EXFO Adds WDM Investigator to Its FTB-5240S/BP to Reduce Troubleshooting Time and OPEX in DWDM Networks

New impairment identification tool gives supertechs unique insight into network faults.

QUEBEC CITY, Jan. 16, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - EXFO Inc. (NASDAQ: EXFO) (TSX: EXF) today unveiled a new tool called WDM Investigator, which enables network operators to significantly decrease troubleshooting time and drastically cut operational expenses by providing unique identification of DWDM network impairments. Offered as an option on the FTB-5240S/BP Optical Spectrum Analyzers (OSA), the WDM Investigator provides users with better assessment of impairments affecting DWDM networks on a per-channel basis for rapid identification of the defective component.

Operators are always looking to reduce their OPEX and acquire intelligent tools that speed up repair time. However, DWDM networks are becoming increasingly complex due to the new technologies being deployed (e.g., tighter channel spacing, ROADMs and polarization-multiplexed signals), which in turn increases the number of potential causes for failure. While past impairment types were relatively few and well known (e.g., excessive loss, high dispersion and excessive ASE noise), the newly deployed technologies give rise to previously uncommon impairments, such as crosstalk and non-linear effects. Service providers have been looking for ways to identify these impairments and their impact on signal degradation in order to troubleshoot DWDM networks more quickly and effectively.

The new WDM Investigator featured on EXFO's FTB-5240S/BP provides never-before-seen insight into link characteristics (including polarization-multiplexed signals and carved noise) and signal impairments, and also provides an assessment of their severity. Examples of such impairments include PMD depolarization, crosstalk, non-linear effects and carrier leakage. Accordingly, the new WDM Investigator helps pinpoint causes of failure in DWDM networks, both quickly and accurately.

"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 no. 1 market-share position in the portable OSA market, as recognized by Frost & Sullivan."

For more information about the WDM Investigator, please visit the FTB-5240S/BP product page. Orders for WDM Investigator are being accepted now, with delivery expected in late March 2013.

About EXFO
Listed on the NASDAQ and TSX stock exchanges, EXFO is among the leading providers of next-generation test and service assurance solutions for wireline and wireless network operators and equipment manufacturers in the global telecommunications industry. The company offers innovative solutions for the development, installation, management and maintenance of converged, IP fixed and mobile networks—from the core to the edge. Key technologies supported include 3G, 4G/LTE, IMS, Ethernet, OTN, FTTx, VDSL2, ADSL2+ and various optical technologies accounting for more than 35% of the portable fiber-optic test market. EXFO has a staff of approximately 1700 people in 25 countries, supporting more than 2000 customers worldwide. For more information, visit www.EXFO.com.

SOURCE: EXFO INC.

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