EXFO focuses on fibre chracterisation

EXFO has introduced the FTBx-570, the only cloud-connected, single-ended test solution that measures chromatic dispersion (CD) and polarization mode dispersion (PMD) in fiber optic networks. EXFO is the sole provider of single-ended CD/PMD test devices, and the FTBx-570 is its fastest version launched to date.

Enabling technicians to characterize multiple optical links efficiently from a single location for speeds up to 400/800G and beyond, EXFO’s FTBx-570 single-ended dispersion analyzer provides accurate CD/PMD measurements -- imperative to ensure quality of service in data center interconnect (DCI), metro, core, and 5G networks.

“EXFO’s single-ended dispersion analyzer is a game-changer at a time when the quality and reliability of fiber optic networks has never been more critical,” said Sophie Legault, Director Mobile and Cloud Solutions at EXFO. “As part of EXFO’s leading cloud-connected fiber characterization solution, the FTBx-570 provides unique and insightful CD and PMD test capabilities while significantly reducing operational costs.”

The ITU-T G.650.3 standard stipulates that Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR), Optical Loss Test Set (OLTS), and chromatic dispersion (CD) and polarization mode dispersion (PMD) testing are required to perform full fiber characterization and ensure high network performance.

CD and PMD are present in all optical fiber networks, and typically become problematic at speeds above 10 Gbps, requiring careful measurement and management. To effectively mitigate degradation of transmission, network operators must identify what type of fiber and what level of dispersion is present.

The FTBx-570 dispersion analyzer provides those insights, with single instrument testing, an intuitive GUI interface, automated result sharing, and intelligent functionalities to optimize test parameters. And on average, single-ended testing has been shown to achieve full network characterization in 68 percent less time than other methods.

Dispersion testing is a key component of fully compliant fiber characterization which also includes fiber inspection, Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) and Optical Loss Test Set (OLTS) measurement.

Further benefits of EXFO’s FTBx-570 include:

· Fewer trucks rolls, reducing operating costs and environmental footprint with single-ended, reliable testing

· Rapid and accurate CD/PMD tests, typically in under 30 seconds (note: test times may vary)

· Reduced chance of human error, with single-button operation

· Cloud-based job management and reporting with EXFO Exchange for operational compliance across teams.