QUEBEC CITY, Canada, Sept. 14, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EXFO Inc. (Nasdaq:EXFO) (TSX: EXF) announced today the launch of the NetBlazer series of handheld devices capable of 10 Mbit/s to 10 Gbit/s Ethernet testing. Leveraging the powerful FTB-1 handheld platform, the NetBlazer FTB-860, FTB-860G and FTB-860GL empower field technicians to seamlessly transition between 10/100/1000/10000 interfaces to rapidly adapt to a variety of networking environments.
Offering unprecedented simplicity in configuration setting and GUI navigation, the NetBlazer series offers dedicated quick action buttons and clear notifications for rapid, accurate interpretation of test results in any environment. Workflow processes are streamlined through intelligent grouping of related test routines for precise, informed results. Situational configuration guides are available to steer technicians through complete, accurate testing protocols, with suggestion prompts and help guides at every stage of the process. Intelligent auto discovery, smart loopback, multistream traffic generation, bidirectional RFC 2544 measurements and EtherSAM™, EXFO's unique implementation of the ITU-T Y.156sam testing methodology, optimize field technician autonomy and productivity and deliver comprehensive test results for the installation, activation and maintenance of metro Ethernet networks.
Housed in the compact, cutting-edge FTB-1 platform, the NetBlazer series offers a widescreen TFT display with seamless hybrid touchscreen/keypad navigation. Platform connectivity is abundant via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Gigabit Ethernet and multiple USB ports, making it accessible in any testing environment. Featuring EXFO's newly introduced EXpert Test Tools portfolio, the FTB-1 can be further enhanced and tailored to support additional testing capabilities without the need for additional modules. EXpert VoIP allows field technicians to generate and respond to simulated or live VoIP calls to validate performance during turn-up and troubleshooting. EXpert IP integrates six commonly used datacom test tools into one software application to ensure technicians are prepared for a variety of testing environments.
"The installation, activation and maintenance of GigE and 10 GigE circuits demands a powerful, intelligent testing solution that seamlessly adapts to a variety of networking considerations without sacrificing portability, speed or cost," said Etienne Gagnon, EXFO's Vice-President -- Wireline Division and Corporate Marketing. "The NetBlazer series, powered by the innovative FTB-1 handheld platform, is the result of EXFO's focused effort across our R&D organization to deliver solutions that give our customers unsurpassed operational efficiencies in field testing."
The NetBlazer series sets a new standard in Ethernet testing, delivering the functionality of a high-end solution in a conveniently sized, go-anywhere, handheld platform that can easily be configured to support various testing environments.
Learn more about the FTB-860 NetBlazer series at the upcoming 2010 European Conference and Exhibition on Optical Communication (ECOC) in Torino, Italy, September 20-22, booth 291.
Visit our website for more information about the FTB-860 NetBlazer series.
About EXFO
EXFO is a leading provider of next-generation test and service assurance solutions for wireless and wireline network operators and equipment manufacturers in the global telecommunications industry. The Telecom Division, which accounts for approximately 90% of the company's revenues, offers core-to-edge solutions that assess the performance and reliability of converged, IP fixed and mobile networks. Key technologies supported include 3G, 4G/LTE, IMS, Ethernet, OTN, xDSL, and various optical technologies accounting for an estimated 33% of the portable fiber-optic test market. The Life Sciences and Industrial Division provides solutions in medical device and opto-electronics assembly, fluorescence microscopy and other life science sectors. EXFO has a staff of approximately 1600 people in 25 countries, supporting more than 2000 customers worldwide. For more information, visit www.EXFO.com.