EXFO’s WDM Investigator helps troubleshoot coherent networks

Test and measurement instrument developer EXFO Inc. (NASDAQ: EXFO) (TSX: EXF) has debuted the WDM Investigator, a new option for the company’s FTB-5240S/BP Optical Spectrum Analyzers (OSAs), which is designed to decrease troubleshooting time and operational expenses. The WDM Investigator enables troubleshooters to better assess DWDM network impairments on a per-channel basis for rapid identification of defective components, EXFO says.

With DWDM networks becoming increasingly complex, the number of potential causes for failure is growing as well, EXFO points out. Particularly with the advent of coherent transmission techniques, previously uncommon impairments such as crosstalk and non-linear effects now must be considered.

The new WDM Investigator on the FTB-5240S/BP OSAs meets this requirement. It provides insight into both link characteristics (including polarization-multiplexed signals and carved noise) and signal impairments. It also assesses the severity of the impairments. Examples of these impairments include PMD depolarization, crosstalk, non-linear effects, and carrier leakage.

“We are proud to provide our customers with powerful spectral analysis tools that reduce downtime and speed up time-to-revenue,” said Étienne Gagnon, Vice-President of EXFO’s Test and Measurement Division. “This new option on the FTB-5240S/BP pays for itself in just a few troubleshooting tickets. In addition, it further strengthens EXFO’s Number 1 market-share position in the portable OSA market, as recognized by Frost & Sullivan.”

EXFO is accepting orders for the WDM Investigator now, with deliveries expected to begin in late March 2013.

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