When outfitting a new network or upgrading existing infrastructure, customers are faced with a difficult choice: they can buy components that are approved by the manufacturer, also known as Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), or they can buy cheaper third party components. Despite their clear price advantage, or perhaps because of it, these third party products are often perceived as a risky option. This article attempts to clear the air, specifically with respect to the difference between third party and counterfeit, the reliability of third party manufacturing, and, most importantly, the effect of third party component use on equipment warranties.