EXFO launches smaller, field-optimized version of portable test platform

July 10, 2009
JULY 10, 2009 -- EXFO Optical Engineering Inc. has launched a four-slot version of its FTB-500 portable test platform, which is intended for installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting applications.

JULY 10, 2009 -- EXFO Optical Engineering Inc. (search Lightwave for EXFO) has launched a four-slot version of its FTB-500 portable test platform, which is intended for installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting applications.

EXFO asserts the FTB-500 four-slot platform boasts the industry's highest capability/size ratio for advanced telecom applications, thanks to an integrated portfolio of versatile test modules. This latest field-optimized platform covers a wide array of applications, of which are emerging, in EXFO's view: ROADM and packet transport network (PTN) turn-up, CWDM turn-up, and multiservice testing.


For ROADM and PTN network turn-up, the four-slot FTB-500 simultaneously runs an optical spectrum analyzer (FTB-5240S-P-InB) and a SONET/SDH, OTN, Ethernet, and Fibre Channel analyzer (FTB-8130NGE Power Blazer). The combination delivers multiple software-based test capabilities, including in-band OSNR measurement for qualifying newly commissioned OTN links, standard and over-clocked OTN functionalities for commissioning the transport layer, and SONET/SDH, Ethernet and Fibre Channel functionalities for qualifying all ROADM-supported interfaces. In addition, the FTB-500 offers battery operation, remote management, and integrated optical tools.

CWDM turn-up and multiservice testing configurations feature a mix of modules, ranging from CWDM-dedicated OTDRs and high-power optical spectrum analyzers, to 1G/10G Ethernet test modules and 10G SONET/SDH analyzers. Combining these modules for specific applications maximizes the amount of interfaces that can be tested at once, providing faster network turn-ups in a format optimized for portability, according to EXFO.

Designed to offer the same processing power, ease of use, and ergonomic design as its eight-slot counterpart, the new four-slot FTB-500 provides network technicians with enhanced portability for field applications. Built to secure past and future investments, the FTB-500 platform can house any of EXFO's FTB modules -- both the 30,000 that are already deployed in the market and any new module released in the future for optical, transport, and datacom testing. Plus, its open architecture is designed to enable frequent software and hardware upgrades, enabling the platform to evolve with operators' testing needs and help them make the most of their investment.

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