Axonode Warranty and RMA Guide for Optical Transceivers
Review Axonode optical transceiver warranty scope, exclusions, troubleshooting evidence, RMA authorization and approved return-freight handling.
Axonode uses a technical review and return merchandise authorization (RMA) process for warranty-related product issues. Business customers should report the fault, complete the requested remote checks and receive written return instructions before shipping any product.
The applicable quotation, order agreement and confirmed product category govern the final terms. This guide describes the current policy reference and review process; it does not replace an order-specific agreement.
01Scope of the Warranty
The standard warranty reference for current optical transceivers is three years, subject to the applicable quotation or order. Accessories, supporting products and customized or special-order items use the product-specific terms confirmed in the quotation or contract.
| Product category | Current review reference |
|---|---|
| Current optical transceivers | Three years, subject to the applicable quotation or order |
| Accessories and supporting products | Product- and order-specific terms |
| Customized or special-order products | Warranty and acceptance terms confirmed in the quotation or contract |
The documented shipment date is the current working start-date reference when the quotation or order agreement does not state another term. This wording requires final commercial confirmation before publication, and the order record remains the controlling source for a specific claim.
02Products and Situations Covered
A warranty review may consider manufacturing, material or workmanship defects and product failure under documented operating conditions. Axonode reviews the product identity, order record, affected quantity, host, software, port configuration, optical path and available evidence before classifying the case.
A reported failure does not automatically qualify for a refund or immediate replacement. Depending on the evidence and inspection result, the next step may be additional troubleshooting, repair, replacement or another mutually agreed resolution.
03Information Required Before an RMA Review
Provide the relevant information available for the affected link:
- company name, order number and shipment reference;
- Axonode SKU or reference model, serial number and clear label photos;
- total quantity, affected quantity and observed failure rate;
- exact switch, router, line card, network adapter or radio model;
- software or firmware version, port speed, mode, FEC and breakout settings;
- link distance, fiber type, connector, polarity and remote-end optic;
- both endpoint wavelengths for a bidirectional (BiDi) link;
- DOM/DDM readings, transmit and receive power, alarms and error counters;
- screenshots, logs, photos and a clear description of when the issue occurs;
- results from cleaning, reseating, port swaps, known-good optics or other agreed checks.
This evidence helps separate a product fault from a coding, configuration, fiber, wavelength or link-budget issue.
04Technical Troubleshooting Before Return
Do not return the module at the first alarm or link failure. Confirm the exact symptom and isolate one variable at a time.
- Verify product identity, endpoint assignment and any BiDi wavelength pairing.
- Confirm host, line-card or adapter model, software version and supported port mode.
- Inspect and clean connectors; confirm polarity, patching and the remote optic.
- Record DOM/DDM, optical power, alarms and interface error counters where available.
- Compare with a known-good port, patch cord or module when this can be done safely.
- Preserve labels, logs and test results for the review.
The published optical transceiver compatibility check can help organize host and link evidence. Some cases can be resolved remotely without a physical return.
05RMA Request Process
- Submit the issue. Send the order, product identity, affected quantity, host and link details.
- Complete remote troubleshooting. Axonode reviews coding, configuration, optical power, alarms and other available evidence.
- Confirm whether inspection is required. If physical inspection is needed, Axonode prepares written RMA authorization.
- Agree the return instructions. The address, carrier, service level, declared information and cost treatment must be approved before shipment.
- Inspect and classify the issue. Axonode coordinates inspection or manufacturing-partner analysis and separates a covered product-quality defect from a configuration, compatibility, handling or non-defective return.
- Confirm the proposed resolution. The outcome may involve repair, replacement, further testing or another mutually agreed action.
- Document and close the case. Findings and follow-up actions are recorded.
Response and resolution timing depends on the product, failure mode, quality of the evidence, required testing and logistics. Axonode does not apply one fixed turnaround time to every RMA.
06Exclusions and Limitations
The following situations require case-specific review and may fall outside standard warranty coverage:
- physical damage, electrostatic discharge, contamination or improper storage;
- incorrect installation, polarity, voltage, cabling or connector handling;
- operation outside documented environmental, electrical or optical limits;
- unauthorized modification, repair, label removal or disassembly;
- incorrect BiDi wavelength pairing or wrong endpoint assignment;
- ordering or model-selection errors based on incomplete host or link information;
- incompatibility after an unreported host, line-card, software or firmware change;
- damage caused by other equipment, customer handling or transport after delivery;
- unauthorized returns or shipment to an unapproved address;
- normal wear of applicable consumable or supporting items.
Customized and special-order products may also have contract-specific acceptance and return conditions. Warranty review does not create a universal compatibility guarantee or cover every future software change.
07Return Shipping and Replacement Handling
Do not ship a product until Axonode provides written RMA authorization, the approved return address and shipping instructions.
For a confirmed product-quality defect covered by the applicable warranty, Axonode contributes 50% of the total approved standard round-trip freight. The customer is responsible for the remaining 50%.
This arrangement applies only when:
- requested troubleshooting has been completed;
- Axonode has authorized the return;
- inspection confirms a warranty-covered product-quality defect;
- the approved address, carrier route and shipping instructions are followed; and
- standard economical freight is used unless another method is approved in writing.
Carrier, route, service level, declared information and cost treatment must be agreed before shipment. Unauthorized, non-defective, out-of-warranty or customer-caused returns do not receive automatic freight coverage.
Advance replacement, unconditional replacement and automatic refund are not standard promises. The evidence and inspection result determine the appropriate resolution.
08Technical Support and Warranty Are Different
Axonode provides lifetime remote technical support for products purchased from us, subject to available records, evidence and reasonable support availability. Support may help review compatibility, configuration, optical performance and troubleshooting questions during the product’s service life.
Lifetime remote technical support does not extend the warranty period. It does not mean lifetime replacement, free returns, on-site engineering, future-firmware guarantees or 24/7 instant response.
09Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return a module without written RMA authorization?
No. Contact Axonode first. An unauthorized return can go to the wrong location, prevent proper inspection and fall outside the approved freight arrangement.
Does every reported failure receive a replacement?
No. The troubleshooting evidence and inspection result determine whether the issue is a covered product-quality defect and which resolution is appropriate.
Is return freight free for a covered defect?
No. For a confirmed covered product-quality defect, Axonode contributes 50% of total approved standard round-trip freight and the customer is responsible for the remaining 50%, subject to the authorized route and conditions.
How long does an RMA take?
There is no fixed time for every case. Timing depends on the product, evidence, failure mode, inspection requirement and logistics. Axonode confirms the next step case by case.
Is an incorrect BiDi wavelength pair covered by warranty?
An incorrect pair or endpoint assignment is normally a selection or deployment issue rather than proof of a product-quality defect. Axonode can review the pair and the order details before determining the available resolution.
Can Axonode help after the warranty period?
Lifetime remote technical support remains available for products purchased from Axonode, subject to available records and reasonable support availability. This support does not extend the warranty or create an automatic replacement entitlement.
Start an RMA Review
Share the order reference, affected product identities, quantities, host and software details, fiber route, remote optics, DOM/DDM evidence, alarms, photos and completed troubleshooting. Axonode will review the information and confirm the next appropriate step before any return shipment.
Start an RMA review
