Ethernet Tester offers 100 Gbit/s testing solution.

EXFO Inc. Jun 10, 2009

Press Release Summary:

Built for applications requiring portability, FTB-85010G Packet Blazer offers layer 1/2/3 traffic generation and analysis feature to stress and validate network elements and network services against demanding corner cases. Unit supports multiple transceiver interfaces, including CFP, CXP, and QSFP. Users can also generate and analyze 100 Gbit/s and 40 Gbit/s line rate Ethernet and IP packets, as well as perform EtherBERT(TM) tests, all via intuitive GUI.

Original Press Release:

EXFO Launches the Industry's First Portable 100 Gbit/s Ethernet Tester

Further emphasizes EXFO's leadership in flexible, yet comprehensive 100 Gbit/s and 40 Gbits/s Ethernet testing solutions for carrier lab and field applications.

QUEBEC, May 29 -- EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering Inc. (NASDAQ:EXFO)(NASDAQ:TSX:)(NASDAQ:EXF) announced today the launch of the FTB-85100G Packet Blazer, the industry's first portable 100 Gbit/s and 40 Gbit/s Ethernet tester in a single module. Purposely built for applications demanding portability, ruggedness and ease of use, the FTB-85100G is the only 100G test solution that empowers multiple teams to efficiently execute lab, trial and deployment testing using a single bleeding-edge Ethernet tester, thus maximizing testing investment across the entire product lifecycle.

The persistent growth and popularity of packet and wireless-based services continues to drive bandwidth capacity requirements in backbone and transport network, and carriers worldwide are actively developing strategies to support these ever-increasing traffic levels. While SONET technologies will continue to play a role, many carriers are focusing on 40 Gbit/s and 100 Gbit/s Ethernet solutions to achieve aggressive cost and performance metrics. The challenge lies in establishing sound testing processes while the related standard itself remains a work in progress.

Housed in the recently introduced next-generation FTB-500 platform, the FTB-85100G Packet Blazer is a rugged, portable 100 Gbit/s Ethernet testing solution offering powerful layer 1/2/3 traffic generation and analysis features to stress and validate network elements and network services against demanding corner cases. The FTB-85100G supports multiple transceiver interfaces (CFP, CXP and QSFP), ensuring maximum flexibility to cover all possible equipment and network designs for high-speed transport alternatives. Users can also generate and analyze 100 Gbit/s and 40 Gbit/s line rate Ethernet and IP packets, as well as perform comprehensive EtherBERT(TM) tests, all via an intuitive graphical user interface (GUI). With its complete range of test features, the FTB-85100G can execute multilayer testing to rapidly validate physical-layer characteristics and accurately benchmark Ethernet/IP performance of equipment and high-speed packet transport networks.

"Transport capacity constraints must be addressed quickly, but expansion must still be cost-efficient. To establish performance expectations, sound and comprehensive testing strategies are critical at every stage of the product lifecycle - especially with emerging technologies," said Etienne Gagnon, EXFO's Vice-President of Product Management and Marketing. "The FTB-85100G Packet Blazer continues EXFO's heritage of innovative and modular test solutions that maximize customer investments, while reducing technology and operational risks. It allows multiple, diverse teams to execute comprehensive, cycle-specific 100 Gbit/s testing schemes using a single and portable system, further accentuating EXFO's leadership in cost-effective solutions that address real-world testing challenges."

For further information on the FTB-85100G Packet Blazer, please visit www.EXFO.com.

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.