EXFO Adds Tunable DPSK Testing to its 40G/43G Solution

Tunable differential phase-shift keying (DPSK) enriches 40G/43G Transport Blazer testing capabilities, covering line-side testing of optical transport networks (OTN) and addressing the challenges of 40G ROADM-based networks with advanced modulation schemes.

QUEBEC CITY, Aug. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - EXFO Inc. (NASDAQ: EXFO, TSX: EXF) announced today support for tunable DPSK testing capability on the FTB/IQS-8140 (40G/43G) Transport Blazer modules, empowering field engineers to verify the individual line-side channels of 40G DPSK DWDM networks.

Complemented by OTN Intrusive Through mode capability for monitoring individual DWDM channels at ROADM sites, the FTB/IQS-8140 is a comprehensive solution that provides field engineers with the tools required to simplify the installation of 40G advanced networks and to ensure error-free performance and reliability.

To address the growing bandwidth demand, network service providers (NSPs) and operators are actively upgrading their networks from 10G to 40G. More than just the brute-force provisioning of bandwidth, NSPs must maintain an agile, cost-effective infrastructure with the flexibility to dynamically accommodate continuously evolving service-level agreements (SLAs) that demand consistent signal quality and network performance.

A key element to realizing these objectives is the deployment of reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexers (ROADMs) throughout the network, transforming the infrastructure from a restricted point-to-point or ring architecture into a flexible, adaptable mesh architecture. ROADMs provide the ability to easily and dynamically add, drop or reroute wavelengths anywhere across the network. However, to ensure consistent performance across these wavelengths, physical layer limitations (i.e., OSNR, CD and PMD) need to be addressed. DPSK phase modulation technology improves the reach of 40G links and increases resistance to dispersion effects to ensure wavelengths continue meeting expected performance levels.

"EXFO continues to build on its strengths to remain the leading-edge supplier of next-generation testing solutions that address the fast-growing high-speed market, including 40G and 100G; we are committed to proactively developing our solutions to support operators and system vendors," said Etienne Gagnon, EXFO's Vice-President-Wireline Division and Corporate Marketing. "EXFO's 40G portfolio offers end-to-end testing solutions that empower field technicians to turn up, validate and troubleshoot line-side and client-side transmission links with speed and accuracy. From fully integrated 40G BER testing and in-band spectrum analyzers for network commissioning, to multiservice testing for service turn-up, EXFO provides its customers the flexibility to tailor solutions to their testing needs and operational budgets and offers them the tools to accelerate their 40G network deployments and troubleshooting procedures."

Housed in EXFO's next-generation eight-slot FTB-500 platform, the FTB-8140 Transport Blazer module can be combined with the FTB-5240S-P in-band OSA for 40G BER and in-band OSNR testing during network commissioning. It can also be combined with the FTB-8130NGE Power Blazer module for multiservice turn-up and validation with 40G BER testing and 10G down to 10 Mbit/s testing applications covering SONET/SDH/OTN, Ethernet and Fibre Channel.

For more information, please visit www.EXFO.com.

About EXFO

EXFO is a leading provider of next-generation test and service assurance solutions for wireless and wireline network operators and equipment manufacturers in the global telecommunications industry. The Telecom Division, which accounts for more than 90% of the company's revenues, offers core-to-edge solutions that assess the performance and reliability of converged, IP fixed and mobile networks. Key technologies supported include 3G, 4G/LTE, IMS, Ethernet, OTN, xDSL, and various optical technologies accounting for an estimated 33% of the portable fiber-optic test market. The Life Sciences and Industrial Division provides solutions in medical device and opto-electronics assembly, fluorescence microscopy and other life science sectors. EXFO has a staff of approximately 1600 people in 25 countries, supporting more than 2000 customers worldwide. For more information, visit www.EXFO.com.

SOURCE EXFO INC.