EXFO adds iOLM technology to FTB Series OTDR modules

EXFO Inc. (NASDAQ: EXFO) (TSX: EXF) has added its iOLM technology to more of its FTB series OTDR modules. The addition of iOLM to EXFO’s OTDRs will enable network operators to eliminate complex OTDR trace interpretation and human errors from their network testing cycles, the company asserts.

Using an automated multipulse acquisition approach and advanced algorithms, the iOLM is an OTDR-based software application designed to provide detailed information on every element on the link, in a single-button operation. Powered by the company’s Link-Aware technology, iOLM self-manages the setting of all test parameters, requiring virtually no training for technicians of any skill level, EXFO asserts.

Now offered on the FTB-7300 and FTB-7400 OTDRs, the iOLM application can be combined with various test functions and applications -- CD, PMD, WDM-Aware, EtherSAM, SONET/SDH, Ethernet, etc. -- inside EXFO's FTB Ecosystem platforms, including the FTB-200 Compact Platform.

The iOLM technology was originally developed for the FTTH/PON fiber test environment (see “EXFO offers OTDR-based intelligent Optical Link Mapper for PON test”) and is also available on the handheld FTB-720 LAN/WAN Access OTDR and FTB-730 FTTx/PON MDU OTDR. However, since then EXFO has added it to test equipment aimed at a variety of network applications, including access, point-to-point, FTTA/DAS, metro, CWDM and long-haul networks. EXFO says iOLM-enabled test gear is being used in 60 countries and is currently undergoing numerous field trials with major operators. EXFO adds it intends to develop additional features for the iOLM to address the needs of more customers in multiple applications.

"With over 25 000 FTB-7000 series OTDRs in the field and a market share of more than 49%, EXFO is the household name in OTDRs. The iOLM adoption rate by our customers has been impressive as they quickly see the benefits of significantly stepping up their operational efficiency at all levels of their business," said Étienne Gagnon, Vice-President of EXFO's Test and Measurement Division and Corporate Marketing. "With a fully automated, self-setting approach and simple pass/fail results displayed in a straightforward link view, the iOLM application is a clear game-changer for network operators."

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