January 10, 2006 Quebec City, Canada -- EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering has launched its FTB-200 Compact Platform, which the company calls a lightweight, portable test platform optimized for multi-technology, multi-application characterization of metro and access networks. The modular platform holds up to two field-interchangeable modules that are fully compatible with the company's FTB-100 and FTB-400 platform series.
The company says the FTB-200 platform and its suite of available modules is specifically designed to carry out key testing and troubleshooting tasks on fiber-optic and copper links. Test technologies suited for the platform include a range of singlemode and multimode optical time-domain reflectometers (OTDRs), automated optical loss test sets (OLTSs), legacy and next-generation SONET/SDH analyzers from DS0 up to OC-192, Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) testers, as well as forthcoming modules.
On an optional basis, the FTB-200 platform also offers a built-in power meter, visual fault locator (VFL), fiber-inspection probe, and portable Bluetooth printer. File transfers and software upgrades can be handled via USB connection. Also, all test results obtained from the platform and its suite of modules are fully compatible with the company's R/T Pro test result management database.
According to the company, powered by the Windows CE/Mobile OS, the FTB-200 Compact Platform delivers the power and versatility of the company's FTB-400 Universal Test System, but in a lightweight, cost-effective design. The company says the FTB-200 is an evolutionary test platform based on an open architecture that can potentially run several software applications, while leveraging a range of standard connectivity features.
"As network operators worldwide are increasingly investing in access and metro network deployments to render voice-, data-, and video-over-IP a reality, customers are relying on a reduced number of super technicians that cover multiple mediums, layers, and technologies to handle their complex testing requirements," comments Etienne Gagnon, EXFO's VP of optical-layer product management. "Always attuned to our customer needs, we have designed the first truly compact platform for the supertech. Whether testing triple-wavelength insertion loss at the central office or data integrity of an IP-based network in the core, the FTB-200 Compact Platform is the solution of choice for this new breed of field technician."