Analyzer measures signal degradation in optical networks.
Press Release Summary:
Suited for operators upgrading networks to 10, 40, or 100 Gbps, FTB-5600 Distributed PMD Analyzer enables characterization of polarization mode dispersion (PMD), as a function of distance, in high-speed optical networks. It allows quantification of PMD accumulation per section, expressed as absolute contribution or overall percentage. On-screen simulation provides visual tool to analyze potential impact of replacing high-PMD section on total network PMD.
Original Press Release:
EXFO Launches Industry's First Distributed PMD Analyzer
o Breakthrough method for PMD measurement as a function of the distance
o New test method provides network operators with a deeper understanding of PMD when upgrading their optical networks
QUEBEC CITY, CANADA, January 13, 2009 - EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering Inc. (NASDAQ: EXFO, TSX: EXF) announced today a major breakthrough for characterizing polarization mode dispersion (PMD) in high-speed optical networks with the launch of its new FTB-5600 Distributed PMD Analyzer.
This revolutionary, field-ready and single-ended test solution will enable network operators to obtain a far deeper understanding of their system performance when looking to upgrade their optical networks to 10, 40 or even 100 Gbit/s.
PMD is a physical phenomenon inherent to optical fiber and components that causes a statistical spreading of light pulses as they travel along a network. This degrades the quality of the transmission signal and, in turn, limits the transmission rates carried by optical networks.
The FTB-5600 sheds new light on PMD, allowing the quantification of the level of PMD as it accumulates along an entire optical network. As a result, network operators, who in the past obtained a total PMD value for their entire network with a traditional PMD Analyzer, can now accurately measure PMD distribution for each fiber section. It is expressed as an absolute PMD contribution or as a percentage of overall PMD. With extremely accurate pinpointing of the major PMD contributors, network operators can easily identify problem areas in their networks and carry out targeted facelifts.
The FTB-5600 Distributed PMD Analyzer also allows on-screen simulation, enabling the user to visualize the potential impact replacing a high-PMD section would have on the total PMD. The patent-pending test method behind the FTB-5600 Distributed PMD Analyzer shares common functionalities with that of an OTDR, mainly through its way of precisely identifying splice locations. The end-result is that network operators can easily perform local upgrades.
EXFO, which pioneered PMD testing more than a decade ago, has been bringing innovation in this field ever since the introduction of 10G transmission systems. Throughout all of these years, the company has positioned itself as the undisputed leader in PMD field-testing through constant product evolution and strong contribution with industry standards bodies.
"The massive bandwidth upgrade that is currently underway by network operators is generating acute PMD issues for fiber that was previously deployed in the ground," said Etienne Gagnon, EXFO's Vice-President of Product Development and Marketing. "EXFO's ground-breaking, distributed PMD analyzer will allow operators to manage their fiber plants much more efficiently, enabling them to make better decisions when upgrading their networks. The potential benefits for these operators to use existing fiber, instead of laying down new fiber for network upgrades, amount to savings in time and cost."
A Tier-1 European network operator co-operatively wrote an article with EXFO that demonstrates the conclusive results of this breakthrough PMD test method. The article will be presented at OFC/NFOEC in March 2009. For interested parties, demonstrations will be available upon request via our Website and the product will officially be displayed at the exhibition.
About EXFO
EXFO is a leading provider of test and service assurance solutions for network service providers and equipment manufacturers in the global telecommunications industry. The Telecom Division offers a wide range of innovative solutions extending across the full technology lifecycle-from design to technology deployment and onto service assurance-and covering all layers on a network infrastructure to enable triple-play services and next-generation, converged IP networking. The Life Sciences and Industrial Division offers solutions in medical device and opto-electronics assembly, fluorescence microscopy and other life science sectors. For more information, visit www.EXFO.com.
