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EXFO Simplifies 3G/LTE Backhaul Turn-Up by Adding Packet Network Synchronization Testing to Its FTB-800 NetBlazer 2.0 Series

QUEBEC CITY, CANADA, February 25, 2013 — EXFO Inc. (NASDAQ: EXFO) (TSX: EXF) announced today the addition of packet synchronization testing functionalities, including performance assessment of SyncE and precision time protocol (IEEE 1588v2), to its NetBlazer 2.0 series, thus allowing field technicians to validate sync services as part of Ethernet backhaul turn-ups.

The deployment of LTE networks and packet-based backhaul deeply changes how synchronization is distributed throughout the network, as operators can no longer rely on traditional synchronization technologies. New packet-based synchronization technologies, such as precision time protocol/1588, bring new challenges when it comes to validating and troubleshooting synchronization performance since these services can be affected by basic network impairments. If left unchecked, these impairments can trigger serious issues, such as lost data and dropped calls.

Packet-based synchronization technologies are also used to synchronize small cells. Mobile network operators increasingly rely on small cells to efficiently manage the LTE-advanced spectrum, extend their service coverage and increase network capacity. Considering that by 2017, five million of those small cells will be shipped annually (ARCchart forecast), most network operators must gain the ability to turn up, validate and troubleshoot packet-based services—including synchronization parameters—faster and more accurately than ever before; in fact, with the large amount of cell sites to activate, this will be critical to the success of their network deployments.

Thanks to its added synchronization testing functionalities, the NetBlazer 2.0 series now provides operators with such flexibility and adaptability to overcome their cell-site deployment challenges. And combined with the SyncWatch-110 Synchronization Test Unit, it makes for a complete packet-synchronization testing and monitoring solution that delivers detailed and accurate sync validation throughout the network lifecycle.

“With the proliferation of LTE networks, small cells and Ethernet backhaul links, packet-synchronization validation is becoming a major concern for operators. Being able to test and troubleshoot all these services with one comprehensive tool gives them the flexibility to adapt their operational processes and make their field teams as efficient as possible,” said Étienne Gagnon, Vice-President of EXFO’s Test and Measurement Division.

Visit our website for more on the FTB-880 NetBlazer Multiservice Tester or visit us at Mobile World Congress at booth 6F83.

About EXFO

Listed on the NASDAQ and TSX stock exchanges, EXFO is among the leading providers of next-generation test and service assurance solutions for wireline and wireless network operators and equipment manufacturers in the global telecommunications industry. The company offers innovative solutions for the development, installation, management and maintenance of converged, IP fixed and mobile networks—from the core to the edge. Key technologies supported include 3G, 4G/LTE, IMS, Ethernet, OTN, FTTx, VDSL2, ADSL2+ and various optical technologies accounting for more than 35% of the portable fiber-optic test market. EXFO has a staff of approximately 1700 people in 25 countries, supporting more than 2000 customers worldwide. For more information, visit www.EXFO.com.