Approved Networks

For organizations seeking networking solutions, there is an abundance of choices for achieving greater bandwidth, security, and speed. These organizations can directly obtain optical fiber products from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), at exorbitant rates, or they can opt for large optical device manufacturers typically based overseas, which often leads to supply chain issues. Alternatively, they can work with a third-party technology (3PT) provider to ease their procurement worries.

It is in this niche that Approved Networks, a brand of Legrand excels. As a 3PT provider, it specializes in optical transceivers, direct attach copper cables, active optical cables, and passive networking solutions. Approved can often ensure shipments reach customers within a lightning-fast 24-hour timeframe, addressing clients’ inventory and supply chain concerns.

A specialist in electrical and digital building infrastructure with a global presence, Legrand provides a huge market in the crowded third-party networking space. Being a part of the Legrand portfolio allows Approved Networks to provide end-to-end optical solutions in over 180 countries. This broader corporate affiliation enables Approved to offer a full stack of optical fiber solutions, cementing its position as industry experts.

The end result of a trio of companies originally comprised of Approved Networks, U.S. Critical and Champion ONE, Approved Networks, a brand of Legrand delivers high bandwidth and smooth connectivity to its large portfolio of clients. Its expertise spans various verticals, particularly in the enterprise, data center and broadband spaces.

“We support 90+ OEM systems and maintain an extensive, state-of-the-art networking laboratory for investing in next-generation optical fiber data transmission speeds,” says Kristen Poulos, VP and general manager of the data infrastructure business unit of Legrand.

With two state-of-the-art labs in Ohio and California, Approved Networks offers fiber optic solutions with a focus on delivering next-generation speeds, including cutting-edge 800-Gigahertz products.

Approved Networks excels at resolving technical challenges, especially in device interoperability. This enables them to provide custom solutions to the customer with multiple varieties of switchgear from different OEMs. Approved’s expertise extends to passive dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM) solutions tailored for carrier and broadband customers.

Approved Networks process is an end-to-end journey that begins with understanding the customer’s environment. Its team of nearly a hundred technology professionals is dedicated to offering exceptional presales and post-sales support. Their pre-sales engineering team and solution architects work closely with customers’ network engineers and architects to make the proposed solution align with their networking environment.

Pilot trials conducted in the Approved labs are often a crucial step in ensuring that the equipment functions seamlessly within the network. Once the customer approves the pilot, the Approved Networks engineering team collaborates with the operations team to streamline supply chain logistics, guaranteeing timely delivery. During deployment, rigorous testing and monitoring determine if the solution works as designed, meeting the customer’s expectations.

We support 90+ OEM systems and maintain an extensive, state-of-the-art networking laboratory for investing in next-generation optical fiber data transmission speeds

A notable instance involves a large telecommunications service provider that needed efficient network turn-ups. During the pre-sales phase, Approved Networks’ technical teams collaborated to devise a method for configuring SFP+ tunable transceivers in the customer’s switch fabric, which lacked inherent tuning capabilities. The team developed an innovative process, which was later patented, empowering the telecom service provider with enhanced flexibility in fiber deployments, enabling the precise network turn-ups tailored to their preferences.

Approved Networks’ support doesn’t stop at deployment. Approved maintains a comprehensive postsale and technical support team, enabling customers to receive assistance throughout the product lifecycle.

As the networking industry rapidly gears up for AI adoption with the advent of 800 gigabits and even 1.6 terabit devices, Approved Networks is well-prepared to navigate these changes and assist clients in every way with its investment mindset and technological expertise.

Approved’s efficiency and reliability in delivering comprehensive support extends to a full-scale fiber optic architecture, making it a one-stop shop for advanced solutions. Being a part of Legrand, along with deep industry knowledge and experience, and commitment to customer satisfaction make Approved Networks a trusted partner leading the way in a rapidly evolving networking industry.