One code per part, built to be compared.
GRiD gives every network part a short, readable code. When two parts share the first 12 characters, one is a strong candidate to replace the other.
Choose a group to see what it means.
A part nobody can identify is a part nobody can plan around.
Makers give near-identical parts different names, and an operator’s own systems often disagree with each other. Without one identity for each part, you can’t tell what you already own, what can replace what, or what to stop buying.
Every character means something.
What each part of the code means
Characters 1–2
Who made it
In the example, KW: Kestrel Radio
Characters 3
Which part of the network
Radio, transmission, power, core and more
In the example, R: Radio
Characters 4–5
What kind of equipment
Radio unit, antenna, battery, router
In the example, MR: 5G radio unit
Characters 6–7
Which model or family
In the example, 6M: The KR‑M64 family
Characters 8–12
What decides a swap
Band, voltage, power, number of ports
In the example, 35N4X: 64 transmitters, power class, band n78
Characters 13–14
Which record
In the example, 22: The first record of this part
| Group | Characters | Meaning | In the example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who made it | |||
| 1–2 | Who made itIn the example, KW: Kestrel Radio | KW: Kestrel Radio | |
| What it is | |||
| 3 | Which part of the networkRadio, transmission, power, core and moreIn the example, R: Radio | R: Radio | |
| 4–5 | What kind of equipmentRadio unit, antenna, battery, routerIn the example, MR: 5G radio unit | MR: 5G radio unit | |
| 6–7 | Which model or familyIn the example, 6M: The KR‑M64 family | 6M: The KR‑M64 family | |
| How it differs | |||
| 8–12 | What decides a swapBand, voltage, power, number of portsIn the example, 35N4X: 64 transmitters, power class, band n78 | 35N4X: 64 transmitters, power class, band n78 | |
| Which one | |||
| 13–14 | Which recordIn the example, 22: The first record of this part | 22: The first record of this part | |
Illustrative values.
Same first 12 characters: our strongest match.
Matching the first 12 characters means the same maker, the same kind of equipment, the same model and every detail that decides a swap. The promise is deliberately careful: no false drop-ins, rather than every possible one. Matching across different makers exists too, switched on only where it has been proven.
Parts that match this way make up a drop-in family, our plain-words name for an Interchange Class. Like everything NetLife AI tells you, a match is decision support, not a warranty.
Illustrative
When data is missing, GRiD says provisional, not yes.
If we don’t yet know a detail that decides a swap, the code shows U in its place. Provisional codes never count as a match. When the missing detail is confirmed, the code is promoted, and its old code points to the new one.
Illustrative
Codes don't move.
Once a code is issued, it never changes. If a code is retired, it points to its replacement for good. Codes are easy to read off a label: they use 30 letters and digits, leaving out 0 and O, and 1 and I, which are easy to confuse.
Identity you don't have to maintain.
We find the makers’ datasheets, build each part’s profile, have specialists approve it, and code it. New parts are coded as they join the catalogue.
- We find the makers' datasheets
- We build each part's profile
- Specialists approve it
- We code it
Where you’ll see GRiD
Four names you’ll hear from us, and what each one means.
- Data Vault
- Where your data is kept on the platform, once its sensitive values are hidden.
- Hardware Estate Model
- One connected picture of the equipment across your whole network, built from your records.
- Item Twin
- Everything known about one part in one place: your own record of it, and the facts our catalogue adds.
- GRiD Taxonomy
- The categories every GRiD code is built on: which part of the network, what kind of equipment, which model or family.
In a pilot with Safaricom, published by GSMA Foundry, GRiD part matching showed:
62%
fewer part types to stock
55%
lower cost from reusing matched parts
60%
less CO₂
Source: GSMA Foundry, “Creating a Circular Economy for Network Equipment”, a case study with Safaricom announced at MWC25 Kigali. Figures are NetLife’s, as reported by GSMA Foundry. Read the case study on gsma.com
Modelled results from a pilot study, as published by GSMA Foundry. Not measured savings.
See GRiD on your own parts.
Send us a parts list, and we'll show you which ones could replace each other.