Communications industry test, monitoring and analytics expert EXFO has unveiled its FTBx-88480, billed as an innovative dual-port test platform for supporting fiber-optic transmission rates from 1G to 400G.
The manufacturer says the new device features a modular, upgradable design to extend operators’ capex investments, and benefits from a cloud-based collaborative software platform that connects all parts of network test ecosystems in real-time for optimized field testing, reporting, and troubleshooting functions.
Value proposition
Field technicians supporting networks that will continue to rely on 100G for some time need test tools that can help them maintain existing infrastructure, while also enabling quick installation and troubleshooting of the more complex, emerging 400G technologies.
Addressing the need for more efficient processes with minimal training required, EXFO contends the FTBx-88480 enhances collaboration and increases technician productivity.
Specifically, the 1G to 400G dual-port capability of the FTBx-88480 allows field technicians to validate two circuits simultaneously for increased efficiency.
The FTBx-88480’s unique design enables testing 100G transceivers as widely deployed today, plus next-generation 400G transceivers, which are rapidly being adopted in today’s metro and core networks, data centers, and subsea fiber-optic spans.
As pointed out by Sophie Legault, director of mobile and cloud solutions at EXFO:
“A key challenge operators face is how to ensure their network migrations are done reliably and cost-efficiently while staying nimble enough to manage existing infrastructure. With the FTBx-88480 solution, we’ve combined the latest in 1G-400G testing with a flexible, future-proof architecture that lets our customers do more today and continue deriving value for years to come.”
Key features
With future-proof 112G electrical lanes, the FTBx-88480 is purpose-built for testing next-generation 100G-400G transceivers.
With the platform, technicians can validate network services (Ethernet, OTN, fiber channel, timing), rates (up to 400G) and interfaces (SFP, QSFP-DD and OSFP) all on the same platform, with no stacking of modules.
The FTBx-88480’s intuitive GUI and support for multiple technologies enable field technicians to test different technologies, rates and interfaces using a single, compact platform.
EXFO’s Open Transceiver System (OTS) protects current investments in transceiver testing while ensuring compatibility with future high-speed transceivers through a unique system of swappable modules.
The cloud-based, collaborative platform links all parts of a customer’s field test ecosystem. Technicians can also quickly validate pluggable transceivers (1G to 400G) with iOptics’ automated, intelligent test application.
The FTBx-88480 is available on EXFO’s FTB-1 Pro platform as well as on the company’s other portable and rackmount platforms.