MARCH 2, 2009 -- EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering Inc. (search for EXFO) today launched the portable FTB-500 test platform for high-end installation and maintenance applications on optical networks.
The PC-based, Windows XP-driven FTB-500 modular platform offers unlimited capabilities for characterizing next-generation, high-speed networks, claim company representatives. Network professionals can mix and match up to eight test modules from EXFO's product portfolio, from optical test modules to transport and datacom test options.
For example, the newly released FTB-5240SP Optical Spectrum Analyzer can be combined with the FTB-8140 40G Transport Blazer inside the FTB-500 platform to create a unique ROADM/POTS/40G test option that's tailored to the needs of network operators deploying next-generation systems.
The FTB-500 platform also supports highly advanced test applications, allowing network professionals to carry out targeted fiber plant upgrades and cost-effective deployments of high-bandwidth transmission systems. According to the company, it has even been future-proofed to host upcoming 100G field-test modules.
On top of these characteristics, EXFO says its platform addresses real-life test conditions in the field. Its 12.1-inch LCD transflective screen--the largest in the industry, claims the company--renders the task of analyzing data on-site much easier in sunny or inclement weather. Information can also be transmitted via integrated Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or mobile telephone technology for future analysis.
The FTB-500 test platform is purpose-built for network operators with central office and field-testing challenges or network equipment manufacturers with R&D and system installation activities.
"EXFO pioneered the concept of a modular platform design more than a decade ago, and we remain well ahead of the curve with our FTB-500 platform and comprehensive suite of test modules," contends Etienne Gagnon, EXFO's vice president of product management and marketing. "These multi-layer, plug-and-play modules fully characterize next-generation, high-speed networks, including
DWDM, OTDR, and 43G SONET/SDH and OTN testing. The performance and flexibility of our new flagship platform, combined with the depth and breadth of our product portfolio, produces a game-changing solution that's bound only by the network expert's imagination," he says.
This third-generation platform is backwards-compatible with an established base of more than 30,000 existing "FTB" test modules and will support any new module released in the future for optical, transport, and datacom testing. The FTB-500's open architecture also allows a range of customized or standard software applications and a variety of hardware upgrades.
The FTB-500 field-testing platform will be showcased at CeBIT 2009, Stand B-48 (Hall 13) from March 3-8 in Hannover, Germany. It will also be displayed at OFC/NFOEC 2009, Booth No. 1035, from March 24-26, 2009, in San Diego.
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