Test and measurement specialists EXFO Inc. (NASDAQ: EXFO, TSX: EXF) has brought a bit of hint of software-defined networking (SDN) and network functions virtualization (NFV) with EXFO TFv, the company’s version of test function virtualization.

The new offering uses the company’s cloud-based EXFO Connect technology to offer a series of applications that through which EXFO asserts it can enable test functions on any of the company’s test assets. The first of these is FTB OnDemand, which enables instantiation and distribution of time-based licenses. The application allows service providers to perform a specific test function on a specific EXFO test asset without having to purchase the software license. For example, FTB OnDemand enables technicians to configure the FTB-88100NGE module for 10G testing and enable 100G testing capability as the need arises.

With the second application, FTB Anywhere, operators can share test software licenses across platforms within their test fleet. The instantiation of tests can be accomplished in real-time to ensure field tasks can be completed without the need for repeat tests, EXFO says.

EXFO is offering TFv on several test modules, including the FTB-88100NGE and FTB-8830NGE Power Blazer modules and the NetBlazer series of modules.

"EXFO prides itself on the understanding of our customers' main challenges-and the ability to offer innovative solutions that enable them to overcome these challenges," said Claudio Mazzuca, vice-president, Transport and Service Assurance Division. "With FTB Anywhere and now FTB OnDemand part of the EXFO TFv suite, we can now offer network operators unprecedented flexibility in how they manage their testing capabilities and really optimize the ROI on their test equipment."

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