APRIL 14, 2008 -- EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering Inc. (search for EXFO) today announced the addition of Fibre Channel support on the recently introduced FTB-8120NGE and FTB-8130NGE Power Blazer multi-service test modules.

In addition to offering SONET/SDH/OTN, NG SONET/SDH, and Ethernet testing capabilities up to 10/10.7 Gbits/sec, the FTB-8120NGE and FTB-8130NGE modules now offer optional support for 1x, 2x, 4x and 10x Fibre Channel rates, solidifying their position as the industry's most comprehensive single-module test option to address the stringent installation and troubleshooting requirements of multi-service metro and core networks, claim EXFO representatives.

The versatility of the Power Blazer modules to support either single- or multi-application testing capabilities on a single module, combined with a module architecture that ensures cross-platform interoperability on both the FTB-200 Compact Platform and the FTB-400 Universal Test System, translates into a compelling return on investment by reducing capital expenses and inventory management costs, says the company. In line with EXFO's philosophy of user-friendly and future-proof testing, Fibre Channel support is provided as a software option on the FTB-8120NGE and FTB-8130NGE modules, allowing network operators to easily add the functionality in line with their testing timeline. Network operators gain the flexibility to customize tests to their exact requirements, using the least amount of hardware but without compromising on functionality, notes the company.

"Technologically sophisticated consumers continue to drive demand for a variety of data, voice, and video services, escalating the technological complexity of metro and core network infrastructures," explains Etienne Gagnon, EXFO's vice president of product management and marketing. "EXFO is up to the challenge with the industry's most advanced multi-service test modules. The Power Blazer multi-service test modules were purpose-built for these dynamic environments, providing network operators with the confidence to address current and future testing requirements with a solution that will easily and cost-effectively evolve through software options to support additional functionality when needed," he contends.

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