EXFO is taking on new opportunities to validate data center interconnect (DCI) and metro/core/5G networks with its FTBx-570 test solution.
As a cloud-connected, single-ended test solution that measures chromatic dispersion (CD) and polarization mode dispersion (PMD) in fiber networks, the FTBx-570 enables technicians to characterize multiple optical links efficiently from a single location for speeds up to 400/800G and others as they arise.
EXFO’s FTBx-570 single-ended dispersion analyzer provides accurate CD/PMD measurements, which can ensure quality of service in data center interconnect (DCI), metro, core, and 5G networks.
This platform will come in handy for service providers complying with the ITU-T G.650.3 standard. The standard stipulates that Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR), Optical Loss Test Set (OLTS), chromatic dispersion (CD), and polarization mode dispersion (PMD) testing are required to perform complete fiber characterization and ensure high network performance.
While CD and PMD are present in all-optical fiber networks, they typically become problematic at speeds above 10 Gbps, requiring careful measurement and management. Network operators must identify the type of fiber and the level of dispersion present to effectively mitigate transmission degradation.
The FTBx-570 dispersion analyzer provides those insights with single-instrument testing, an intuitive GUI interface, automated result sharing, and intelligent functionalities to optimize test parameters. On average, single-ended testing has been shown to achieve full network characterization in 68 percent less time than other methods.
Dispersion testing is a critical component of fully compliant fiber characterization, including fiber inspection, Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) and Optical Loss Test Set (OLTS) measurement.
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