EXFO Launches Revolutionary Test Module for 100G Field Deployment

QUEBEC CITY, CANADA, February 14, 2013 — EXFO Inc. (NASDAQ: EXFO) (TSX: EXF) announced today the introduction of the FTB-88100NGE Power Blazer Multiservice Test Module to address 40G/100G field deployments happening now. The unique FTB-88100NGE Power Blazer is the industry’s smallest field-testing solution supporting 10M-to-100G rates in a single module. It covers a wide range of technologies including SONET/SDH, OTN and Ethernet. Further, the FTB-88100NGE Power Blazer addresses all 40G/100G field upgrades and lower-rate client service turn-ups.

Today, carriers are facing multiple challenges. They need to support both legacy and packet-based services up to 100G on the same network and ensure service-level agreements for each of these services. Carriers are pressured to reduce the cost per transported bit, and minimize equipment costs, truck rolls and technician dispatches. What’s more, 40G/100G technology is complex: new pluggable optics (CFPs) are still in their nascent stage, in short supply and are expensive. In addition to all these challenges, carriers are still looking to reduce time-to-service without compromising quality.

The FTB-88100NGE Power Blazer is uniquely optimized for field testing with its proven, easy-to-use GUI. It delivers first-class flexibility: remote management, battery operation and integrated optical tools. Carriers can combine the FTB-88100NGE with EXFO’s optical modules, such as an optical spectrum analyzer, making it the perfect kit for field commissioning and turn-up. Furthermore, the FTB-88100NGE is compatible with EXFO Connect, so users can benefit from EXFO’s cloud-based services, including centralized management of test units and data.

EXFO’s FTB-88100NGE Power Blazer is future-proof. Carriers can have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that the module can easily adapt to future requirements up to 100G.  Yet immediately, they can leverage its FLEX configuration to enable any testing capabilities to match their current needs at an economical price. Additional rates and interfaces can easily be enabled with a simple software key in the field, providing maximum flexibility with minimum downtime and eliminating the need for multiple test units.

The FTB-88100NGE Power Blazer is available now.

“Over the past few years, EXFO has been a leading provider of 40G/100G testing solutions. Now, as the market is moving toward 40G/100G mass deployments, we are excited and proud to launch the first truly portable field multiservice 100G test instrument, at a time when carriers are coping with emerging requirements,” said Étienne Gagnon, Vice-President of EXFO’s Test and Measurement Division. “We realize the pressure and challenges our customers are facing to deploy this very complex technology in the field, and we are committed to offering them broad, simple, scalable and cost-effective 10M-to-100G test solutions.”

Please visit EXFO at OFC/NFOEC from March 19-21, 2013 in booth 2212 at the Anaheim Convention Center for a demo of the new FTB-88100NGE Power Blazer. For more information on the FTB-88100NGE Power Blazer and IQS-88100NGE Power Blazer 10M-to-100G Multiservice Test Modules, please visit www.EXFO.com.

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.