EXFO Launches Test Module for 100G Field Deployment
February 14, 2013. EXFO Inc. announced today the introduction of the FTB-88100NGE Power Blazer Multiservice Test Module to address 40G/100G field deployments happening now.
According to Étienne Gagnon, vice president of EXFO's Test and Measurement Division, the FTB-88100NGE Power Blazer is the industry's smallest field-testing solution supporting 10M to 100G rates in a single module. It covers a range of technologies including SONET/SDH, OTN, and Ethernet. Further, the FTB-88100NGE Power Blazer addresses 40G/100G field upgrades and lower-rate client service turn-ups.
Today, Gagnon said during a product-introduction web event, carriers face multiple challenges as they support both legacy and packet-based services up to 100G on the same network and meet service-level-agreement requirements for each of these services. Carriers are pressured to reduce the cost per transported bit while minimizing equipment costs, truck rolls, and technician dispatches. Furthermore, 40G/100G technology is complex: new pluggable optics (CFPs) are still in their nascent stage, in short supply, and expensive. In addition, carriers are still looking to reduce time-to-service without compromising quality.
The FTB-88100NGE Power Blazer is optimized for field testing with its easy-to-use GUI. It delivers flexibility with its remote management capability, battery operation, and integrated optical tools. Carriers can combine the FTB-88100NGE with EXFO's optical modules, such as an optical spectrum analyzer, making it suitable for field commissioning and turn-up. Furthermore, the FTB-88100NGE is compatible with EXFO Connect, so users can benefit from EXFO's cloud-based services, including centralized management of test units and data.
Gagnon said EXFO's FTB-88100NGE Power Blazer is future-proof—the module can adapt to future requirements up to 100G, and users can immediately leverage its FLEX configuration to enable any testing capabilities to match their current needs. Additional rates and interfaces can easily be enabled with a simple software key in the field, providing maximum flexibility with minimum downtime and eliminating the need for multiple test units.
“Over the past few years, EXFO has been a leading provider of 40G/100G testing solutions. Now, as the market is moving toward 40G/100G mass deployments, we are excited and proud to launch the first truly portable field multiservice 100G test instrument, at a time when carriers are coping with emerging requirements,” Gagnon said. “We realize the pressure and challenges our customers are facing to deploy this very complex technology in the field, and we are committed to offering them broad, simple, scalable and cost-effective 10M-to-100G test solutions.”
EXFO will exhibit the new tester at OFC/NFOEC March 19-21, 2013 in Anaheim.