EXFO buys Absolute Analysis for optical RF over CPRI test technology

EXFO Inc. (NASDAQ: EXFO, TSX: EXF) says it has acquired most of the assets of Absolute Analysis Inc., a company focused on delivering technology for radio frequency (RF) testing for fiber-based radio access networks (RANs), particularly RF over CPRI (Common Public Radio Interface). The company says it paid approximately US$8.25 million in cash and stock for its new assets, with US$5 million in cash and the remaining amount in EXFO shares.

Privately held Absolute Analysis, based in Newbury Park, CA, specialized in test technology for identifying and analyzing RF interference in fiber to the antenna (FTTA), distributed antenna systems (DAS), remote radio heads (RRHs), and baseband units (BBUs) that support 4G/LTE and 5G wireless and Internet of Things (IoT). In particular, Absolute Analysis offered highly efficient CPRI protocol analysis and emulation as well as RF over CPRI spectrum analysis.

In fact, EXFO says it had already integrated Absolute Analysis technology into the recently launched OpticalRF application for its FTB-1 Pro test platform (see "EXFO offers OpticalRF for RF interference analysis over CPRI"). The company expects to leverage Absolute Analysis's engineers to develop future products as well.

"Mobile network operators are transforming their architectures and deploying fiber deeper into radio access networks to add new services and much-needed capacity, while preparing for 5G mobility and IoT," said Germain Lamonde, EXFO's chairman, president, and CEO. "This small, synergistic, and strategic acquisition allows EXFO to strengthen its leadership position with a unique, all-in-one optical, Ethernet, and RF test solution to help MNOs greatly enhance their productivity and network reliability."

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