the future as the demand increases.
same network and seamlessly integrate with existing platforms from key data centre players like Nvidia, Arista, and Juniper?
We combine standards-driven engineering with stringent, real-world interoperability testing.
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Every optic is built to the NEMs’ MSA specifications, ensuring electrical consistency with their hardware. AddOn then codes each product with vendor- specific profiles so switches will recognise the optics as native components – an essential process for platforms with strict validation requirements. As mentioned earlier, we then carry out 100% testing in our engineering labs, which contain full racks of NEM hardware. This allows us to test our optics in real devices, rather than simulations. Our engineers validate everything from link behaviour to telemetry, and the optics also go through thermal cycling and BER testing to guarantee reliability in high- density environments. Beyond engineering, we also offer round-the-clock engineering support to customers to ensure no issues arise once our optics are plugged into their networks. BD Can you share examples of where customers have successfully used NEM alternatives to overcome deployment or supply chain challenges?
Do optics from alternative suppliers void NEM warranties?
BD
GA It is a reasonable concern but I am happy to say they do not. To ensure customers remain loyal to their solutions, NEMs may occasionally advise that integrating third-party components will lead to technical issues or a voided warranty, but this is just a scaremongering tactic and an example of anti-competitive behaviour. There are legal precedents within many regions that establish ‘fair play’ in the
Only recently, there was a large operator within the Middle East that was in the process of bringing
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several AI clusters online. They had initially looked to work with NEMs for the
George Ashwin, UK Channel Director, AddOn Networks
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ISSUE 43 | Q1 2026
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